Install New Furnace

Is it time to install a new furnace in your home? If you are thinking about installing a new heating system in your home there are several things to consider.

First of all, consider why you are thinking about a new furnace: is it completely broken, is it costing you money in repairs or high heating bills? If so, then it may make sense to replace it. Obviously if your furnace has been condemned you would want to replace it for safety reasons. I would like to briefly touch on one other reason, and that may be because a technician may have told you that you need a new one because of costly repairs. While you may trust your technician, and he or she may be a great one, I would encourage you to get a second opinion from a certified, trained technician with years of experience. Many times I have been called in to give an estimate on replacing an entire system only to find out that what the previous company presented as a potential nightmare in costs was really just a way to make a sale. Many times.....I would say at least one in ten or so, I find out that if we replace a part or make an adjustment we can get the unit up and running. So make sure you get that second or even third opinion....it could save you a lot of unneeded expense.

If you are sure that you need to replace your system then start with the basics: 

1) Have several estimates. I like it when a customer has done their research because it tells me they are serious, informed, and will have a basic knowledge about the process since they have talked with several contractors. These estimates will also give you a good range of pricing and capabilities of contractors.

2) Don't be dazzled by a bunch of amazing guarantees and bells and whistles. Keep the conversation on which equipment will be recommended and why, how the new system will meet your needs, who is actually going to be installing the unit, in fact I would recommend you tell the contractor that you want to meet the actual installer before you make your decision. Nothing's worse than buying from a clean cut, friendly representative of a heating and air company only to find out that the actual installation might be done by someone who you can't wait to get out of your house.

3) Make sure the company you talk to is going to pull a permit. There is no reason a reputable company would talk you out of pulling a permit. The installation is going to be dealing with electricity and gas...not something you want to take a chance with....get a second set of eyes on that install. A good tip I have learned thru the years: If I hear an installer or salesman or technician say, "are you going to want me to pull a permit?" I know right away that this person has different standards of work depending on if he thinks someone will be checking up on the work. Any great installer or technician wants people, including the inspector to see his work.....it's called pride of workmanship and that's what you want, someone who is proud of the work they do.

4) Make sure your ductwork is inspected. No one has so many years of experience in heating and air conditioning that they can just look at your furnace and decide what needs to be done. The furnace is what has the blower for your system, which moves the air thru the house....therefore a check up of the existing ductwork is crucial for how the furnace or air handler will work. A great technician will not only look at the visible condition of the ductwork, but also the connections at the collars and plenums, as well as make some assessment of the general design of the duct system. If the tech doesn't inspect your ductwork without you mentioning it, I would suggest passing on that contractor and looking for someone more thorough.

I could go on and on, but hopefully the above four recommendations will give you a good start in your search for a good contractor.

If you live in the Sacramento area feel free to give me a call or write me a note either on this blog or my website, which you will find at the right side of this article.

Take Care,

The HVAC tech.