Gotta quote for supply and install of a 36,000 BTU (3 Ton) central A/C unit (13 SEER), piping, and evaporator coil. $2,700

Unit can be had online for about $1,200. So I'm looking at about $1,500 for install (probably two guys, half a day).

Sound like a good deal to you?

I spoke to two installers....one on the North Shore, one in Ohio...both said, without knowing the brand, that $2,700 is a very good price. Both are clients with nothing to gain. Both are straight shooters.

Should have 1 year warranty on labor, 5 year on the compressor, etc.

I'd ink that deal, MI. But that's me. FWIW, I am afraid to argue with jombl...so maybe I would listen to what he says instead.

I had the exact same amount of work done two years back.....2.5 ton (humble home compared to MI87)....and it was around $2,300+ IIRC....installed by a pretty good friend.

I really don't find that a shocking amount to pay.

All on craigslist?

Craigslist? Does the A/C unit come with a "massage"?

Anyway, I thought the price wasn't too outrageous, just wanted to be sure.

When you say "fat"....you are referring to me, right? I know you are...Mr. Not-So-Subtle.

If you're handy, buy on-line and get a guy from Craigslist to finish the installation.

My son and I bought new AC and furnace- did what we could to install (Took out the old units, which BTW trash monkeys will gladly haul away from the curb for metal). We couldn't install the new refrigerant lines or do the charge and of course the local HVAC guys shunned us like the plague, which is pretty dumb as their employees use their tools for cash on the weekends. Saved thousands $.

Labor on something like that can run $250-$300 per hour for a highly trained person. If it takes a couple of guys a half day, you're looking at a lot more than $1,700... though some guys will give a discount for a bigger project since it's less lost time for the trip.

Wanted to close the loop here real quick.

I just got word that the unit is in and cooling the palatial middlein estate nicely.

Got it done for about $2,000, substantial savings over the other guys.

Shout out to J R Plumbing Heating Air Cond of Glen Ellyn.

Don't forget the final HVAC inspection...