Keeping a house cool in the summer

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by jeffh

An attic ventilation fan would be nice, but my issue is trying to get power up there? It legal to tap into one of the light or bath fan circuits?

As long as the circuit isn't currently at it's maximum load (I'd be surprised if any were) you'll have no problem throwing a junction box in the attic and running a wire to the fan.

Despite the fact you're crawling around in an attic (do it this time of year before it's sweltering up there) the wiring actually can't get much easier besides wiring something in an undeveloped basement. Definitely doable even if it's your first DIY wiring job. Just look up code requirements for securing the wire, what gauge to use etc. There is tons and tons of info on the web and videos you can watch to get comfortable with it before you tackle the job.

[Sliver]

I'm so stoked you mentioned the attic exhaust fan with a thermal switch. I'm in the process of finishing my garage and am figuring out my electrical. That just shot to the top of the list.

[BigNumbers]

I just had a Bryant 4 ton installed. Bring on the heat! With three kids it was worth the cost to ensure some good sleeps this summer

[red sky]

Originally Posted by BigNumbers

I just had a Bryant 4 ton installed. Bring on the heat! With three kids it was worth the cost to ensure some good sleeps this summer

Who installed it and do you mind sharing the costs?

[Calgary14]

Originally Posted by BigNumbers

I just had a Bryant 4 ton installed. Bring on the heat! With three kids it was worth the cost to ensure some good sleeps this summer

I've heard central air can be really popular for people with kids because it means they'll actually sleep at night in the summer. For now I'm content with lower cost alternatives, although that may change when it actually gets warm in July/Aug

[jeffh]

Thanks hulk. I have worked in my attic on a cool fall day and I still sweated buckets.

What you guys call thermal switches, are commonly called reverse-acting thermostats. This may help your (online)search for one.

One thing about ac costs. When you have to make the leap from 3ton to 3.5ton, the price jumps up by at least a few hundred. Something to keep in mind when comparing quotes and what your neighbour or friend paid.

[BigNumbers]

I got a good price but have yet to use it. $2,000 for a 3.5ton installed. Once I've used it and am happy with it I'll let folks know the company.

[stampsx2]

Originally Posted by BigNumbers

I got a good price but have yet to use it. $2,000 for a 3.5ton installed. Once I've used it and am happy with it I'll let folks know the company.

Doesn't seem right. Of all the places i checked, you couldn't even get a 2 ton for $2000.

[psicodude]

Yeah, that has to be used or something. That's less than half of any quote I have seen.

[BigNumbers]

No it's brand new - 10 year warranty. It's a low end Bryant unit so it's a cheap unit. Bryant had a flat $600 off up to April 15th, so it was usually $2,600.

I have the warranty sticker and it's a Bryant dealer with a Bryant truck, so it's reasonably legit.

[BigNumbers]

Just went out and confirmed - Manuf. date is Mar 2014, so it's not used/etc. Has full 10 year parts and labour warranty.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

That's Crazy cheap. Best quote I got was $4460 for a 3 ton mid range Carrier (16 SEER) but I'd like to stick to a Carrier.

Did they pull a permit? Effective last summer only certified electricians can install all high voltage / breaker /disconnect switches that have jacked prices. This plus a 10% Carrier price increase from last year jacked this quote by about $600 from last year's pricing. Cash deal?

I'm not familiar with the Bryants, but the neighbor has the cheapest Carrier possible and I hate it. Super loud. I hope it dies.

[BigNumbers]

This one is a 16 SEER - Model is 123A with a high eff. coil to get to 16SEER. 3.5 tonnes

Alot of AC guys in town throw crazy quotes - Some guys quoted me $5,700!! Most were around $3000-3500, but this one was $1K cheaper...

Like I say, I won't give them referral business here until it's warm enough that I've used it an am happy with them. They had 2 guys here for 5 hours doing the install, and pad-mounted it at my request (didn't want a bracket mount with the potential for vibration noise transfer)

[stampsx2]

The lowest quote i found was $3000 installed for a 2.5 ton 13 seer 77db.

Bryants aren't bad from what i've heard. About in line with goodman. For $2000 installed that would be a phenomenal deal if you're ok with the brand. The install materials will run them $100 alone plus labour. I don't know how their making any money off of it.

Maybe it runs as loud as a lawn mower? The specs say 74 db though, which is good so i don't get it.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by BigNumbers

They had 2 guys here for 5 hours doing the install,

So no dedicated electrician, and no permit? Those two things are about $500 and would bring your $2,000 price back in line with the norm (+ the $600 from manufacturer)

[BigNumbers]

Permit and electrician.

[psicodude]

You got a crazy deal then dude. I just called my plumber buddy (works at a place where they do A/C, not in Calgary) and he figures that price is below cost, even before install.

[1stLand]

Here's how my house keeps cool in the summertime

[TKB]

I bought a new home about a month ago that has central air. It doesn't look like it has been cleaned/maintained all that great(runs and sounds fine). Does anyone know how much it would cost to have someone come and give it a tune up so to speak?

[Drummer]

My neighbours have their AC running, seems early but it was +20 today.