Thinking about replacing entire home AC/Furnace, ideas on getting it done right, but still saving some cash.

Hello fine folks of HVAC:

Little background, purchase this home in 2013, built in 1976. Pretty solid, the AC unit is about 13 to 15 years old. Working but old, and I'm starting to have to think about a new system here probably within the next year. It's getting to the point where every year "something" goes wrong with it. It's SEER 13, located in Texas and the house gets a LOT of sun. Even with blackout curtains and other blocking measures, the AC generally can't keep up with our hot 100+F Texas summer days.

So I know it will be a pretty penny to get all new compressor/furnace/blower/etc. A few cost saving measures sI have in mind to make the install easier for the company and save me some money:

1) the area where the old unit is, is a PITA to walk around, plenty of vertical space in the attic, just rafters and some crappy boards that are old to stand on. Once we are in fall and it's cool, once I greenlight the project I'd be ripping out the old unit in the attic myself. Redoing the insulation and flooring in that entire area, basically it would be a huge upgrade and ease of working in after I'm done. A blank fresh canvas if you will for the installers of whatever system I go with. My question is this frowned upon? or would the installer be very happy they don't have to mess with demolition, haul away, and the like? I'd also expect the price of the job to go down if they don't have to spend 1/2 a day tearing out old stuff correct?

2) I've read that ducting can cost quite a bit of money if you have some one do it for you. I'm handy in all aspects of home repair except the stuff you have to get certified for (like HVAC). What I would like to do (again once the summer months have passed) is run fresh ducting properly, and replace all the register boxes with insulated varients. The theme of the current HVAC system was, it seemed like a rush job, everything was half assed and messy. It works, but it's a slob job. Similar question as above - would installers work with my idea here?

I'm familiar with the need to properly setup the ducting such that flow is balanced and pressures are where they should be. I'd need to find out the exact CFM the handler can move, and would be able to size out the proper duct size. 10 vents total in the house, 2 pairs of 2 off a junction box (fed by an 8" each), and the rest single 6" insulated ducting probably.

Just trying to get my head wrapped around what's possible, what's normal, and what's accepted. Been researching companies and installers in the DFW area, I'm not about to go with the absolute cheapest because I do want a quality install. At the same time if I can save the installers some time and trouble by having the old unit already ripped out, a fresh clean install area, an ducting already run...and save me some cash in the process... why not right?

Thanks for reading, any input is welcome.

submitted by /u/MrNerd82
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