My old HEIL high effieciency unit has to be replaced due a cracked exchanger. I live in Baltimore, MD. The installer deals in Carrier and Trane. I have not had a quote yet (today sometime I hope). This is my first foray into a furnace replacement. Questions for the forums:

1) Are these brands generally reliable
2) What brand will offer me the best value for the money
3) Stick with a high efficeincy model I assume since I already have one at the house?
4) Should I get multiple estimates as long as there is no charge

Thanks,

Scott

 

Both of those brands are well known. I don't have a recommendation as to what models are good. I would get at least 3 estimates.

 

Like Pulpo mentioned.... both brands offer good products.
You may also want to check with your gas supplier to see if they are offering any rebates or packages.

Get at least two estimates and a third would be even better.

 

Yes, you should get multiple estimates, in my opinion at least five in total. Toss the highest and lowest and then select from the remaining.

Goodman is probably the best value although all manufacturers have good, better and best models. Truth is, installation is far more important than the name on the cabinet.

If you have colder or longer winters than I then yes, high efficiency is important. My area rarely sees temperatures below freezing and the really cold weather usually is from mid December to about the first of February although this year is unseasonably warm so far.

A complete heat loss calculation may b e necessary if you have an older home that has had any energy efficiency updates such as increased insulation, air sealing or new windows and/or siding. Most will not do this for an estimate but should do so after accepting the contract to ensure that a proper sized furnace is installed. Do NOT make the mistake of installing a larger than necessary furnace.

I suspect that your furnace IS oversized because that is the standard and was even more true years ago. If your furnace runs continuously on the coldest days of winter it is probably the right size. If it cycles it it too big.

Ideally, get a two-stage furnace so it will be able to run at maximum efficiency on the first stage (generally about 60% of maximum output) during normal outside temperatures and still have the necessary "oomph" for the rare extremely cold days.

Others will add to this.

 

Got the first Quote, TRANE XB90 Installed for $3,250. They also offered a TRANE XV95 with new Central A/C for $6,800 (including rebates). I may get the A/C done as well. Its at least as old as the furnace. 2 other companies coming by tomorrow. Thanks!

 

You're purchasing a part of a system, not a standalone appliance such as a toaster or a fridge.

The part has to be compatible with your house and existing air ductwork.

Brands mean almost nothing. They all heat basically the same way if sized and installed correctly.

Your job is to select a decent contractor who will select the right product for your application and budget, install it right, set it up right (most don't - they flip the switch on and leave), and be there to fix it under warranty if it breaks down.

You have to know what you're looking for -> stage stage vs two stage vs modulating, blower motor type, etc before calling a contractor.

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XV95 needs a two stage thermostat to be used to it's potential. Also can't be oversized - otherwise it will function much like a smaller single stage furnace.

 

Thanks for all the info. One last question. I do not have the new refrigerant in my system. Some bids include replacing refrigerant lines while others do not. What is the proper procedure? Thanks.

 

With a new system I would want the new lines. One less issue to worry about.

 

One other suggestion ---- have you checked your heat exchanger warranty with Heil? I was thinking they are warranted for something like 25 years. For what it's worth, my mother has a Heil condensing furnace and she's had to replace three heat exchangers since she had it installed (a bit less than 20 years ago). To say I'm not sold on Heil is an understatement! As for brands, both Carrier and Trane are old line, respected companies, so I don't think you have any worries with either brand. Most important factor is the install ---- as the other posters have mentioned.

When I had my new system installed in 2006, the installer chose to flush and reuse my old refrigerant lines, and I haven't had any issues. They said it would be another $400 for new lines, and since the lines ran above a finished ceiling, I think they were a bit concerned about putting in new lines. All things considered, new is probably better, but there are times when flushing and reusing the existing lines is acceptable

 

I checked the Heil warranty. 20 years on the exchanger and of course the furnace was installed in 1993. I am not the original owner. Refrigerant lines are accessible in the crawlspace. I am going to consider replacing them. One less thing to worry about I guess. Thanks to all of you for the addvice!