Is a $3,500 quote for a new AC unit and coil reasonable?

Question

The $3,500 estimate includes replacing my 15 year old AC unit with a new 13 SEER 2 1/2 ton American Standard, as well as replacing the coil, new outdoor pad and emergency float switch. Also important to note; the initial $210 service charge for the initial service visit (which includes 4 lbs of freon added to my old unit to get me through the heat of the weekend). I live alone and make sure that I am not getting ripped off. Other estimates are in the works, but I have 2 days left to back out of this contract from date of signature. I appreciate any advise/feedback :)

Answer 1

$3500 is a little on the high side.  Prices will vary depending on your location, but it really depends on how accessible the evaporator coil is.  If it's a particularly difficult installation for the coil, then this *might* be a reasonable price.  For a straight-forward installation that does not require reworking the plenum to accommodate the new coil, I'd say you're overpaying by $500-1000.  

The retail price on that type of equipment (without installation) is approximately $2200, which means they are charging you well over $1000 for installation.  Generally, an AC replacement should take no longer than 6-8 hours.  Even at $100 an hour (which is a pretty high labour rate), installation should be coming in well under that.

I would hold off on this until you get some numbers back from other contractors, to see if they are even in the ballpark.

Answer 2

HVAC Tech.:  Sounds very reasonable, if it includes instillation and getting rid of leftover equipment parts for you.

Answer 3

What state do you live in?  My dad does AC work and has for over 20 years.  He could possibly beat that price.

Answer 4

Sounds reasonable to me. But I would still get two more bids.

Answer 5

sounds like a good deal,for another 1,000 dollars go for a 14 or 16 seer,it will pay for itself in about 2 years in electric saving,good luck