Author Topic: New Furnace (Read 5137 times)

TMJ · « **on:** October 12, 2005, 07:35:43 pm »

I am hoping someone out there can help me. Is there a forum, like this for furnaces? We may have to replace ours very soon. I tried searching and came up empty. I would like to be somewhat informed before I make the purchase. Thanks so much, in advance....

Hot Tub Forum · « **on:** October 12, 2005, 07:35:43 pm »

stuart · « **Reply #1 on:** October 12, 2005, 11:32:44 pm »

Try these....

http://www.hvacmechanic.com/forums/forums.htm

http://hvac.com/eflp.php?pid=34926&D=79054&C=27918&domain=hvac.com&V=9076&K=hvac&K2=

Brewman · « **Reply #2 on:** October 13, 2005, 08:31:27 am »

From what I've heard, the brand of furnace or air conditioner isn't as important as the quality of the installation. This is from hanging around some home repair newsgroup. There is also an HVAC newsgroup, but it's unmoderated and there is very little useful information to be found there. I think the home repair usenet group is alt.home.repair, or something like that.
In our first house we had a Trane furnace and it ran without needing repair for the 10 years we lived in that house. In our current home, we have a 6 year old Payne (owned by Carrier) brand and have also had no troubles.

Vinny · « **Reply #3 on:** October 13, 2005, 10:59:43 am »

I went to www.hvac-talk.com.

Be prepared to get the same type of advice you get here - conflicting. Like some of the dealers here, each dealer talks up their own brand they sell.

And the concensus there was as Brewman said, it's in the install.

BTW, I purchased an Amana furnace and AC unit 3 years ago and it's really nice and it wasn't too expensive.

It is without a doubt the BEST unit out there, anyone who doesn't buy one is WRONG!!! (Sorry, I couldn't resist!)

...

... I really did buy an Amana

Brookenstein · « **Reply #4 on:** October 13, 2005, 02:04:36 pm »

HVAC Talk might have been where I went for advice as well. I bought a 3 ton 14 seer American Standard AC with a variable speed furnace. We haven't tested out the furnace yet, but the AC worked great. My only complaint is that it is much louder than I expected. I wasn't sure about bothering with the VS furnace since I'm in CA and winter is so mild. But, I love it... even in the summer, it feels really good have the air recirculated automatically.

I had 8 companies come out and give me estimates. If you are going to have Sears give you an estimate, just a word of advice... have them be your last bid. They will give you 10% off if you buy the night they are at your house. That makes their prices competetive with the other guys... a little higher, but they throw in a better warranty and actually get permits. Without the 10% they were significantly higher than most of the other guys. I very well may have gone with them had I had them out last, not second. Oh and if you are unhappy with it after install, they will remove it and give you your money back... they won't get your old furnace back and reinstall it though

I asked.

Be sure to check out BBB and see if the guys are even licensed. I was surprised how many of the guys came out ended up having expired licenses.

TMJ · « **Reply #5 on:** October 13, 2005, 08:31:41 pm »

Thanks for all the input. I am in BC, would anyone have a guestimate on what a gas, high efficiency furnace might run?

Brookenstein · « **Reply #6 on:** October 13, 2005, 11:21:11 pm »

I'm in SoCal and paid $5300 for mine, but am getting a $600 rebate from the electric company for the high efficiency AC. I didn't get a high efficiency gas furnace (just 80 something BTU or whatever) because my winter is too mild to make it cost effective. I did spend extra to get a variable speed furnace though.

I had bids from mid 3's for a basic Payne to over $10k for a Trane.

Not sure that helps at all given we are in different countries...

Brewman · « **Reply #7 on:** October 14, 2005, 08:19:49 am »

Another thing to keep in mind is the efficiency issue.
I've heard that the very top efficiency models have a tendency to break down more often due to their greater complexity. But with the future of natural gas prices not looking too rosy, it may be worth the extra bucks if you intend to stay in the house long enough to get a payback on the higher up front costs.
Installed costs will vary greatly by region, so in my opinion, it's best to get a few competing bids from installers in your area to get a picture of costs. Around here a basic furnace swap for an average house would probably cost $3K and up. You're area will probably be different.

Vinny · « **Reply #8 on:** October 14, 2005, 09:56:55 am »

I paid (after rebates) $3800 for my Amana 92 % efficient furnace and 14+ SEER central AC unit. I thought it was a steal. I had about 5 quotes and they were the best and cheapest.

I inquired about multi-speed furnaces and AC units (next level up from what I bought) but the dealer said exactly what Brewman said ... they're too complex and if they break it could be a while to figure out the problem.

If you even have an hunch that you may need one, get one before you're at the mercy of someone trying to rip you off. You'ld be surprised how different prices are!

BTW, I replaced the 30+ YO units that were original to the house and I have saved approx $60 (conservative figure) a month summer and winter with them at $60 x 10 months (2 months no heat or AC) x 3 years = $1800 savings - almost half of what I paid! This was probably the best decision I ever made - at least in terms of the house!!

Good Luck!

Hot Tub Forum · « **Reply #8 on:** October 14, 2005, 09:56:55 am »

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