Getting a new furnace

stlrman · « **on:** 12 Dec 2016, 10:23 pm »

Getting a new Bryant furnace and digital thermostat with wifi control .
Paying $2950 , does that seem about the norm ?
Got 20 years from our last unit.
Thanks

Doublej · « **Reply #1 on:** 12 Dec 2016, 10:34 pm »

If that is installed, without knowing the size of the unit that seems like a great price. In my neck of the woods it would be 2x-3x that price.

stlrman · « **Reply #2 on:** 12 Dec 2016, 10:39 pm »

Thanks, that's installed. 30,000 btu I think. Will get back on this . In Pittsburgh .
Now they are trying to fix it for free so we can have heat tonight . The fix is going slow, and he is on the phone trouble shooting.
We stayed at a hotel last night. Great free breakfast though.

Folsom · « **Reply #3 on:** 12 Dec 2016, 10:57 pm »

It's 10x less than a fresh install including vents and ducting, in some houses. But I don't really know what just a furnace costs. Im just saying you're not exactly spending a lot for HVAC needs.

syzygy · « **Reply #4 on:** 12 Dec 2016, 11:55 pm »

buy the highest efficiency unit that you can. the payback from energy savings covers the extra cost very quickly. 30k is not a large furnace, your place must be fairly compact. Hope they can get it in before the deep cold on Thursday (I'm in Pgh., too).

stlrman · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 Dec 2016, 12:07 am »

Thanks guys! Yeah , house is small.
The fix did not take. Back in a hotel for second night.

They will be back tomorrow to see if they can get the fix to take. Friday will be the full furnace install.

JLM · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 Dec 2016, 12:22 am »

Took a one day class on super energy efficient houses (R60 floor, wall, ceiling). Heat source is an electric heater the size of a hair dryer (in Michigan). Ductwork is 2 inch PVC. R14 triple glazed German windows. Double exterior doors (air lock). A single small split system air conditioning unit for the whole house. Air-to-air heat exchanger with forced ventilation needed (via bathroom exhaust/kitchen hood).

30,000 BTU sounds really small for Pittsburgh. We built a EPA 5 star house and thankfully went with a 90,000 BTU furnace when by the numbers a 60,000 BTU furnace should have been big enough (needed the bigger fan thanks to all the flex duct used).

sts9fan · « **Reply #7 on:** 13 Dec 2016, 12:32 am »

I got one of these this spring and spent 4x what you quote. Installed.
http://energykinetics.com/system2000-quietest-most-efficient-boiler/

stlrman · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 Dec 2016, 02:27 am »

Sorry it's 80,000 btu at 96 % efficiency .

JLM · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 Dec 2016, 11:05 am »

I feel better already! Great pricing.

rif · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 Dec 2016, 01:36 pm »

I purchased a new hvac unit a few years ago. My research told me that the quality of the installation is just as important as the quality and ratings of the components. Check Angie's list for reviews on the installers - it changed our choice.

Escott1377 · « **Reply #11 on:** 13 Dec 2016, 01:50 pm »

I recommend a unit w/ an ECM motor, essentially variable speed. This will allow you to have better control of humidity in the summer.

Also, I have a Carrier Infinity system @ 20 SEER. I saw a break on the electrical in the summer, but not much difference for gas in the winter w/ a 90% furnace.

The price seems fair, that size furnace is probably $800 - 900 w/ a 30% mark up and then the rest on install.

Good luck!

ctviggen · « **Reply #12 on:** 13 Dec 2016, 01:56 pm »

Quote from: Escott1377 on 13 Dec 2016, 01:50 pm

I recommend a unit w/ an ECM motor, essentially variable speed. This will allow you to have better control of humidity in the summer.

Also, I have a Carrier Infinity system @ 20 SEER. I saw a break on the electrical in the summer, but not much difference for gas in the winter w/ a 90% furnace.

The price seems fair, that size furnace is probably $800 - 900 w/ a 30% mark up and then the rest on install.

Good luck!

I'd assume it's just heat and not cooling, as many people in Pittsburgh do not have central AC. I could be wrong though.

stlrman · « **Reply #13 on:** 13 Dec 2016, 03:05 pm »

We do have central AC.

Man number 2 is there trying to temporary fix the unit until our Friday install.
I added hot/warm water to both fish tanks as the water was ice cold . No fishsicles so far.
Spending $120 a night for a motel ain't great either.

stlrman · « **Reply #14 on:** 13 Dec 2016, 05:00 pm »

Heat is running !!!

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #15 on:** 13 Dec 2016, 06:03 pm »

Good to hear you have heat!

I replaced the 15 year old inside air-handler, outside condensing unit, and line-set this summer. Basically, everything except the ductwork and thermostat. 20,000Kw heating unit, four ton A/C. It was $2400 in parts, and I did 95% of the labor myself. Cost me $300 to have a fellow attach the lines and charge it. He said he wouldn't charge it, unless he was the one to sweet the pipes.