Best deals on AC Units

[Corey G.]

Hello Everybody, 

I own several 4plexs and each of them has rooftop packaged heat pump AC units. I bought most of the buildings with older AC units that I've slowly been working my way through replacing. I've used several different companies and tried everything from New units to refurbished ones. Refurbished units are cheaper but the question is on how long they will last. My question is when it comes to replacing AC units, what is the strategy that you employ? My thought is trying not to spend a whole lot of cash but getting the best I can for what I do spend. No sense in buying an AC unit from one company for 5 grand, when I can get the same unit installed by someone else for 3,500. Really what I want to know is how does everybody go about shopping for units and finding the best prices? 

[Seth Borman]

I prefer proactive replacement because it is cheaper in the long run. No emergency calls.

I shop around. I have a couple of companies that I like more than others. I would love to have an hourly tech that I could use (I have a plumber like that) but right now I don't.

I buy new units. I don't like to use parts of the existing one, particularly in cases where refrigerants have changed.

There will be people that are able to get things done for less money, but the high efficiency and reliability that we get makes this approach work for us.