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Time for a new furnace

DaveNay

DaveNay

Klaatu barada nikto
It's time to replace the 35 year old oil burner furnace in our house. I am planning to switch from oil to propane because I can't get a 93% AFUE furnace in oil. The local dealer with the best reputation in the area was out this morning to quote the full package deal. Furnace, humidifier, electronic air cleaner and central air. He is quoting me a Goodman furnace, however I have never heard of this manufacturer. From what I can find online, they seem to offer a good quality product in the mid range of the market. They also have a quite extensive warranty.

Does anyone have any experience with Goodman? Murph?

The same dealer offers Rheem, but I am sure the cost difference will be significant.
 
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My 11-12 year old Heat Pump is a Goodman. It's still hanging in there despite the abuse and neglect the previous owners heaped on it.

The guy that services my Heat Pump said he was putting a Goodman Heat Pump in his own house because of the good parts warranty (he obviously doesn't pay for service).

I think you pegged it. Good mid-range product with a good warranty.
 
I'm in the process of building a new home and have decided on the same heat ( hot air by propane ). I just put in two Goodman Furnaces in the new house and one where I live now. I have a cousin who is tops in the field and recommended the brand. My son in law, who installed them for me also says they are a good unit and has never had any serious problems with the ones he has installed. I had never heard of the brand but I guess it's well known in the trade.
Mine were put in last fall and have done well this past winter.
So far so good.
 
Goodman is well known in the trade. They are known as the least expensive equipment you can by.

Goodman owns Amana.

Make sure you get a labor warranty as well. 10 year parts means nothing without it. I think the heat exchanger is 20 year or limited lifetime. You would be surprised what labor can cost you (that limited lifetime heat exchanger may mean you get the heat exchanger at no charge, but you pay for them take the old exchanger out and the new one in, which may not be cheap).

Equipment is only as good as the instal. Put in any "line" right, chances are you won't have a problem. Put it in wrong, and you will think it's crap.

There is a 93 plus condensing oil furnace on the market, and if Murph remembers that Dornback, he'll think that any 90 plus oil furnace is a piece of crap. Only have one of the new ones installed up in Boone (over 2000' elevation), been running fine for four years now. They are however, VERY expensive. Forgot to mention, have talked to a guy in Canada who has put a bunch of these furnaces in, he hasn't had an issue as well.

Why a 93%? Why not just a 90%? Is it variable speed?

Remember, the contractor is the most important factor. If this guy (contractor) has a good reputation, the Goodman system should perform just fine, because if it didn't, he (the contractor) would make it right.
 
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I don't know anything about Goodman, but if they own Amana and manufacturer them like they do the Amana brand, you'll be happy.

I would like to propose you look more into the humidifier. I've been told that they do work, but they have a tendency of generating mold in the first 10-15 feet of the ductwork. I was going to get one but the owner of the company that was installing it talked me out of it. A friend that's certified in mold remediation confirmed it.
 
bczoom said:
I've been told that they do work, but they have a tendency of generating mold in the first 10-15 feet of the ductwork.
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Hmmm... I have not heard this. I don't know anyone with this problem, but then again I don't think too many people go around peeking inside their ducts. This definitely warrants more research.

dzalphakilo said:
Make sure you get a labor warranty as well.

Why a 93%? Why not just a 90%? Is it variable speed?

Remember, the contractor is the most important factor.
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The contractor definitely has a good reputation, and provides a labor warranty along with the job.

Yes, the furnace is variable speed. I would like to go with the 93% to maximize fuel efficiency, and I'm also not sure of the condition of the flue lining, so abandoning my chimney sounds like a good plan IMHO. The 93% also qualifies for a $300 tax credit.
 
DaveNay said:
Yes, the furnace is variable speed. I would like to go with the 93% to maximize fuel efficiency, and I'm also not sure of the condition of the flue lining, so abandoning my chimney sounds like a good plan IMHO. The 93% also qualifies for a $300 tax credit.
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If I remember correctly, and I could be wrong, the website is energystar.gov (which I haven't checked in awhile).

The furance only qualifies as a tax credit if the furnace is 95% or greater AFUE, and then, it's only $150

For you A/C system, I think if it's heat pump, it needs to be at least 14 SEER (I forget what the HSPF rating has to be, WHICH is important), and if it's A/C, the A/C needs to be at least 15 SEER on it's rating (this is where you get your $300).

I don't follow the goverment, and don't deal with homeowners for the most part, so I could be incorrect, but this was the spec's for the last builder I had to deal with. I'd like to say your tax accountant would know better, but my CPA had no clue when I asked him to verify my facts.

If your HVAC contractor told you this, either it's gospel, or I would wonder where he's getting information.
 
I also have to ask, is the system under a one year labor wrty (which is standard for all HVAC contractors in N.C) or is it greater?

Whenever the labor wrty expires, ask him how much is would cost to replace either the gas valve, ignition board or pressure switch. This will give you an idea of what the labor wrty will cover.
 
dzalphakilo said:
I also have to ask, is the system under a one year labor wrty (which is standard for all HVAC contractors in N.C) or is it greater?

Whenever the labor wrty expires, ask him how much is would cost to replace either the gas valve, ignition board or pressure switch. This will give you an idea of what the labor wrty will cover.
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One year. I will add those questions to the list after I receive his quote.
 
DaveNay said:
One year. I will add those questions to the list after I receive his quote.
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Again, one year is standard (at least in N.C). Most equipment, if there is an issue with manufacturer "standards", will become apparent within 120 days, and then the contractor is covered by the manufacturer. It's the second to ten year that is important, particularly with labor.

If you do a web search for Goodman furnaces, you should come up with a bunch of hits. Those sites should (at least the last time I checked) show you how much an extended labor wrty will cost with each piece of equipment.

Show these sites to your contractor. He will love you.
 
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