Reputable HVAC Business in Kansas City Area?

Question

I've purchased a few older properties in the KC metro area. Each of them came with older HVAC systems. One furnace died over the past week, and at least one AC unit needs to be replaced. I'm looking for a reputable HVAC business in the area, who won't try to kill me on pricing. I'll likely be replacing a few whole systems to prevent issues down the road. I've had a few estimates, but it seems like each of them is trying to tack on things to up the price. There are also smaller properties - Duplex w/ 650sqft per unit, and Single Family home w/ 900sqft. I've been quoted prices for 1.5 and 2 ton AC units. I'm learning, but I don't know enough to argue with the professionals, especially when I get conflicting info.

What business have you had a good experience with?
What size AC units should I be looking for - my understanding is 1.5 ton AC should be plenty for my smaller properties.
Any general advice on replacing HVAC?

Thanks in advance for any help! This is a big cost for a relatively new investor, so I want to get it right.

• What business have you had a good experience with?
• What size AC units should I be looking for - my understanding is 1.5 ton AC should be plenty for my smaller properties.
• Any general advice on replacing HVAC?

Thanks in advance for any help!  This is a big cost for a relatively new investor, so I want to get it right.

Jesse Smith · Answer

Thanks @Dan Krupa.  I ended up getting a couple more estimates over the past few days.  They agreed that the first guy was probably just pushing 2 ton units, because he either didn't know what he was talking about or he had an incentive.  They said 2 ton would be too large for the space and likely cause the unit to cycle too often and reduce the lifespan.

I ended up going with a different company.  They're going to do a two full system replacement with new Lennox equipment, and their price was significantly lower than others.  1.5 ton AC and 45k BTU furnaces.

Dan Krupa · Answer

@Jesse Smith - fantastic! Glad to hear it all worked out. Always smart to get multiple bids when you are first trying to understand a certain renovation aspect.

Dan Krupa · Answer

@Jesse Smith - the cost between 1.5 ton and 2 ton is small and if the proper unit isn't installed the furnace or condenser won't be able to keep up. Tim is an honest guy. Let the pros check it out. Call four or five of them. If they all say you need a 2-ton unit...you need a 2-ton unit.

Jesse Smith · Answer

@Dan Krupa - Thanks for the reply!  I'll take a look at them.  The systems in these properties are 12-18yrs old.  I don't believe any of them have the new coolant.

• Duplex - 650sqft per unit, single levelUnit 1 - 15yo AC, 15 yo furnace (both working, but probably should be replacedUnit 2 - 4yo AC, 18 yo furnace (furnace quit this week)
• Unit 1 - 15yo AC, 15 yo furnace (both working, but probably should be replaced
• Unit 2 - 4yo AC, 18 yo furnace (furnace quit this week)
• SFR - 900 sqft, single level, old single pane windowsAC compressor broken (learned after auction purchase), 12 yo furnace (some life left, hopefully)
• AC compressor broken (learned after auction purchase), 12 yo furnace (some life left, hopefully)

• Unit 1 - 15yo AC, 15 yo furnace (both working, but probably should be replaced
• Unit 2 - 4yo AC, 18 yo furnace (furnace quit this week)

• AC compressor broken (learned after auction purchase), 12 yo furnace (some life left, hopefully)

Seems like 1.5 ton AC units should be plenty, but again, I'm not a pro.  I worry that 2 ton units would be unnecessarily expensive and cycle too often.  Based on your experience with TG Heating and Cooling, do you have a ballpark estimate for my replacement prices?

Dan Krupa · Answer

Hands down TG Heating and Cooling - Tim Gorman. Call him and tell him I referred you. Master HVAC. Great prices. Phenomenal character. Can't say enough good things about him. He has done six entire systems for me now.

How old are the units? Do you have R-22 coolant in them?  Tons of variables here. Need more info, please.

As far as size. That all depends. It could be small but if its three stories you'll need a bigger unit. Type of walls. Insulation. Etc... let and honest pro answer that question for you.

*Please note I am not on the TG Heating and Cooling payroll. LOL.