Ok, here's the thing. I got 5 estimates about replacing my HVAC system. No problem. Three of the five looked in my attic and said I need to replace the duct system completely as the insulation is hanging off, plastic showing, etc. (It's probably over 20 years old). One person did not even look up in the attic. One other looked and said it needed to be replaced in certain sections, and two say it needs to be replaced completely citing that the plastic is showing and not in the best condition. The last guy who looked says it looks good, does not need to be replaced, just put new insulation on the areas where it is hanging. He said the plastic is not brittle, so the whole thing does not need to be replaced. See my confustion here? I have ascertained that the duct needs attention. That I believe. But whether the whole thing needs replacing is the question. Should I replace the whole thing (more money) or just certain sections as recommended? Be serious please.
2006-12-10 04:30:03 · 10 answers · asked by Guess Who? 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I also did not tell any of them what the others said except the last guy who told me it did not need replacing. Then I revealed to him what the others said about it needing to be replaced and asked him why he thought it didn't. I want this done right and I don't want to do work that is not absolutely necessary so I need knowledegable replies please. Thanks.
2006-12-10 04:33:21 · update #1
I plan on living here at least another 5-10 years, and yes I agree, that once the new system is in, if the duct is not up to speed, the system won't perform as advertised. I really like the guy who told me it did not have to be replaced. His overall estimate was what I was expecting, he seemed very knowledgeable, and did not seem to be trying to hike up the price and told me it's a family owned company and he and he brothers do all the work (no unskilled labor here). He recommended Amana which I refused but he also installs American Standard heat pump/air handler system, which is my choice and the estimate was fair. Also he could have told me to replace it all thereby making more money, yet he did not do that, makes me feel he gave me the most honest estimate; however, I have one more person coming on Tuesday (a friend's recommendation) and then I can decide, in the meantime, I have been doing my own research. All of your answers are fantastic. Thanks for the advice.
2006-12-10 04:49:11 · update #2
the estimate from the one I like was between $6,000 to $6,500. The ones that wanted me to replace the whole thing estimates were in the $8,000 range. All but one of the contractors said they would replace the connectors and the one I really like was the only one who said they would flush that line going from the heat pump to the wall outside the house. That is why I liked him so much, plus he was handsome. lol
2006-12-10 04:58:20 · update #3
By the way, I have checked all of their licenses and everyone checks out. I will get the references also. To self employed contractor, I hope you were not offended by my attempt at a joke, ie, plus he is handsome...I hope you aren't him! Yikes!
2006-12-10 05:32:21 · update #4
Tough decision. Are you planning to keep this house very long? If you plan to sell within the next 2 years, then just patch the insulation where it needs it. If you are planning to keep the house for a long time, then I think you should replace the whole thing. Keep in mind that your new and highly efficient air carrier ducts will pay for itself in lowered electricity bills over the course of several years.
2006-12-10 04:36:39 · answer #1 · answered by Ayliann 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the whole system is overall really old it may be better in the long run to replace it. With the newer highefficiency units a properly sealed duct system is very important if you expect the unit to operate at its advertised rating. With HVAC contractors some guys are barely literate and other guys use pretty sofistacated equipment to determine what is needed. Both will ultimaetely work but how the job is done and how long it will last will be vastly different
2006-12-10 04:37:42 · answer #2 · answered by mikejones33333 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Duct work doesn't need replacing unless it has leaks. If only the insulation is wearing out, then only the insulation needs replacing.
Most duct work is galvanized metal - don't what what type of plastic might be showing - are the ducts made of plastic?
2006-12-10 04:36:45 · answer #3 · answered by formerly_bob 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The supreme court is only allowed to rule on Constitutional issues. Everything else is left up to the states - ergo the voters. If it has no direct Constitutional bearing that is the way that it is supposed to be. The Constitution protects against taking life, liberty, or property w/out due process. Because there is no mention of homosexuality in the Constitution, it is a states rights issue. Marriage is constitutionally listed as a states rights issue. Gay marriage must therefore be left up to the states. That's where it gets tricky. The Constitution says that a marriage in one state is valid in another. So, if Mass allows gay marriage and KS doesn't-KS would have to honor a gay marriage if the couple moved from Mass to KS.
2016-03-29 02:01:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, it sounds like the last fellow is the one you should follow up with. Dispite his good looks, which could be in your favor if you want to negotiate a lower price. Start by checking if he is licensed for the work he is bidding on, second check with state lic. agency if he has any violations. third ask him for references, so you can call people he has done work for in the past. then if all of that check out good you will have the confidence you need in him to find out the specifics on what is really needed in fixing or replacing your system. then when the work is all done you can follow up on the good looks.
2006-12-10 05:28:47 · answer #5 · answered by grateflames 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your entire duct system does not need to be replaced. I would believe the guy who said that some of it needs to be replaced. One question for you. Who did you feel most comfortable with? A customers comfort level with who is working on their property should be important.
2006-12-10 04:37:18 · answer #6 · answered by milofelttip 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he can repair it in sections and the duct is good then go with that. If it is brittle then you would need to replace it. What is the difference in price for repair or replacement? If it is not great then replace it. Sometimes I think they need visual on here so we can see for ourselves.
2006-12-10 04:38:05 · answer #7 · answered by Thomas S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get the last guy to add some insulation to it. The others are
just trying to rip you off.
2006-12-10 11:25:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm with formerly_... and milofeltt.... just re-insulation. it. Turn it on and look for leaks at the joints. go get some of that silver duck tape of air ducts. and re-tape the bad spots.
2006-12-10 05:05:34 · answer #9 · answered by desk49 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
replace, new flex pipe is r-8 heat ruined old plastic better ventilate the attic better
2006-12-10 12:49:13 · answer #10 · answered by robert c 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋