Buying a new furnace can be an expensive proposition. In most cases, you’ll need to spend at least $1,000 to $1,500 for even the most basic furnace, and this cost could rise to well over $5,000 if your home is larger or you want a high-efficiency unit. These prices are just for the furnace itself as you’ll also need to pay even more for installation. All of this means that a new furnace is a major investment. Some homeowners attempt to save by buying a used furnace instead. However, this is really something you should never do, and here are just a few of the reasons why a used furnace is generally never a good idea.
Installation Considerations
Let’s say you buy a used furnace online or get one from someone you know. Now you’ll need to find someone to install it, but good look finding any reputable or licensed HVAC contractor willing to do the job. Most professional HVAC contractors will never install or even work on a used furnace or other used equipment. It simply isn’t worth the risk due to the potential liability issues that could arise.
There is simply no way for a contractor to know whether a used furnace is in good condition and safe to use. If a licensed contractor did decide to install a used furnace and it caught fire and burned down your house, the company is likely to be held liable for the damages. For this reason, most licensed HVAC companies will only ever install new equipment that comes either directly from the manufacturer or a certified dealer.
Quality Concerns
Buying a used furnace isn’t like buying a used car. It is fairly easy to tell what condition a car is by having it inspected and seeing how many miles it has. Unfortunately, furnaces don’t come with an odometer or any other way to tell how much it has been used or how well it has been maintained. This means that there is really no way to guarantee the unit is still in good shape or how long it will last.
There are appliance resellers that inspect and refurbish old furnaces before selling them. However, all this really guarantees is that the furnace runs, not that it runs well or that it will last. In most cases, these used furnaces cost around half the price of a new unit. While this can save you money initially, there is simply no guarantee that it won’t soon need expensive repairs or even break down completely. This means you could find yourself needing to spend even more money than you would have if you had bought a new furnace in the first place.
New Equipment Warranties
Another reason to buy a new furnace is that it will be covered by a warranty. Furnace warranties can vary by manufacturer, but most units will include a 5- or 10-year parts warranty and anything from a 10- to 20-year warranty on the heat exchanger. The parts warranty ensures that you won’t have to pay to repair or replace any parts if any damage or issues occur outside of normal wear and tear.
Knowing that your heat exchanger is under warranty is even more important. If the heat exchanger cracks, the entire furnace will need to be replaced. Still, you won’t have to pay for the new unit as long as your old furnace was still under warranty.
Some used appliance resellers also provide very basic warranties on the equipment they sell. Typically, these warranties are for a maximum of one year and only protect you if the furnace fails. Most will also only reimburse for a percentage of the cost you paid, and they will not cover any repairs.
Trusted Furnace Installation Professionals
With more than 75 years of experience serving customers in Layton and Davis County, Smedley Service is the name to trust for your new furnace installation. We offer same-day installation services, upfront pricing and free estimates. Financing is also available on new furnaces and other equipment upon approved credit. We carry a range of highly efficient Lennox furnaces, and our experienced technicians will evaluate your home and your heating requirements to ensure you get the best furnace for your needs. Smedley Service is licensed, bonded and insured, and all of our technicians are fully certified.
We also specialize in air conditioning installation, maintenance and repair, and our technicians work on all makes and models of HVAC equipment. We also work on water heaters and offer a range of indoor air quality solutions and services. For more information on your furnace installation options or any of the other services we provide, give the experts at Smedley Service a call today.
