My goal was to install an AC system using the new CFC-free R-410A refrigerant rather than the old R-22 refrigerant, which is harmful to the atmosphere and will be phased out in a few years. I also wanted to get a high-efficiency system that would qualify for the highest-level rebate from Austin Energy ($480) and the $300 Federal tax credit. The minimum requirements for this are 15 SEER and 12.5 EER. It turned out after much searching (both by me and Austin Energy!) that only two manufacturers currently make systems satisfying these criteria: Rheem and Lennox. Though I had planned on getting the standard 3 proposals, I ended up having to get 6 proposals from 4 different contractors because I found the first three contractors unsatisfactory. The EER (Environmental Efficiency Rating) is tricky to compute because it depends on the entire system (condenser, coil and furnace), and it turned out that the first 5 proposals failed to meet it when all was said and done. Furthermore, I discovered a very important issue related to switching from R-22 to R-410A refrigerants: The copper tubes leading from the condenser to the coil, called the ""lineset,"" must be either replaced or very carefully cleaned under high vacuum conditions. None of the first three contractors even mentioned this, and I only learned about it from the fourth contractor, Hank's Service! If the tubes are not replaced, or at least washed out properly under high vacuum (and it seems they would not have been by the first three contractors since no mention was made of the topic even though replacing the tubes, which is recommended, incurs an extra cost), this is likely to damage the new condenser. The proposal I got from Hank's Service also came in much lower than the others. The installer, Bobby, was very experienced and took his time doing the job right.
Pros: Prompt, competent service, yet the least expensive of 6 proposals!
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