Used HVAC equipment – good idea?
Neighbor is tearing down an old cottage to rebuild a new 1700sqft place. The old place has a less than 10yr old 90% eff forced air unit with central air.
If his heating contractor recommends he buys new equipment (which he almost certainly will), I asked if he’d sell the old stuff to me for my garage loft.
I know that there is a lot to consider when properly sizing HVAC equipment, but in short: His place is a drafty old cottage of about 950 sqft and my loft is a new construction, well insulated 800 sqft – so I feel pretty good about the match.
What is a normal charge for “scrapping” AC nowadays (with the enviro regs and all)?
What is a fair price to offer?
Any other thoughts or concerns I should have?
PS- I respectfully request you let me know the experience behind any advice (e.g., HVAC contractor, Remodeler, home owner who’s brother’s second cousin had a friend do this during the depression and they all died . . . you get the idea)
Replies
I am a maintenance tech. for a utility company. For the past ten years I have worked as part of a gang that does HVAC repair, installation and maintenace on all of our HVAC systems. Everything from window shakers in every concevable size, through residential type systems, roof top units, and 150 to 200 ton chillers. In short, after all the experience and a few weeks of school at Trane in LaCross WI., I know just enough to be dangerous.
To answer your question; go for it. We remove and reinstall central units on occassion. We also buy scratch and dent or no longer produce model stuff from our suppliers at half the cost of new units. Check around your area for similar deals and offer him 1/3 to 1/2 of those prices for his used unit. If he accepts, get your own contractor to remove it for you. Don't use his for a number of reasons i am sure you can figure out.
Your contractor will need to recover the freon form the unit before taking it out. He can then reuse the same freon after installing, leak testing with nitrogen, and pulling a vacum on the system. Expect to pay for a little extra freon and possibly new line sets and filter driers, as well as double a normal installation charge. Without seeing or knowing all the specifics envolved I don't think anyone can give you even a close guestimate of real $$.
Dave
I had a used system installed (new piping) about 20 years ago. Still going strong. Cost, installed, about $140. Thermostat needed replacing twice and one contactor and one capacitor.
Recently asked Trane tech support about system longevity. Average in my area (NE Florida)is 12 years but many are still good to go after 25 years. FWIW<G>