HVAC Specialists in our Area

[ZacFields]

Does anyone have any experience with any of the HVAC specialists in our area (cedar rapids)? My furnace and central air system will both turn 30 years old next year. While they both seem to be working fine, I'm going to begin pricing their replacements.

I've heard Sears is overpriced for this, and that they contract the actual installations anyways.

Anyone have any good recommendations?

[SLVR7]

Check with your untility company. They usually have good deals and/or rebates.

[ZEE]

Just pick a couple of contractors and get an estimate. They all will send a rep out for a free estimate. They will figure out your square footage, insulation, windows, etc to figure out what size units you actually need. I got estimates from Fosters and A'Hearn for new furnace,air and water heater. I liked A'hearns rep better so I went with them even though they cost a little more. I've used A'Hearn frequently in the past for repairs etc. They all will get rebates issued to you from your local utilities for more efficient units.

[ZacFields]

ZEE, I know your house is probably a lot bigger than my condo, but would you be comfortable telling me what you ended up paying for your central air and furnace?

Until tonight, I hadn't thought about the fact that there's a furnace AND a central air unit and that they both needed to be replaced. So I was looking on the internet and seeing how expensive it was just to install the central air, but forgot completely that I probably need to have them both done. At least if I know how much it set you back, I'd know that my cost would definitely be less than that.

You can PM me if you'd rather not publicize that info.

[Fire Hawk]

I've heard Sears is overpriced for this, and that they contract the actual installations anyways. Anyone have any good recommendations?

I recommend you call and find out vs hear say. I don't know myself but you'll never know until you make the call. Best way to compare.

[DustinsDuster]

id probably have to recommend A'Hearn as well- now that, my grandpa doesnt have his own business anymore. my grandpa is the man though; he was the president of some HVAC group around here for the longest time.

[ZEE]

Wouldn't be much comparison between a condo and a house as the needs are quite different. If I were you I'd just call two or three contractors have them come over and give you an estimate. The estimates are free with no obligation. They will give several options according to price and efficiency. I had two reps come over in one evening so their hours are flexible because they want your business. One thing to think about though. Because of the flood rebuilding they are probably very busy and you could be looking at a little bit of time before they can get to you.

[Urban Legend]

Save yourself about a grand and find someone to do it as a side job. I did!

[ZEE]

I thought about doing it that way. But I was worried about warrant issues and having something solid I could go back on if there were problems that arose because of installation issues. Basically someplace or somebody that wouldn't disapear soon after installation.

[Urban Legend]

I thought that too but figured I give it a try. Everything worked out great, and the person has done a few jobs for my friends. No complaints and it's been a few years.

[ZacFields]

Everyone,

Thanks a ton for all of your advice. Luckily I asked you guys about this so soon, since I probably won't need to do this until at least next summer.

I've been thinking about going for a central air unit with a fairly high SEER rating. Alliant Energy actually gives really good rebates. I'm not sure how much more a SEER 21 costs over a SEER 13, but Alliant's rebate for a SEER 21 is like $800. From what I understand, the higher the SEER number, the more energy efficient the unit is.

I imagine SEER 21 would be overload for a condo, but just for comparison sake.

Anyways, I'm going to get started on this soon guys. I believe I will get a quote from all of the parties mentioned in this threat and from the PM that was sent to me also. Thanks again for all your help.