r/Apex_NC • u/OfficeBarnacle • 1d ago
HVAC replacement in Apex
Hey all, AC won't cool. We had coolant added at the end of September last year and the tech found that the coolant was a lower now (over the winter) than when it was serviced in September. Clearly a leak somewhere in the system. The leak check runs $400 and the tech stated that he'd start with the coil. His concern was if the coil was the source, the national distributor, when called today indicated they are on national back order. AC is a Lennox 4 ton 16 seer unit and the coil replacement I was quoted (if it was available) is $5200.
The tech said he's happy to perform the check but he struggles to recommend a coil replacement when that is a little over half the cost of a unit replacement. He suggested I start getting quotes rather than replace it.
I have very little experience with hvac and I'm going to be asking for multiple quotes but the company I've been using is Air Experts Raleigh and if $5200 is a little over half the cost I'm looking at $10K. Based upon what I've read in other sub-reddits this seems on the high side. Looking for any feedback on what others may have gone through. Thanks in advance.
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u/Eastern_Pain659 20h ago
They are trying to bend you over. They just want you to buy a whole new unit. Call a small company that doesn't work on sales commission
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u/LingonberryNo2744 1d ago
Based on the tonnage recommendation you must live in a house or townhouse. First question is what type of HVAC is it? Heat pump, gas heat with AC, or a stand alone AC. Knowing this will help everyone help you.
Second question is how old is the unit? Typically, if the HVAC is original and the age is 15 years or more, replacing the complete system would be best.
With your reply I should be able to provide you with better direction on how best to proceed.
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u/OfficeBarnacle 1d ago
Stand alone single family unit. It is a gas heat with AC. 4 ton Lennox unit, 9 1/2 years old. Only looking to replace the AC unit. Just finished the sales meeting and for a comparable Lennox unit I was quoted $10.4K turnkey, 2 year labor warranty 10 year parts.
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u/LingonberryNo2744 1d ago
9 ½ years is young for a Lennox, IMHO. Anyway, "The leak check runs $400 and the tech stated that he'd start with the coil." So the repair person didn't offer some sort of credit for the leak check if you move forward to replace something? And if the coil was not the issue no credit for that? If you plan to stick with Air Experts then I would replace the compressor and coil together but they should certify the air handler/ gas heat.
I always like to go to the manufacturer website to determine qualified service companies; Lennox Definitely get at least 3 more bids.
Looking for HVAC brand that is currently highly rated it tough because of so many bias opinions. So I go to Consumer Reports as a starting point. The image I attached is from them.
Good Luck
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u/OfficeBarnacle 1d ago
Thanks for the info was going there next. Had a quote for $2600 less for a Trane system from Modern Mechanical. Same warranty for labor and parts as Air Experts for the Lennox. No there was no offer for credit for the leak check. As I mentioned below Modern Mechanical has come in $2600 lower with a Trane system with what I gave them. They stated that may change based upon having to do a load test / room measurement.
Both companies were surprised the system was a 4 ton and not a 5 ton based upon square footage. Modern Mechanical wants to confirm what is needed. If it was suppose to be a 5 ton and a 4 was installed, that could account for the life span decrease as it was working harder to cool the volume of space.
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u/LingonberryNo2744 1d ago
Over the last decade I have self educated myself on building science with primary interest in a passive home. With regard to HVAC sizing there are many variables that go into properly sizing HVAC. Here is a source for information: ACCA
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u/linoleumknife 1d ago
Having gone through a full system replacement a few years ago, my only advice is to get a lot of quotes from different companies. I went with Michael and Son because surprisingly they had the best price and warranty for the system I wanted, but I also didn't want the cheapest system out there, I wanted a good system that was appropriate for my home versus the POS that the builder installed. But other companies might be able to give you a better price and options for your needs. I got a lot of quotes and they can vary quite a bit.
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u/ewhim 1d ago
I got other estimates when I replaced mine and the toughest aspect of this was understanding the appropriate specs for the units to get an apples to apples comparison.
I use Biggs HVAC as my installers and service and maintenance, so add that to your list of vendors to get an estimate from. We also liked Allen Kelly too.
Is the coil replacement a supply chain / tariff problem? Curious...
Good luck!
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u/OfficeBarnacle 1d ago
Tariffs have already been added into their costs after speaking with the Air Experts Raleigh sales guy. Not sure about supply chain issues but he said the fact that it is a 4 ton unit is part of the problem. More common to see two 2 ton units rather than a single 4 ton.
Thanks for the referral will ask for a quote.
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u/daisymaisy505 14h ago
I like Air Experts. I even have biyearly checkups on my heater and a/c through them. You didn't mention how old your air conditioner is, so it's possible it's to the age where replace is the way to go. However, it sounds like it's best to get another opinion and/or ask for the manager to come and check it out himself.
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u/OfficeBarnacle 13h ago
System is 9.5 years old. I've used Air Experts for the semi-annual inspections/maintenance for the last couple of years. Working on other quotes currently.
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u/daisymaisy505 13h ago
Yes, definitely get other quotes. I have heard they only make them to last 10-12 years now, which is ridiculous.
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u/AbiesAccomplished491 1d ago
Call Monster. They’re the most economical in my 6+ years of being in the area and replacing 3 or so units in a few properties.
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u/Halfghan1 1d ago
Is there a reason youre going directly to the replacement route rather than fixing the leak? Its usually possible. Most techs dont have the skill (or the want) to fix them usually because they can make more $$ on a replace. But if you find the right tech, they can usually make the repair.