How much to replace HVAC?

[Phillyred]

I am looking into replacing my 25+ year old gas furnace (forced air) and AC unit for a 1900 sq ft home.

How much should I expect to pay total if using existing duct work?

Does anyone have a reputable recent low cost recommendation in the Philadelphia suburbs? Anything to watch out for? Thanks!

[Attention Surplus Disorder]

A lot more than it will cost in the summer!

[from occupied ga]

Did it here in Atlanta last month $5300

[Ingtar]

EnergyStar = doesn’t work that well, but you’ll think it’s a green feature and not complain.

[nuconvert]

plan on $5000

[CGASMIA68]

Most companies will come out and give a free est.
May want to go that route

[Phillyred]

Wow, I was thinking a lot more for both units. But that sounds real good.

[McGruff]

I would see what Lowes and Home Depot offer. They usually have contractors to do the work. I belong to Angie's List. The contractor reviews are well worth the subscription cost. May also be free review sites on the Interweb if you can find a good one.

[nascarnation]

25 yr life is very impressive!
What brand gave you that? (realizing that whatever brand that is has been cheapened up drastically since then by MBA consultants).

[Blood of Tyrants]

Instead of asking here, get real quotes from several HVAC guys.

[logi_cal869]

Check your local calendar.

Home Show specials could save you beaucoup $$...

...if it’s not terminal...

[gr8eman]

Don’t get electric! It does and doesn’t work at the same time. Only environmental whack jobs could accomplish that!

[Seattle Conservative]

Not sure about your area but our Costco here periodically has a rep from a local company (don’t recall if it’s Lenox or Carrier) either in the store or on your way out or a “kiosk” with brochures as you leave (where they have ones for window coverings, garage doors, countertops, etc.).

not sure about HVAC, but I know my sister got a great deal on flooring through Costco - it was an independent contractor (hired through Costco) that did the installation and he was fabulous.

[Mr. K]

How about you call local HVAC companies for an estimate-

This is a Conservative Talk forum...

[Paul46360]

THIS DUCk AIN"T WORKING

[jstaff]

Maybe he’s looking for a conservative estimate.

[Paul46360]

your UNION call at that

[Phillyred]

Well aware...which is why it is under general discussion.

[oh8eleven]

I am looking into replacing my 25+ year old gas furnace (forced air) and AC unit for a 1900 sq ft home.
I did this five years ago and it cost about $5500. Your cost may vary depending on where you live.
What I learned along the way:

• All (brand name) furnaces are essentially the same when it comes to quality/reliability. It's the install team doing the job correctly that makes the difference.
• Most systems come with a 5 year warranty ... ask for a 10 year.
• A furnace with 95% efficiency is probably a good buy, but only if you're in a very cold climate.
• My old furnace (Chrysler Air Temp) was 40 years old and had three service calls.
• My new furnace (Rheem) has already had three - two flame sensors (dirty) and mother board. All failed under warranty ... which has now expired (gulp).
• The AC unit is a Trane and has had zero problems. But I live in Rochester NY and only have to use it a few times each summer.
• If you have the time, get at least 5 estimates - and also make sure you ask about current tax breaks, sales, promotions, factory rebates, etc.

Good luck ...

[Hawthorn]

You can always get free estimates from outfits like Sears and Home Depot. Here’s how they often work:

The Sears estimator comes to your home, inspects everything and then gives you a detailed pep-talk about how the new equipment is __ % more efficient than the older models. And besides, the wonderful new equipment has umpteen other benefits.

Finally, he gives you a cost estimate. Let’s say it’s $7500. But he says that if you will sign on the dotted line today, you can take advantage of a special promotion, and get the installation for only $6500 — and you’ll have 24 months to pay.

You say, “Give that to me in writing, and let me research it for a few days.”

He says, “I’m glad to give it to you in writing, but the promotion expires in two days.”

He then goes back to his computer and says, “Oh, I just got a notice that there’s a new sale, and you can get the installation for only $5500. But only if you sign and make a $1000 deposit today.”

At that point, your spouse chimes in and says, “Hey, honey, that’s too good a deal to pass up. The regular price is $7500, but we can get it for $5500 if we go ahead and accept it right away.”

Exhausted by all this back-and-forth, you surrender, sign on the dotted line and give Sears a check for $1000. The estimator gives you ten pages of paperwork and says a scheduler will call you shortly.

Later in the day, you go to your computer and research the same equipment you’ve just bought from Sears. Amazon has it for $3000, with free shipping if you join Amazon Plus.

You call a local installation company, and they quote an installation price of $1500, plus cost of local permits.

So you call Sears to cancel your purchase. They say, “Sure, you may cancel. But you lose your deposit.”

In other words, you’re gonna pay another $4500 to get the installation, whether you buy from Sears or from a competitor.

Bottom Line:

Beware of the high-pressure sales tactics used by the big companies like Sears, Home Depot, etc. No matter how smart you think you are, they encounter “smart” prospects like you every day — and they can often pull the wool over your eyes!