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Evaluating Ductless Install Quotes

JustinS
JustinS Member Posts: 295
in A-C, Heat Pumps & Refrigeration

Hi all

My understanding is that we don't discuss prices here so I will do my best to stay clear of $$$.

So help me understand if the proposals we're receiving make sense.

Here's one that we've received for our 50-yr 2700 sq ft colonial in Bristol County MA.

Condenser 1: Brand: LG
Model Number: KUMXA36- This is a dual fan condenser with a branch box that will be mounted in the basement. AHRI: 215408634
Indoor unit 1: KNUJB181- Mid static ducted installed in attic to serve the second floor left bedrooms and both bathrooms. Indoor unit 2: KNUAB12- High wall unit installed in living room to the left of the outside windowIndoor unit 3: KNUQB121- Console unit installed in the kitchen to the right of the foyer entrance.


Condenser 2: Brand: LGModel Number: KUMXA30AHRI: 214848477
Indoor unit 1: KNMAB151A- High wall unit installed in bonus room above the garage. --- Piping up the back of the house. Indoor unit 2: KNUAB09- High wall unit installed in the den. --- Piping through the garageIndoor unit 3: KNUFB09- One way ceiling cassette installed in master bedroom closet side

I priced out this equipment on ACWholesale.com and the total was ~25% of the quote. I imagine that there is some degree of markup on the hardware. I asked the installer for an estimate of how long it'd take to install (response was approximately 10 days or so).

I'm having trouble accepting that these are the sort of prices that people are really doing, particularly considering how one doesn't save in operating costs vs fossil fuels in MA.

Thoughts?

Comments

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 6,473

    there’s a lot to do to install these. Get a bad contractor and throw the entire system out in a few years.
    forget what you see on line as a price for equipment there is so much more that’s needed.

    Mad Dog_2
  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 4,116

    TL;DR: You're buying a lot more than the equipment.

    I can't say much about your particular installers, but while it doesn't take much skill to slap a mini split on the wall & cash a check, a good install takes quite a bit of skill and experience. And not especially cheap tools. And insurance. And licensing. And training. And warranty.

    Mad Dog_2
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 18,555

    And gas for the truck and truck insurance and and liability insurance and workers comp insurance and the time it take to put a quote together, run the office, do the billing and payroll and bookkeeping, truck repairs, employee training on you system. He also has to make a profit to stay in business

    If you don't like the pricing don't complain to the contractor, Massachusetts is one of the most over regulated states in the country. i know, I have lived here 72 years.

    JustinSMad Dog_2
  • JustinS
    JustinS Member Posts: 295
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1863540#Comment_1863540

    I completely understand all of this, just trying to make sure that it's a "fair" price.

  • JustinS
    JustinS Member Posts: 295
    edited August 30

    So you would agree that a 10 day estimate to install this is a reasonable one?

    If so, I can absolutely understand the labor cost for that period of time.

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 6,473

    No way of knowing. We can’t see the job.
    Your getting multiple heads with an outdoor unit please choose this contractor wisely!

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