my AC went out, any suggestions?

[dogboy]

Need a new central AC/heater unit for a 3BR house down here in Florida.... any suggestions? We have an account at DirectBuy and it looked like they were pushing Frigidaire.  Any thoughts?

[Drastic]

You installing yourself?

Don't buy Trane, whatever you do.

[ukgimp]

move to england, its it now fucking freezing

[dogboy]

Dont buy a train to England... check.

heehheeh

Well, you know how it is down here, Dras... everybody wants to turnkey it for you and obscure the price of installation and removal.  I might be able to buy one, remove one, and just have a guy connect it for 1/2 the price of having him turnkey it for me and the only difference is 15 minutes with a sledge and crowbar:)

I mean, seriously, how hard can it be?  Clear a spot, buy one, put it in aforementioned spot. Plug it in.  I suspect they would want me to get permits either way too?

[Drastic]

I dunno about your regs, but around here homeowners generally get away with a lot by DIY as far as permits. If you get caught, they're more lenient than if you're a contractor.

Do you have a package unit or split system?

If you're talking just the compressor unit on a split system, not much to it aside from properly handling the system evac/recharge/etc as long as it is sized properly. The whole split system I wouldn't mess with since you have two units, should get a new lineset, etc.

[dogboy]

Package unit from late 60's?

I'm looking at:
http://www.nationalairwarehouse.com/5-ton-frigidaire-15-seer-r-410a-two-stage-air-conditioner-package-unit.html

...5 ton 15 SEER, with solid warranty, should be more than enough(?)

[Drastic]

Sounds like it might be a bit big, dunno your sf though. One thing about home a/c bigger is not necessarily better. If you're oversized, the unit cycles on/off too much, as when it turns on it cools/heats too quickly. This is inefficient on power usage and causes premature wear due to constant cycling, plus the comfort level is not as good since the temp rises and falls more quickly.

You really want it to be properly sized to your home, and 15 SEER is good. Once you get above 16, diminishing returns and the units are more expensive to repair down the road.

I once helped my dad install a big package unit, it involved much sweat, blood and cursing but it was in a tough location and was a monster. He did all the duct work and wiring, I just helped get the box in place, which was the biggest part of the job. Contractors wanted to rent a crane and take out trees to set it.

Look for RC to chime in for some serious wisdom.

[grnidone]

Take off your clothes? 

OK OK...I admit..I'm dreaming...

[ukgimp]

>>Take off your clothes?

You aiming that at RC?

[dogboy]

>Sounds like it might be a bit big

yeah, I think it might be... 4 ton should do it I think.... the place isnt too big, maybe 1800sq' I was thinking it might be easier on the compressor but maybe I have that backwards.

[Drastic]

According to this:
http://reviews.ebay.com/How-many-tons-do-I-need-to-cool-my-home?ugid=10000000002054384

You need a 3 or 3.5. I'd go 3.5.