Looking to get new A/C & furnace. What option would be cheaper?

Question

Would it be cheaper to buy an A/C unit and furnace from a HVAC company I plan on having installing it?

OR

Would it be cheaper to buy the A/C unit and furnace myself online from an online wholesaler and have a HVAC company install it?

I will be purchasing a home that is 20 years old (1600sq ft) and the furnace is original to the house and the A/C unit is from 2001. I am planning for the worst and would like to know which option would be cheaper.

Answer 1

Linda R is correct up to a point.



You can research different types of furnaces and air conditioners online.



Compare the ratings of the different units but try to get the ratings from independent sources, NOT the manufacturers.



Read the following:



==============================================



Selecting contractors:



1/ Look up local contractors first. work out from the closest to your location. If someone you trust has had work done

similar to yours, ask them about the contractor they used. If they were completely satisfied with their

contractor(s), ask for their telephone number.



2/ Select at least 5 your are interested



3/ Do a google/yahoo search on each of the contractors you are interested in; look for praises (check who is writing the praises to see if they have any connection to

the contractor google/yahoo search the people giving the praise or references)



4/ When you are satisfied with at least 3 contractors per job, have them give you written estimates with details of work

to be done, terms, guarantee(s), cost of extras (how much do they charge if they find something not covered by the contract), paymant schedules if necessary and

whatever else you can think of to protect yourself.



5/ If the contractor tries to pressure you into signing the contract immediately with a high deposit (more than 15% - deposits over 10% normally are not paid untill material is delivered and left at your site) reject that contractor. Be careful, high pressure can be someone who sounds very convincing, but has

many reasons why you should sign on the dotted line NOW.



6/ It is always good to have another adult with you when a contractor inspects the work to be done.



7/ If you do not get at least 3 written estimates signed by the contractor - not you (do not sign yet) , go back to 1. repeat until you get written estimates signed by the contractor - not you (do not sign yet).



Read the estimates over with some who has some knowledge of the work that has to be done.



This may take longer than you thought; do not rush into it. Research, research, and more research helps.



When you are ready choose by being informed.



Good Luck

Answer 2

NEVER do this on-line. Call a local HVAC business and discuss this with them.

Answer 3

http://adf.ly/m0AGF heres a link to a site with information about that . just skip the ad and it will redirect you. hope this helps :)

Answer 4

It is your home. Cheapest is not always better. Look for the contractor that offers to seal your duct system, perform a blower door test and replace your equipment.