I have a property in the High Desert in CA. The heater didn't pass the ventillation test the gas company did. The HVAC people came over and said it's a cracked vent and they have to replace the furnace. They want $1200 for the whole job. The new furnace is a different size since the old one was made in 1950s and they don't make them any more. So it's basically a new furnace, all parts, fitting to new size (since it's bigger) and all the labor, all done in one day. Is that a deal that makes sense?
2006-12-11 15:43:45 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Correction, he said the heat exchange is cracked, whatever that means
2006-12-11 15:50:22 · update #1
First of all a furnace that was built in the 1950's should not even be in operation... That is something you would definitely want to change out, because of the risk of a cracked heat exchanger... A cracked heat exchanger will make the furnace deadly to operate, because of leaking carbon dioxide... $1200 is more than reasonable, actually sounds to good to be true... I've been in the HVAC business for 20yrs now, and I know I couldn't do it that cheap... My usual charge for a complete furnace change out is $2500... So yes I think you should go with it. By changing the furnace, not only do you get piece of mind not to die when your sleeping, it will also save you money. Cause the new furnace will be alot more efficient than one from the 50"s
2006-12-11 15:59:28 · answer #1 · answered by Kirk D 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Well Im sorry to hear that .
They just did a test here at my Home in Northern CA
And My buddy failed his test also.
But he is luck Im in the field of Plumbing and HVAC so we put a new unit in.
For the price It seems like a REALLY good Deal.
Maybe to good.
I would get a 2nd EST to make sure.
But then the labor and units might be less there.
But if your unit is old the heaer ex- is hard to find and is not worth fixing or replaceing.
But the heat-exchanger that unit makes heat.
When the burners kick on it heats the heat-ex and the heat goes up the flu pipe out side but the fan in the unit blows across the heat-ex and blows the heat into your house. this is just a quicky on how it works.
If the unt is cracked and it was to turn on what would happen is the fumes would get into or out of the crack and get blown into your house and thats not a good thing!!!!
But other then all this you do need to replace it.
I wonder on the price since I know what the unit cost and what I charge and My other buddies charge that also do HVAC installs
If you need any other help feel free to drop me a line
Goodluck
PS- The good thing about it is that a new unit is ALOT better then 1 that is 56yrs old., So it will be better on the bills and work alot better for you
2006-12-12 02:40:49 · answer #2 · answered by Kos 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you don't replace it complete, you could try to find the exchanger for your OLD furnace. The BTU's are probably double and the efficiency will pay for itself. I think it's a good deal, but I live in Michigan where heat is twice the price
2006-12-11 23:59:33 · answer #3 · answered by todd 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My high efficiency furnace cost me $5,000 with installation and removal of the old furnace so I would thing $1200 is a great price.
2006-12-11 23:48:39 · answer #4 · answered by Brin 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That seems like a really great price. OK I don't want to get in trouble here but if you are a woman I have seen to many times that women get ripped off. Always get second est. If your exchanger is cracked get this thing changed out pronto. $1200 is cheap.
2006-12-12 13:06:59 · answer #5 · answered by winks 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No matter what the job you should always get another bid. Different people use different equipment and have different work habits. Always a good idea to get a second opinion.
2006-12-12 10:13:06 · answer #6 · answered by johnnyandelly 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The best way to see if you are getting ripped off is to get a second opinion by a qualified professional. If they give you the same price, then no.
2006-12-11 23:48:04 · answer #7 · answered by Dayna L 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
All done that day -- you got off cheap. I just spent $10,000 to replace my heating and airconditioner here in New Jersey. It took three days to have it all done.
2006-12-12 02:18:09 · answer #8 · answered by daddyspanksalot 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes
2006-12-11 23:45:13 · answer #9 · answered by Secret Agent Man 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋