My Furnace and AC Search

Yesterday I mentioned in a post about the new furnace and AC unit I recently purchased. Here are some details on that process:

My furnace was 21 years old, and had grown noticeably louder over the past year since I moved into the house. Though it still worked fine, I presumed it was at the end of its life, and it certainly was not efficient. My AC condenser was 20 years old and also worked fine, but was also near the end of its life and was inefficient. So with a large tax refund I was due to receive, I decided to replace both of them to stave off any future problems and to save on my utility bills (and help out the environment).

I began initial research on the internet, which told me I could expect to pay anywhere from $4000 to $9000 for both units. I definitely wanted to pay on the lower end because 1) my tax refund was around that amount, and 2) I didn’t plan on living in the house for more than 5 years. I prepared myself for selecting equipment that was not extremely efficient or high-end. I decided I wanted a 2-stage furnace and R-410A AC unit.

So then the fun part began- meetings with HVAC salesmen. I’m always thorough, so I met with many over a two week period. Here’s a rundown:

1) small, local company: York-$6000, Goodman- $3600

2) small, local company: Ruud- $5400, Goodman- $4800. Did not like this company because he tried to talk me out of R-410A without valid reasons

3) large, national retailer: Carrier- $7515

4) same large, national retailer: Carrier- $5379. After I did not jump at their first offer, they sent this guy out to give me "preferred pricing." The price only was good if I accepted on the spot, supposedly

5) large, local company: Carrier- $7487

6) small, local, kind of family friend, company: Goodman- $3600. Was not 2-stage or R-410A

7) small, local company: Gibson- $3600. Did not like the salesman and could not find much info on the brand

8) small, local company: Goodman- $4550. Liked salesman and presentation, but offered lower SEER unit than others

After all the meetings, I researched each individual brand, and came to the conclusion that Goodman units would be fine for my situation. Most of what I read stated that if installed well, Goodman is no less reliable than more expensive equipment. It also comes with a 10 year total parts guarantee, and lifetime on a couple components.

(Most of my research came from the company sites and anecdotes provided on HVAC forums. Unfortunately, I could not find a Consumer Reports style ranking of manufacturers or models.)

Funnily, I actually went with the first company who came to the house. He had the equipment I wanted, had a reasonable price, and most of all, seemed to be the most trustworthy. Installation took place over two days the following week. That seemed to go well (except for a new AC base I’m still waiting on). We only got to use the heat a few times, but it did work and was definitely quieter than the old furnace. In a couple of weeks I hope I can really test out the AC. My township inspection will happen in a week or so.

As my new utility bills come in, I’ll compare to last year and tell you how much I’m saving.