Replies

1. 
   Mongo | Mar 30, 2006 03:50am | #1

   That sounds about right.

   If asked I would have said about $100.

2. 
   andy_engel | Mar 30, 2006 04:29am | #2

   And if you can downsize, you should. There is no real advantage to a larger unit, and some serious disadvantages when it comes to dehumidifying.

   Andy

   "Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein

   "Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom

3. 
   dgbldr | Mar 30, 2006 10:05am | #3

   And if you distrust your contractor enough to come here and have us second-guess his pricing, you shouldn't hire him in the first place. 

   DG/Builder

1. 
   IMERC | Mar 30, 2006 02:18pm | #4

   maybe the story isn't as stated... and it's a price squeeze..Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

2. 
   ClaysWorld | Mar 31, 2006 12:36am | #5

   "Trust but verify"

3. 
   Mongo | Apr 02, 2006 01:29am | #6

   I understand what your saying, but it is a worthy question.The half-ton step between a 3-1/2 and a 4-ton unit is probably the smallest half-ton price increase, much less than some others.

4. 
   junkhound | Apr 02, 2006 04:13am | #8

   good comment there dgbldr,  "if you distrust your contractor enough" , it is time for studying up and DIY.

1. 
   dgbldr | Apr 02, 2006 05:29am | #10

   good comment there dgbldr,  "if you distrust your contractor enough" , it is time for studying up and DIY.

   Yeah, I want to see a HO do a braze and nitro purge, pull a 100 micron vacuum and do the superheat and subcool :) 

   DG/Builder

1. 
   tb1472000 | Apr 02, 2006 07:27am | #11

   Are you saying HVAC guys aren't home owners?

2. 
   junkhound | Apr 02, 2006 03:57pm | #12

   superheat and subcool

   why not, it aint rocket science, dont even need to know the enthalpy, just read a couple of gauges and temp readings. .

3. 
   constantin | Apr 02, 2006 03:58pm | #13

   I've seen HOs re-build diesel engines, build drop headers for steam systems, and other things that I would not dream of attempting. And the stuff works.An AC/HP system certainly takes a lot of different skills to accomplish, but if the HO is skilled (or works in a related environment), willing/capable of learning what he/she needs to know(at the local community college, for example), and goes through the permitting process, then I see no reason that a HO can't do an adequate job of installing an AC system. For example, a nuclear pipe-fitter will laugh at your comments about pulling vacuums in brazed piping.What makes installing AC systems a bit trickier IMO is the number of different skills and knowledge that you have to bring to the table. Not only are the instruments more specialized but getting your head around supercooling, wiring, brazing, measuring, trouble-shooting, etc. is way beyond what I'd attempt to do unless I was forced to by an absence of competent contractors.

   Edited 4/2/2006 9:01 am ET by Constantin

1. 
   ponytl | Apr 02, 2006 05:50pm | #14

   I'm still stupid enough to believe than anyone with the same 2 hands and at least one good eye  can do about anything if they take their time, study a little, and understand the natural order of things...

   that being said there is little thats replaces experience... experience lets you know what to expect and plan for...

   p

2. 
   Mongo | Apr 02, 2006 07:50pm | #15

   I'm still stupid enough to believe than anyone with the same 2 hands and at least one good eye can do about anything if they take their time, study a little, and understand the natural order of things...

   I used to believe that until I met my neighbors. And that is not a slam, it's a statement of fact. One's a brilliant engineer. The other an engineer by education, but when it comes to practical application around the house and these guys working with tools, it's time to dial "9-1" and have the finger ready to dial the last "1".

   These two have their wives and kids scared to death. Literally.

4. 
   junkhound | Apr 02, 2006 04:10am | #7

   not much work to google for that answer, look for yourself.

   BTW, if you are mechanically competent DIY and willing to read up,  a 609 is sufficient for 'not for hire' heat pump work, also gives you an excuse to buy  $1000 worth of new equipment toys also and learn some new skills.

   http://www.acdirect.info/heat_pump_goodman_heat_pump_rudd_heat_pump_.php

5. 
   mike585 | Apr 02, 2006 04:15am | #9

   When you're on the edge always go smaller. The unit cycles less often and each cycle costs you less $$.  That's the standard rule for heating and cooling.

   "With every mistake we must surely be learning"