If you're eyeing a new furnace for you home, you have probably realized that there are a large number of factors that affect the total cost of a furnace and its installation. If buying your furnace isn't an emergency, take a look at the following steps to see what you can do to get the best possible price for your new furnace.
Double-Check What Size You Need
When looking for a new furnace, don't just replace your old one with a similar model. Many furnaces and air conditioners are too big for the homes they're installed in. Figure out the square footage of your home, then find out what size furnace you need for that area. There's a chance you might need a smaller furnace than ones you've been looking at, and that could mean a big drop in price.
Buy During the Off-Season
Furnaces aren't the same price year round, and neither is labor. If you have the option to wait, buy a furnace during spring or fall. Demand is low, so prices are low, and there may also be many extra coupons and sales to help stores and companies get rid of old inventory. Summer doesn't count as the off-season because many contractors are also in the air-conditioning business, which means summer is also a very busy time for them.
In addition, many homeowners buy a new furnace when their old one breaks, which means they're paying emergency labor prices during a time when demand is high. During the off-season, contractors aren't replacing and repairing furnaces nearly as often, so this is the best time to buy.
Get Multiple Estimates
Even with all this in mind, it's still best to shop around. However, you should shop around for contractors just as you do for the furnaces themselves; they can give you competitive labor prices, and thoroughly searching is also the best way to find the most qualified contractors with the highest ratings. If you find some you like, give them a call and ask questions, but be sure to get everything in writing. Start contacting contractors such as Advanced Air Heating & Cooling Services now so that you can get plenty of quotes.
Look for Rebates and Tax Deductions
Depending on where you live, your state or the manufacturer you purchase from might offer rebate and tax-deduction options for buying an energy-efficient furnace. If you don't immediately see an option available, don't worry; you can ask the manufacturer or your contractor for recommendations. These rebates can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars, so definitely do your homework here.
The efficiency of a unit is also important when it comes to cost. Make sure you pay attention to the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is, and this can save you plenty in the long term.
Look at Maintenance Contracts
Maintenance contracts offer annual tune-up and repair services for a flat fee. This may not always seem necessary for a brand-new unit, but it may be worth looking into, especially if the seller offers a discount if you sign up with said contract. Consult a buyer's guide for maintenance contracts to see if one would be right for you, and be sure to read the fine print before signing up for anything.
Share19 August 2016
Can furnace repairs be made by the average DIYer? If you know a little about what you are doing, is it possible to avoid the expense of having a professional come out to take care of any problems that you are having? My blog is all about furnace safety and repair. You will learn a few things that you can do on your own and advice for when to call in the professional repair technician to assist with the repairs. By the time you reach the end, you will have a better understanding of what you can and should not do on your own.
