Is it smart to install a used Carrier AC/Heat roof unit on my rental house?

Question

In 1998, I bought a new 3 ton Carrier AC/Heat roof unit and had it installed on my house in Central California. I think it is a 12 SEER. Four years later I replaced it with a bigger unit (4 ton) because of remodeling. I saved the original 3 ton unit and have stored it in my garage ever since. I now have a rental house (in Central California) that needs a new 3 ton roof unit. Can I install the old 3 ton Carrier on my rental house? Since it has been stored in a covered garage should I be concerned with any type of deteroriation? I'm thinking all should be well because it has not been out in the elements. How much will it cost to remove the old AC/Heat unit from the roof of the rental house and put the used 3 ton Carrier in its place? Will modifications have to be made on the rental house roof, and if so, is that any big deal expense-wise? Who would do the work? I would like to not have to buy a new unit for my rental house since I have the Carrier sitting in my garage.

Answer 1

Nothing wrong with the old unit. Unfortunately most a/c companies will want to sell you a new unit. So you may need to find an individual who does this kind of work.  If you replaced both the inside and outside unit-you are in luck---otherwise they must match up.

Make lots of phone calls.  It can be done.

California pricing is unpredictable.

My brother just replaced a 3 ton  outside unit only in Alabama today, it cost him $2000.00. He knew the contractor. That included the cost of the unit.

Answer 2

Keep in mind that this is just my opinion and experience.

My worst nightmare, as a 20 plus year veteran, in residential HVAC is when someone tells me they want our company to install a used piece of equipment. Invariably, the time the unit

has been stored creates some predictable issues. Corrosion of relays, wires, bearing or bushing problems,rodents building nest in places that are hard to see, missing parts and a host of other issues.

Now consider that most HVAC companies must mark up their equipment 3-4 times to cover labor and expenses, used is not a good deal. You are going to pay the same amount of labor to have the used equipment installed as the new. Giving that your carrier is already 10 years old, you will just be paying for this job again in 3 or 4 years, you do the math.

Plus you will have no warranty with the old equipment, when it breaks, it's your

Answer 3

I don't see why it would be a problem. Call around to some A/C companies and explain your situation as you have here.

No one here is going to be able to tell you exactly what needs to be done to install the unit without actually looking at it.

Don't expect much of a warranty from the installing company (labor-wise). Make sure that they pull a permit and that an inspector checks the work. With it being a rental property, you don't want to take a chance on improper installation.

Good luck!