Widows & Widowers Support Group

This community is dedicated to those who have lost a husband, wife, or partner. Anything is open for discussion here, with the hope that we can focus on grief, bereavement, life after loss, and continuing on after a great loss.

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Truhal 09/04/2013

One of the things I miss about having my husband here was the respect he got from repair people. When they see me they think, sucker and try to bleed me for every dime I have. So, now I'm posting here, hoping from guidance.

I'm in the process of replacing my furnace. I have a small house, about 1200 sqft. The insulation is wonderful, no problems with high heating cost. The thing is that my furnace was installed in 1988. I'd like to replace it before it says bye bye on some very cold night.

The furnace guy came out and told me his cheapest model is 2800 and that includes installation and permits.

Anyone know if this amount seems high?

How much is the typical furnace going for these days with installation included: And the guys are fully bonded.

sandeestttn 09/04/2013

Check with your local gas or electric company. They can guide you to reputable contractors. Is it a heat pump or regular furnace? My thing is, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Where do you live?

jewells1 09/04/2013

They will sell you a cadillac when a mustang will do. Get some estimate's and call your gas supplier. Sandee is right they will give you the best answer. Your local city clerk can give you permit prices, some contractors will add on a filing fee. Ask for a printed estimate to look over. Big red flag if they won't give you one.

Shrn 09/04/2013

I don't know the cost of furnaces, by husband took care of that. I do know we had oil-hot water heating and he wanted a Wheil McClain. Sorry about spelling. I know it depends on what you heat with. Could be hot air or water or electric. I would google it and see what is recommended for the type you have. Only my suggestion. Sharon

Truhal 09/04/2013

I'm in Illinois. It's a regular furnace and very old. I'm afraid it's going to go out in the winter.

sandeestttn 09/04/2013

And find out the warranty time....You don't want to replace it again in the next 5 years. We had a Trane heat pump put in our last house. It had a 10 year warranty, and sure enough, 10 1/2 years we had to replace it.

kynessie 09/04/2013

$2800 doesn't sound unreasonable to me depending on what work is involved. About 10 years ago we replaced our heat pump and it was $1500 for just the outside unit. I had new insulation and ductwork put in last year and that cost me $700. I have a very small house probably around 1200 sq ft. I've been having my unit charged each year with Freon. This year I asked the guy how long he thought my unit would last because he thinks it has a small leak in the line. He told me to wait until it dies. He said I could replace your unit, but I don't want to do unnecessary work for you. I really appreciated his honesty.

I would wait until it dies. It could last another 2-3 years. I would hang on to that money for now.

Nessie from KY.

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