Just twenty minutes after one Wisconsin homeowner approved a $1,900 furnace repair, they were given a strange $19,000 replacement pitch.
Here's what to know
The homeowner shared their story on Reddit in r/HVACAdvice to see if they were being taken for a ride.
The initial repair plan called for a new inducer motor and a fix for a condensation leak at the collector box. The original poster said the failed unit was a 2006, 115,000-BTU furnace.
"I understand that it's 20 years old but that [$19,000 quote] seems ridiculous," the OP wrote.
During the initial maintenance visit, the company's airflow measurements — 1,115 to 1,700 cubic feet per minute — were below the 2,000 it said the furnace required. According to the OP, the company proceeded to raise concerns about the ductwork after the repairs had been approved.
Even the motor's role in the breakdown came into question as the company began doubting its earlier diagnosis.
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More background
Fixing both the ductwork and the motor would not be worth the expense, the company allegedly argued, saying inadequate airflow would strain the replacement motor. The OP, meanwhile, described the 4,000-square-foot Wisconsin house as warm and comfortable throughout the time they had lived there.
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Commenters overwhelmingly advocated for the OP to get more quotes.
One suggested, "Let the other company come take a look. Don't tell them what the other company said. See what the final report is."
"This, and after the second company comes out, have a third come and look," another person added.
Some commenters also recommended small, locally owned HVAC businesses as a way to broaden the search.
If replacement proves appropriate, upgrading heating and cooling is one of the best ways to save on utility bills and protect against rising energy prices. For homeowners not ready to spend up front, Palmetto's Comfort Plan includes $0-down HVAC subscription options that can lower heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. Palmetto Comfort Plans also include 12 years of free maintenance.
Where can I learn more?
Other homeowners have also questioned steep furnace and HVAC quotes before agreeing to the work.
• A homeowner received a $14,000 furnace replacement pitch over a rusty bolt, then heard it was fine.
• In Philadelphia, a homeowner received a $4,900 furnace quote after CO testing; technicians urged further checks.
• Furnace quotes differed by $2,000, leaving a homeowner to weigh comfort against savings.
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