Central air conditioning

[Ryan Coke]

Just to counter, as was said earlier in this thread (and I have others that have suggested it to me as well) that often 1 on the furnace heating the upper level is adequate.

The top level is the hottest to begin with, plus it is where most people's bedrooms are, and the fact that the cold air naturally sinks to the main level anyway makes it so it may well be adequate. I can see where if you have big south facing windows it might not be good enough though.

I know for me I am likely going to go with just the one. If I decide it isn't doing the job I can always get the 2nd unit later on.

[Bean]

A question for those in the know - our place has two furnaces where one takes care of the basement and main and the other is for the upper floor. Is it possible to get just one air conditioner of higher SEER and better make to connect with the upper floor furnace?

It doesn't seem worthwhile to get two a/c units when the basement is always chilly and our main floor is always comfortable.

[rain_e]

Originally Posted by Bean

A question for those in the know - our place has two furnaces where one takes care of the basement and main and the other is for the upper floor. Is it possible to get just one air conditioner of higher SEER and better make to connect with the upper floor furnace?

It doesn't seem worthwhile to get two a/c units when the basement is always chilly and our main floor is always comfortable.

Edit. Sorry I misread your post.

[Drury18]

Bump!

After years of suffering in the heat, I'm finally breaking down and getting an A/C unit. I've called Action Furnace and Arpi's (who haven't responded in a week) to get quotes, but I'm wondering if there are any other recommended companies that do good work. I see Fagnan's listed here and will give them a call. Anyone else?

I just have a small place, 1200 sq ft with a 5 year old furnace in it, so I'm estimating my costs to be in the $3,500 - $4,000 range to get a decent unit. Is this realistic?

[Street Pharmacist]

I'm in BC, but got a great A/C unit and furnace installed for $6500

[Ducay]

Had 2 decent (ie not junkiest, but not fancy ones, doesn't make sense in Calgary) installed for $5k through one of the installers Everlast suggested. One for each furnace (1.5t and 2.5t). Pricing was better as was done together and before the heat rush.

I had 5-6 quotes, all were in the ~3-$3.5k range per 2 tonne unit installed. Surprising how close everyone's pricing was.

Quotes I got:
Shift Air
Justin Time
SunValley HVAC
Advanpro
Arpis (via costco)

I would only have gone with the top 3 listed there. Arpi's and Advanpro's pricing wasn't great ($600+ more) and they both deal in Lennox only. Other 3 guys it was a toss up between, all very knowledgeable and the installers themselves came out to quote.

[Drury18]

Ducay, may I ask what brand you went with for A/C? I know Lennox and that's a big name, but just curious if I should be researching into other brands.

[burn_this_city]

We just used W&J Heating and Cooling, they were great and the install looks top notch. Ended up with a Carrier 14.5 seer unit for $3,300 installed with $500 off coupon. Our place is 1,700sqft.

[cDnStealth]

I am going to ask a similar question because I don't know if I can make it through another summer without AC. I have a 850 sq ft condo so would I be looking at around $3000 to get a unit installed? Would one of those portable AC units work?

[username]

Drury I have a house about the same size as yours and mine was 5000 installed through Sears (Kenmore).

It's changed my life and the best purchase I've ever made.

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by cDnStealth

I am going to ask a similar question because I don't know if I can make it through another summer without AC. I have a 850 sq ft condo so would I be looking at around $3000 to get a unit installed? Would one of those portable AC units work?

Condo probably means you're stuck with a portable of some kind. You could get a half decent one for $4-600 that would cool off a place that size. You would need a window you can vent the exhaust from.

[BigNumbers]

Loving the central AC a year later... Had a 3.5t Bryant Preferred series unit installed last spring for cheap ($1,900) and it's been amazing. Had a squeaky fan on start up this year, installer came out and replaced it no problem... With the cheap price, I was concerned about the service (or lack thereof) should I have a problem, but it was great.

Central AC, with today's home prices, is a rounding error on a mortgage - Totally worth having.

[cDnStealth]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

Condo probably means you're stuck with a portable of some kind. You could get a half decent one for $4-600 that would cool off a place that size. You would need a window you can vent the exhaust from.

I'd estimate about half the units in my complex have AC installed and they roughed in a vent for my place so that shouldn't be an issue. I suppose it comes down to cost and whether a portable AC would do the job adequately.

[Stillman16]

We had A/C installed this spring by Aspen Heating and Cooling, and our house has been great so far!

We got a few quotes, but liked the sales pitch from Aspen best (the sales guy was very knowledgeable) the installation guy was great too! Cost about $3500 for a 18 seer Lennox unit, house is about 1800 sqft above ground.

[Travis Munroe]

Originally Posted by cDnStealth

I'd estimate about half the units in my complex have AC installed and they roughed in a vent for my place so that shouldn't be an issue. I suppose it comes down to cost and whether a portable AC would do the job adequately.

Sounds like your board is fine with it - there are some awesome wall units and the heart of it sits on the balcony somewhere. The only issue is that they are typically only good for the 1 room which means you might be looking at a bedroom and living room unit.

Off the top of my head, the last place I sold (with such a set-up) was a toshiba

[darklord700]

Do you need to drill into the foundation of the house if you install A/C after the fact?

[Ace]

^ I don't thin you "have to". maybe in your configuration it might be necesary, but from the basement they are able to go through the above grade portion, which in my case was through the wood framed portion.

[darklord700]

So they'll have to drill the wood framed wall at least. I thought they could just use the furnance's intake instead for the AC.

[rain_e]

Originally Posted by darklord700

So they'll have to drill the wood framed wall at least. I thought they could just use the furnance's intake instead for the AC.

Yes they will drill through the wall. Nothing to be concerned about.

[chemgear]

Originally Posted by cDnStealth

I am going to ask a similar question because I don't know if I can make it through another summer without AC.

Haven't you heard?

"You don't need AC in Calgary."





(Get it, it's great.)