Installing central A/C for home. Advise needed

[Bzji]

Finally, my parents doesn't want to endure the heat anymore this summer. So they have decided to install central A/C and have asked me to check into it. I've got no idea whats good and whas not. So I need advise!

First of all, the house is about 2400 Sq Ft, what range of BTU will be sufficient to cool that amount of area? Also, what is the price range for central A/C required for my house?
I'm also looking into A/Cs that are energy efficient, reliable, and of course, best bang for the buck :cheesygri . Any recommendations on specific brand or model?
Or even better, the house is in Mississauga. Does anyone know of a reliable dealer with good prices?

Thanks everyone.

[aquariaguy]

Maybe wait till end of season when it gets cheaper? You already suffered so much already hehe, may as well wait till prices go down.

[nano]

actually i know someone that installs AC units and they are the same price all year round.

[pd0x]

get split air conditioning instead...cheaper to isntall

[chris647]

actually i know someone that installs AC units and they are the same price all year round.

The price may not be different, but the waiting list for installation will probably be long.

[afong56]

Finally, my parents doesn't want to endure the heat anymore this summer. So they have decided to install central A/C and have asked me to check into it. I've got no idea whats good and whas not. So I need advise!

First of all, the house is about 2400 Sq Ft, what range of BTU will be sufficient to cool that amount of area? Also, what is the price range for central A/C required for my house?
I'm also looking into A/Cs that are energy efficient, reliable, and of course, best bang for the buck :cheesygri . Any recommendations on specific brand or model?
Or even better, the house is in Mississauga. Does anyone know of a reliable dealer with good prices?

Thanks everyone.

first of all, i think you'd be lucky to find a contractor that isn't swamped with business right now. i predict at least two to three weeks, minimum before someone has a spot open in their books (good luck, though).

as for size, i'd think either a 2 or a 2.5 ton model would suit. my last house was about 1500 sq.ft (1.5 ton model) and my current house is almost 2800 sq.ft (2.5 ton model) so, i'd guesstimate 2 tons. any contractor worth their spit will tell you the correct size. btw, i think most dealers cite central air units by capacity/weight, not btu rating.

the theory i've heard, and which makes sense, is that you don't go small (undersized) because that unit will have to work like a dog to cool off your house. you also don't go too big (oversize) because then the unit will be underworked, and the condenser coils apparently ice over and get damaged (this is only what i've been told, so don't shoot the messenger).

as for price, my 1.5 ton fridgidaire was about $1600 (but that was seven years ago) and my 2.5 ton lennox was around $1800. you may find them for cheaper, but i'm happy with what i paid.

both units are energy star rated, believe it or not.

btw, i believe there are actually some hvac guys on this board. find them. maybe a 'sweet hookup' is in order?

[MizTEcK]

if there are indeed hvac people on this board... please pm me, unless u dont really want anymore business right now :)

[Rockstead]

You might want to consider a thermo pump instea dof an A/C unit, this will provide you AC as well as reducing your heating bills. It's larger investment but will save you money in the log run.

[Bzji]

Ok, thanks everyone for the information.

I'll be calling some contractors with these info on mind. What are some popular central A/C names? I just know Carrier cuz I keep seeing their van all over the price.

[MrDisco]

the power of goolge

http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/aircond/aircond.html
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cac.pr_central_ac
http://www.aceee.org/consumerguide/topcac.htm

along with Carrier there are:
Trane
Lennox
American Standard
Maytag
Rheem
Ruud (I have this one)
Kenmore
and a slew of others...