HVAC question.

[polarisrider1]

This is for you heating/cooling folks. I have a rental that I include electric/water in the rent. The rental is 1100 sq.ft. on the main level with a 600 sq.ft. basement used for storage. Okay, what I have is a newer furnace (2009) with the original air conditioning and duct work above it. The compressor (or whatever it is called that sits outside with the fan and fins) is a 1987 model sized for this area. It works fine. My question is, "Are the newer units so much more efficient that if I changed out the compressor with 2013 model, what would I see in time for a payback in savings and to cover the new compressor.?" "Is it worth swapping out or wait till the 1987 unit dies?" They will run the air all summer I suspect. rental is located in Grand Haven, MI. (lower western MI) if that helps with climate info.

 

[snoseekr2]

Wayne: I believe it would be in your best interest to up grade. I see you have a newer furnace, upgrading the condenser and ac unit itself will be way more efficient, and wont have to work as hard to cool the house down. And easier on your pocket book.

 

[traveler]

replace it call me

 

[alwaysright]

I'm going to be conservative with my estimate to show you the "best case scenario".
new ac condenser and coil installed $2000

25% savings on cooling Let's say your cooling bill is $125/mo for June-Aug and $70/mo for 3 more months a year (May, Sept, Oct?)

Your total cooling bill is $585 x 25% = $146.25 in savings per year call it $150

$2000/$150 will make you break even in 13 years,

If say your cooling cost are 100/mo and 50 for 3 extra months and it only saves you 20%, you could be looking at over a 20 year payback.

 

[Woodtic]

Always right is very right,but since its a rental,there could be some write off potential as well. Local power company's can also give you rebates towards the project .The payback would still be quit a few years away.

 

[Dave_B]

Replace it. I did mine 4 years ago. Furnace and Air. Much better across the board. Cheaper, more quiet and cools much better than the old one. Didn't notice much of a difference in the furnace but the air was worth the money.

 

[G]

All compressors suck juice. 1987 is not that old of a unit for something that only runs a few months a year. The biggest culprit on the outside fan/compressor is that they get dirty. Then they run longer and don't cool as well. I have no doubt that Dave B saw an improvement but a compressor is a compressor. There is very little difference between the design of a new compressor and a 1987 compressor except they are building the new ones out of cheaper and lighter materials. The control circuits are different but the compressor design itself is largely the same. Clean it and run it until it pukes. I have a boatload of compressors at my business. To tell the truth the old ones are more dependable than the new ones. The newer units are built cheaper and cheaper all the time. If I could buy an old 1964 five horse compressor that weighed about 500 lbs that would last for 30 years I would. Few compressors built today will last 30 years. Again, dirt is your biggest enemy. Just my experience.

 

[polarisrider1]

All compressors suck juice. 1987 is not that old of a unit for something that only runs a few months a year. The biggest culprit on the outside fan/compressor is that they get dirty. Then they run longer and don't cool as well. I have no doubt that Dave B saw an improvement but a compressor is a compressor. There is very little difference between the design of a new compressor and a 1987 compressor except they are building the new ones out of cheaper and lighter materials. The control circuits are different but the compressor design itself is largely the same. Clean it and run it until it pukes. I have a boatload of compressors at my business. To tell the truth the old ones are more dependable than the new ones. The newer units are built cheaper and cheaper all the time. If I could buy an old 1964 five horse compressor that weighed about 500 lbs that would last for 30 years I would. Few compressors built today will last 30 years. Again, dirt is your biggest enemy. Just my experience.

Thank you. It works, It is paid for, it is clean of leaves, and the fuzzy stuff that falls off the trees in the area. Payback would take some time. Got a quote for a 2 ton unit, coil,compressor and labor $2500.