Which furnace?
This question is one that is not easily answered. On a recent job I found over 8 possible furnaces that were from the same manufacturer that could have each been installed. Then there are at least 14 other brands that are sold locally, which changes that 8 to at least 100 different possible furnaces. Then there are many site specific things that may change a price. Whether or not duct work needs installed or repaired is another big factor. Then don’t forget accessories may be something that you may really desire. New WiFi thermostats that are controllable by your phone are neato!
We are told in our business to never give prices over the phone, because without our eyes on your system, or house, we are making a dangerous guess. If we are too low, we lose, because our costs are higher. If we bid too high, we lose the job because someone else was cheaper. That is why most companies will insist on having a salesman come out. We guarantee you that if you have our Comfort Specialist out we WILL NOT pressure you into any type of sale. The sales classes we take are called No Pressure Selling, because that fits the type of company we are.
Replacement?
If you already have a furnace, you are probably just needing a replacement. Which efficiency do you have?
60%, 80%, and 90%
There are three primary types of furnaces you are likely to find inside your home. 60%, 80%, and 90%+.
60%: If your furnace is 25 years old or older you probably have a 60% furnace. This can be verified by:
a. You have a metal flue coming out of your furnace
b. You do not hear an “inducer” motor come on when the thermostat first “calls for heat”
c. The flue pipe will get 160 degrees or so, don’t get burnt
80%: If your furnace is 10 years old or older you probably have a 80% furnace. This can be verified by:
a. You have a metal flue coming out of your furnace
b. You do hear an “inducer” motor come on when the thermostat first “calls for heat”
c. The flue pipe will get 120 degrees or so, don’t get burnt
90%+: If your furnace is less than 10 years old you probably have a 90%+ furnace. This can be verified by:
a. You have a PVC(Plastic) flue coming out of your furnace
b. You do hear an “inducer” motor come on when the thermostat first “calls for heat”
c. The flue pipe will get 100 degrees or so, and you shouldn’t be able to get burnt
We have went through all of this exercise to get to this point. You really need a salesman to come out. You may really get the wrong idea with the information I am about to give you.
If you have a 90% furnace you should possibly be concerned of the contractor that may try to put in another 90%+ furnace for less than $3000.
If you have an 80% furnace you should possibly be concerned of the contractor that may try to put in another 80% furnace for less than $2500.
If you have an 60% furnace you should possibly be concerned of the contractor that may try to put an in an 80% furnace with an additional flue liner for less than $3100.
Our prices are higher than these. These numbers are listed to show you prices that are Too Low
We recommend that you need to make sure the contractor you use:
Is Licensed, Bonded, Insured, and pulls permits as necessary
Has employees, that have workman’s compensation insurance
Has a strong relationship with the local distributors that the manufacturers sell to in case a problem ever comes up
Has plenty of service technicians to take care of any problems that ever come up
Has a phone number that is answered 24 hours a day by a human
Has NATE certified technicians, and or technicians that get over 40 hours training per year
Uses a checklist to verify the installation is complete, and to make sure nothing is missed
Is a member of the elite branch of dealers for his manufacturer, such as we are Comfort Care Dealers for American Standard
Puts in good quality equipment. Such as our American Standard Products which just won Consumer reports best pick again in all three categories. AC, Heat Pumps, and Furnaces.
One last thought,
Those prices above very often are doubled when we quote out, or we see other reputable contractors in our area. There really are so many variables, that the best thing to do is have our Comfort Specialist come out and take a look at your needs. We would love to Help you to be Comfortable.