My AC went out in the house, price for new one
 

I came back from a vacation the other day and my AC lines had frozen due to a pretty substantial coolant leak (about 4 lbs of R-22 in the last 3-4 months). I've filled it once or twice a year since I've moved in, but never more than a lb or 2. My utility bills are pretty crazy lately as well.

Anyways, since it's going on 15 years old, I figured I'd look into replacing it. WOW, these things are expensive.

I was quoted about $9,000 for a Trane 3 ton XR15 HP and TEE Air Handler. They'd replace the entire system, dispose of the old one, etc. After a couple discounts and rebates, it would come down to $7700 (which is what I'd pay), then with GA rebate and Federal tax credit thrown in, I'd end up paying 6k total.

After doing a bunch of research, it seems like the HVAC installer community upped their prices along with that 1500 tax credit! People last year were paying about 4-5k for the same equipment I've been quoted...

Does that seem reasonable? I'll be in the house another 5-10 years hopefully, so I'd rather replace it then keep repairing it every year.

yeah that sounds like a good deal we just spent i think 20k at my parents house for all new AC units i mean its def worth it to have an efficient system

I paid around 5.5k three years ago for a Trane XR13 3 ton, so that's probably in line.

I bought two Goodman SEER 16 systems (upgraded from older SEER 10 systems) and couldn't be more happy. They are cheap but the don't scrimp on the important parts like the scroll compressor, kinda "the best of the rest" type of company. I saw my highest summer electric bills drop by over $300 a month.

Yeap, my unit went out in the middle of the Winter. I was paying $300+ a month. LUckly a have a hosue insurance for items lile the Fridge, AC, Heater, etc. Even having thet insurance I paid out of my pocket $700.

They repalce the heat pump and Furnace. The company claimed to had paid the contractor $5K and is not one of the top of the line.

However my electric bill has come down since it was replaced.

Okay, my experience. I bought a Trane XL19i (5 ton)about six years ago. Paid 10,000 for it, but also got the new unit upstairs and new freon lines. Expensive, but worth every penny. It saved me, no lie, 300$ a month on power bill. Because I bought the inside and outside unit with new freon lines, I got a 10 year parts and labor warranty from Trane and their dealer. Trane has what is called comfort specialist dealers who get special pricing and deliver great service. Trane themselves contacts me every year to check on my system and the service I recieve from their dealer. I know it's a goober thing to say, but it's hard to stop a Trane!!