You’re buying a new furnace, or an air conditioner. You’ve signed a contract with a local HVAC guy (we’ll call him Harry’s Plumbing & Heating) who’s got a good reputation and was recommended by your father-in-law. Then he pops the question, ‘Do you want an extended warranty on this thing?’ Obviously, Harry’s not going to give you an unbiased answer; he’s making money on each product he sells. What to do?
Which brings us to our number-one point: remember that HVAC equipment, as long as it’s made by one of the industry leaders, is pretty solid. While some 3 million homeowners have to replace their furnace or air conditioner every year, most of those machines are fairly long in the tooth. We don’t know what percentage of new units fail before they’re a year old, but we’re guessing it’s very low.
That said, there are several things you should keep in mind. Choose a good brand. You can research reviews on Angie’s List. Ask for two or three quotes from respected, licensed contractors. Read the paperwork. Does the company offer a warranty, and how extensive is it? If you are buying a unit from Goodman, for instance, it comes with a 10-year warranty. You can feel good, man, about that.
Point number two: Work with a good contractor. Ask to see his state & industry licenses and certification. Ask for references, and call them. Compare the quotes you receive. Get the guys to give you apples-to-apples comparisons (like quoting on the same system, and breaking down the quote into parts and labor).
Point number three: Make a New System resolution to have the unit serviced annually or semi-annually. Nothing stresses an air conditioner or furnace like running for years without lubrication, new filters and other essential adjustments.
If you are still nervous about your expensive new beast, consider whether the manufacturer offers an extended warranty. Carrier advertises that, on its high end units, ‘one minute could double your system’s warranty’ (by registering the appliance within 90 days or purchase).
Which brings up point number four: Don’t buy a new HVAC system simply on price. Chances are, the cheapest systems will not be the most reliable. Moreover, you will be living with this baby for 10 years or more. Operating costs will be the biggest factor on your mind as you head down the road. That little factoid right there, should be the deciding point in your purchase. Now about that warranty? Well, if you’ve read points one to four, it should be obvious. Choose a good contractor, a good system, and trust the manufacturer.