Toward the end of last summer, our A/C could not keep up with the heat. We knew it was not holding…read moreFreon, as we had Freon added previously, and it was expensive. Certain refrigerants are no longer being produced, and they are very expensive. We wanted to get out from under the 28 year old system, so opted to have a complete new system installed.
Brandt Dickey recently installed a new HVAC system in our home. We had a few quotes, and Brandt's was in the middle. Brandt also came highly recommended by my bother-in-law, and has been doing work for him for a very long time. So we went with Dickey's A/C.
As the system is barely a week old, and I have not had to use the A/C yet, I am only going to comment on the installation. As the summer approaches, and temperatures rise, I will likely update this review (when the system is put to the real test as temperatures rise). I may also update when the temperatures drop again, as this is a heat-pump system, so primary cooling will done by reversing the system. I never really quite understood heat-pump technology, but now that I have a better understanding, it's pretty neat.
The removal of the old system and the install of the new went fairly smoothly. However, when it came to start the system up, there were two problems. It was late, so Brandt needed to come back the next day. Both problems were fully resolved the following day, but it did require me to be home again.
Problem 1: The system not switching into heat-pump mode. This turned out to be a mis-inserted wire on the thermostat. Easy fix.
Oh, on the subject of the thermostat, a new one, and wiring, was required. Heat-pump systems require more control wires, and the old wiring did not have enough wires. This meant a new wire was run from outdoor unit to indoor unit, and from indoor unit to (new) thermostat.
Problem 2: The system was not holding pressure, and this turned out to be a bad weld in a hard to see place. Also easily fixed, once the leak was located.
The system was now 100% functional. Yay!
Brandt did a good job of cleaning up and hauling the old stuff away. Sure, the recyclers would have gladly picked (some of) this stuff up, but it was nice not to deal with (any) it.
So all and all, a pretty good experience. I can't wait to see how the new system works, in both the summer and winter. I'm happy that my wife thought of getting this done now, in the cooler temps, as waiting until summer might have meant higher prices and longer waits.
Oh, and I think this new system may result in a tax break, as it meets some energy efficiency guidelines. So hopefully less tax next year, and smaller electricity bills throughout the year.
Bottom line: It's going to be cool to be cool!
PS. The system is a Goodman. The main reason for selecting this system was size. We have some tricky spaces to deal with, and Goodman fit the spaces the best. I was skeptical of the brand, but Brandt said they have gotten a lot better over the years. Even so, I may opt for the extended warranty, at least on the more expensive outdoor unit (compressor).
