I just had a new AC unit installed in a 4-unit building and I'm feeling uneasy about the whole transaction. The HVAC contractor I chose was new to me, and after looking deeper, I think I might have been taken for a ride.
Initially, I received a quote for a Ruud model RA14AZ24AJ1NA, which has an energy efficiency rating of 14.3 SEER2 and 11.7 EER2, and uses refrigerant made after 2010. However, what was installed was a different model, RA13NY24AJ1NA, which has a lower energy rating of 13.4 SEER2 and 9 EER2. While my contractor insists that the unit is fine, it feels shady since the original quoted model seemed superior. Plus, it turns out that the installed unit is about $200 more expensive in his invoice.
Have any of you encountered similar issues? Is there someone here with HVAC experience who can shed some light on whether I'm getting ripped off?
3 Answers
It sounds like there might be some confusion here. The refrigerant R-454B is newer and sometimes harder to get, which may have forced your HVAC guy to switch. Units with lower SEER ratings generally cost less and are less efficient. If you were relying on that energy star rating for rebates or credits, that could be a deal breaker. I definitely feel your frustration; it sucks when you're not informed about such shifts and feel like you're being cheated.
Keep in mind that R454B units can be pricier than R410A, especially now that manufacturing for the latter is stopping. My main worry would be if you agreed to a specific efficiency rating and then they put in something lower. It’s crucial that your expectations match what you're getting installed, so I’d definitely recommend addressing this directly with your contractor.
From what I gather, R410A units are being phased out, and your contractor might not have been able to get the original unit that was quoted. While it’s annoying, the change could be due to new EPA regulations. R454B units do often require additional parts, which can drive costs up. If your contract didn’t specify particular models, he might be trying to provide code-compliant options without coming back for more cash. It's always best to get a clear explanation when things like this happen, though.