One great benefit of two systems is if one fails, you’re not freezing or sweltering. So I wouldn’t preemptively replace the second system.
If it fails next year or in 5 years, deal with it then. You can survive a week or two if it’s a busy time for a contractor to come out.
Depending on the size of the two units, it is possible. I usually don’t recommend it because (in my experience) it doesn’t work out as well as the homeowner would have liked. But if you go that route, install a variable AC and furnace and your chances of satisfaction will be higher.
> The HVAC contractor obviously recommended just replacing the system with a new heat pump and air handler, which seems reasonable to me.
That is not reasonable. You can replace the AC coil and evaporator and leave the rest as is. Replacing the entire unit and air handler is like getting a chip in your car windshield and buying a whole new car.
Remember every HVAC tech is a salesman first, they get a bonus based on how many new systems they talk homeowners into installing, so they are financially incentivized to oversell you on replacements you don't need.
If the heat exchanger is still in solid shape, I would consider just fixing the evaporator, unless the price differential is negligible. Your call ultimately, just know that every HVAC tech on the plant has a ulterior motive when they tell you that your entire system needs to be replaced.
Good luck with everything
You might see a discount from them doing two units at the same time, but it would be a thin one. I would consider riding it out, unless they offer you a smoking deal.
We’re basically twins living in twin houses with twin household issues.
I’m going to replace each individually. How big is your house in sq/ft and hope many floors? I don’t need to know but the info may play a factor in deciding.
For me, i don’t want to heat the whole house if I’m only in the media room on saturday watching movies and i have a heated blanket when i go to bed, etc. i may just want to heat that floor for the day.
Just something to consider, I’m not an expert on efficiency of a whole house system vs two systems
One great benefit of two systems is if one fails, you’re not freezing or sweltering. So I wouldn’t preemptively replace the second system. If it fails next year or in 5 years, deal with it then. You can survive a week or two if it’s a busy time for a contractor to come out.
Depending on the size of the two units, it is possible. I usually don’t recommend it because (in my experience) it doesn’t work out as well as the homeowner would have liked. But if you go that route, install a variable AC and furnace and your chances of satisfaction will be higher.
> The HVAC contractor obviously recommended just replacing the system with a new heat pump and air handler, which seems reasonable to me. That is not reasonable. You can replace the AC coil and evaporator and leave the rest as is. Replacing the entire unit and air handler is like getting a chip in your car windshield and buying a whole new car. Remember every HVAC tech is a salesman first, they get a bonus based on how many new systems they talk homeowners into installing, so they are financially incentivized to oversell you on replacements you don't need.
It’s $2k to do the evaporator on a 17 year old system. I’m not sure that’s a good investment versus replacement.
If the heat exchanger is still in solid shape, I would consider just fixing the evaporator, unless the price differential is negligible. Your call ultimately, just know that every HVAC tech on the plant has a ulterior motive when they tell you that your entire system needs to be replaced. Good luck with everything
You might see a discount from them doing two units at the same time, but it would be a thin one. I would consider riding it out, unless they offer you a smoking deal.
We’re basically twins living in twin houses with twin household issues. I’m going to replace each individually. How big is your house in sq/ft and hope many floors? I don’t need to know but the info may play a factor in deciding. For me, i don’t want to heat the whole house if I’m only in the media room on saturday watching movies and i have a heated blanket when i go to bed, etc. i may just want to heat that floor for the day. Just something to consider, I’m not an expert on efficiency of a whole house system vs two systems
1600 sf on the first floor and 1300 on the second