This is Turtle.
I could not disarguee with a Rheem Class 90 but the most important thing of all is a Good installer.
I would want a Mickey mouse brand if it was installed by a Good installer. I would not want the best brand made on this earth installed by a poor installer.
TURTLE
I am looking for advice on how to go about buying and finding an installer for a new gas furnace.
We've had our furnace for 40+ years. This past winter a repair man recommended we get a new furnace during the summer as this one has seen better days. If it were my house I would probably try to stick it out for another year. However, my elderly father doesn't want to be stuck in the middle of winter without heat. So, he wants to replace it. He's kept it pretty well maintained over the years. Some of the parts are not that old. Actually, I don't think the furnace is that old. But, that's what he tells me.
He owns an old Victorian-styled home with 8 large rooms. Overall it's not very well insulated. He would like to have dual zoned heating... depending on cost. The house only has one zone right now. Is that a big deal to put in?
I know practically nothing about plumbing. Thus, I would hire someone to do all the work from removal to installation. (Although, if I could save a $200 or more removing this unit, I probably could get a friend of mine help me if needed. I would have to take into consideration the weight. I would imagine these units are probably very heavy to move.)
My question is where should I begin looking for a new furnace and plumber to do the work?
I did a Google search and came up with this site
They do have some good general advice in this article. (See below)
"Because of the currently tightly regulated market, getting a quality furnace is much easier. Getting the right contractor may be more difficult. Experts stress again and again the importance of taking your time to find a good HVAC professional. The best way to start is to ask friends and neighbors for references, ask your utility company for recommendations, or start in the phone book. Contractors should be licensed and have appropriate insurance, liability and workman's comp paperwork. You will need a permit before work is started, and most contractors will procure this for you."
Consumer Reports did a pole on reliability or incidence of repairs, worth reading. Get bids to have the whole job done. For 200 removing it yourself is not a good idea especialy messing with gas lines etc. Get bids, get referrals. Be sure you also get a written load calculation done , oversizing is a common mistake. The installer is the key to a good job. In a cold area look to 93-94.5% efficient units they should cut your bills in half.
Hot water heat is a boiler not a furnace, Consumer Reports does not even touch boiler ratings. For radiators simply turn down the valve. zoning can be costly with new piping, you need a few boiler pros out. For boiler help go to
You make sense about having a knowledgeable person doing this work. I got a shock today just putting in a stove switch.
I'm going to read the Consumer Reports article.
Do you know if it's lots of work to convert a forced hot water system to a two zone system?
It all depends on how the system is laid out....
Thanks, I thought they were all the same thing.
I will check out the site. Seems everyone is in agreement about the need for pros when in comes to heating systems. Originally, I was thinking of hiring someone who I know could do the job. But I;m leary as to their expertise in total heating systems. Will go with a pro first.
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I may bring in a couple people and get their opinions. Thanks!
I live in south east New York, not to far from the Delaware River. I had my 15 year old oil fired boiler replaced last September. I picked a HVAC guy based on recommendations of trusted friends. I also looked into other sources like large local HVAC firms and local fuel oil suppliers. Many were either way over priced or couldn't be bothered returning my calls.
The owner / operator guy got my work. He promptly returned my phone call, answered all questions, listened and reviewed my needs allowing me to choose from what he narrowed down to a couple of options. He offered a fair price for professional work. He provided quality name brand hardware. He came on time and finished the job on time. He had one problem with a pressure gauge and was back the next day with a new replacement. I will give him my Central Air maint work and anything else I don't feel comfortable doing myself. I've also recommended him to others.
Steve
And I almost guarantee he'l like that last line.
I'm going to have to deal with replacing my oil-fueled boiler (steam heat) soon. I'd like to be as educated as possible before that. If you don't mind, what were some of the options/considerations in choosing a boiler (aside from BTUs) and what are the "name brands?" Did you have an on-demand hot water system with your boiler?
Thanks.
Sue(tm) Lead me not into temptation... I can find it myself!
Sue, I'd worry more about the installer than the brand of boiler.
Do you mean a tankless WH?
You may want to go to the Wall for hot water heat and steam heat questions.
Yes. I have an oil boiler for steam system and my hot water comes off of that. No tank. It works pretty well.
Thanks, I'll monitor what's going on there for a while. I have time (I hope :>).
Sue(tm) Lead me not into temptation... I can find it myself!
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