[masraum]

Originally Posted by billybek

30 years of service from the old Trane unit!
Unlikely that will happen again....

Right, pretty insane that the old system is still kicking. The previous owners would top off the R22 each spring, but otherwise everything is original as far as we know. The guy had a can of R22, and left it in the garage, but it feels empty.

I would do some serious research as to getting the most effective/efficient unit installed. I imagine you run your a/c down there a lot more than you run heat. Saving $50-80 per month on your electric bill will make the bitter pill of first cost much easier to swallow.

The cheapest install cost will net you something that Wayne has going on in his HVAC thread.
Re-sizing ductwork for airflow and seam sealing all the connections you can see makes a huge difference as does duct insulation where it is accessible to install.

Sheet metal is actually pretty inexpensive but the cost to install can be pricey. Beware of the installers that tell you that everything is great and flip in an air handler and condensing unit and give you a tail light warranty.

Usually sad install stories begin with these words. "I have found a guy that will do the job for way less than any of the other companies I have quotes from."
Walmart pricing? Expect cheap crap.

Going dual fuel is a great idea IMO.

Yes, AC is definitely the biggest expense here. Sub freezing temps here are the exception more than the rule. This house is 100 years old and built like a sieve. The folks that renovated the house in the 90s finished the upstairs (it was an attic, now it's 2 rooms and a half bath) and there's some insulation most places that I've looked. I think they also had the central HVAC installed. The ducts are all flexible.

Originally Posted by cabmando

Something to consider too, putting a high efficiency system in a low efficiency home doesn't create the anticipated savings. With the home being new to you, I'd consider an energy audit to help you create a plan for overall energy savings before updating the system.

Yes, I don't think the home would be considered "efficient" by any modern standards. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if it was more efficient than I'd expect. Our last home was built in '67, and was probably no more efficient than this one.