ISO Furnace Replacement Advice

[Anonymous]

Our exterior compressor/condenser was damaged beyond repair, so we need to replace it.

Since freon is banned in new installations, we also have to replace the evaporator, aka, coil, in our furnace and the line from the compressor to the coil.

We have been advised by a friend in the know that this job is so major that we might as well spring for a whole new furnace. This argument becomes even more compelling given the recent advances in high-efficiency furnaces, which could reduce our gas bill substantially in the winter.

The furnace we have now is a Carrier and looks to be at around 20 years old. (I can't read the model number or serial number off the plate on the furnace.)

We're looking for advice from those of you who have upgraded or considered upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace. Which furnace did you install? Why? Who did the installation? (We live in DC near AU.) Were you happy with the service? Was there something you wish you had done differently?

How did you comparison shop? Did you pick a make and model and call around to see how much local HVAC companies would charge? Did you just have them come over and give you an estimate on whatever they thought was appropriate?

Thanks

[Anonymous]

We got a new furnace this past winter. I will try to remember to look up the make and model when I get home. We did get two estimates (again, I'm sorry I don't know the companies but we got names of good companies from the Checkbook website). We did not have a specific brand/model in mind. The representatives just came to the house and they each gave us estimates for both a mid-efficiency unit and higher efficiency unit. Each representative had a particular brand they worked with. We also had them give us a quote on adding a humidifier.

We have no complaints. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't notice a bigger difference with having the humidifer (in the winter months).

[Anonymous]

We bought a new home and had to replace the furnace. I met/interviewed 3 different companies and learned a lot in the process about efficiency and how much return we'd see on our investment. We ended up with a company in Gaithersburg called Diversified. We worked with Chuck, who is an owner. They do commercial and residential work. We are happy with their work and their service. Various other trades people who have been in our house have commented that they did a nice job.

http://www.diversifiedhvac.com/
7615-L Rickenbacker Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]

good luck