Question

I just wanted to get some opinions from a group of experienced
professionals/homeowners about my quote.

I live in southern california, 1889 built home (no insulation) single
story, just over 1000 square feet. I currently have just heating,
supplied a single floor unit located in the middle of the home with
one large return directly above it (no ductwork).

I recieved 2 quotes: one for an American Standard sytem:

Freedom 80 Comfort R 3 ton furnace (variable speed).
Allegiance 12 seer AC unit
and a filter that is not AS , i cant remember but he said it was 9″
thick and only needed to be replaced once a year.

basicly the intake would be where the old furnice is now and new mylar
ducting would be run to 7 locations in the home.

Also a new electric panel (100amp) and with a seperate circuit would
be installed for the system, (since our panel is currently 50amp) for
$750

he quoted us a price of $7250 for everything (including electric
upgrade)

the second quote was for an AS single stage furnace and a Rudd ac unit
this quote was for $6000 for everything (including electric upgrade)

do these quotes seem in the ballpark?

thanks in advance…

Answers

I thought all of california was a desert.

Speaking of SEER, i recieved another quote today. This time the
estimate was much more detailed and was reccomended to me to go with a
3.5 ton system and a 14-15 SEER Lennox airconditioner/variable
furnace. This company measured out and drew a complete floorplan of
our home including where the returns would go, measured every window
and calculated the needed BTU’s. He admitted that his first instinct
would be to go with a 3 ton but after the measurements were taken he
suggested 3.5 ton. Basicly because our bedroom is like a sun room, no
attic, and walls of windows. He also noted that the company does a
pressure test for the ducts, and certifies that it will pass. ohh and
my original post said i had a 1000 squarefoot home, but after he took
the measurements (including the basement) its really around 1300 sq
ft. his quote for the whole job, including 100 amp panel and new
circuit to airconditioner was $8,080. But since its going to be 14+
SEER system we qualify for higher SCE rebates and Lennox rebates for a
total of $895.

i also feel a bit safer with this bid because its with an established
business and he seemed more thorough.

i still have 2 more companies coming to bid.