Is $9,900 to replace whole AC split system (2.5 ton) a fair price?
Project Details
I’ve got a few questions on long-term price and a reasonable way to think about our AC system. My condenser is from 1997 and though it is still cooling the house, I’m not sure how much longer to keep it going. I had a trusted technician come out today and he measured the amperage, charge levels and overall operation. My unit is an 2.5 Ton unit with a Rated Load Amperage of 14A. Today it was only 72 degrees and the system was pulling 9 amps which apparently should be lower (50% or 7a) — the tech heard an alternating pitch from the condenser and thinks my 1988 air handler coils are dirty. However, my handler is installed backwards and hard to access due to a likely change of attic access in this old house. Should I consider a replacement proactively? Does a quote of 9900 w/ tax seem reasonable for a full new system? I tend to think this is reasonable all-in considering the new system will be turned. At the same token, I hear a lot of people say to keep running a system until it dies but this tech said it wasn’t worth trying to clean the coils and it didn’t make sense financially to charge it. Area is HCOL.
Quote Details
Quote for a full system replacement of the existing AC split system. Includes: - New System: 2.5 ton Ruud system - Efficiency: 14.2 SEER2 - Air Handler: 120vac handler - Installation: Full system replacement, including turning the new system.
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More Details
Category
HVAC
Price
$9,900
Quote Date
May 16, 2025
Brand/model
Ruud
BTU tonnage
2.5 ton
Efficiency rating
14.2 SEER2
Fuel type
Electric
System type
Air conditioner
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