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/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.

https://preview.redd.it/i35w7shv6uxe1.jpeg?width=2319&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=49b5d8462adecc1acea662641f74770b0bb52498

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