The $11,000 price tag on a new oil furnace sent one Connecticut homeowner to Reddit for advice. The salesperson offering the replacement said the existing unit was 33 years old and that it should be upgraded.

One commenter, however, suggested the equipment could be just at "midlife."

Here's what to know

The offer would no longer be available when another service provider could come out to inspect the furnace, the original poster said in r/hvacadvice. 

The burner had been replaced, but the homeowner wasn't sure how old the furnace itself was.

"We don't know anything about HVAC, and it's a lot of money to stumble blindly," they wrote.

A commenter who said they were an independent oil technician praised the Thermo Pride equipment, saying, "At 33 years it's just at midlife unless you found some way to abuse it."

For homeowners weighing replacement of old or inefficient equipment, Palmetto can help explain HVAC options and reduce energy bills with new, more efficient HVACs and heat pumps. Palmetto's Comfort Plan network can help you find efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home and connect with vetted installers.

More background

The homeowner said they couldn't make out any cracks in the service provider's photograph of the equipment's inner roof. Their usual oil supplier did not have a service opening until February, so they had gotten another company to visit.

Several commenters questioned whether replacing the unit would improve efficiency. "Oil furnaces are just oil burners," one commenter said, adding, "They are all stuck around 80% [efficiency]."

Upgrading heating and cooling technology is one of the best ways to save on utility bills and protect against rising energy prices, but those benefits can depend on whether the homeowner goes with another oil-burning furnace or uses new technology.

What can be done?

Users recommended an evaluation by an oil-heating specialist.

The self-described technician recommended a new return-air filter along with a fuel-filter change and a routine service check.

For homeowners who want the latest heating technology but aren't ready to spend up front, Palmetto's Comfort Plan includes $0 down options that can lower heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. Palmetto Comfort Plans also include 12 years of maintenance.

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"Get a second opinion from someone who specializes in oil burners," one commenter said, while another argued: "What do you gain from holding off one year? Prices will be higher."

Where can I learn more?

These stories cover disputed diagnoses, recommendations for testing, and quote comparisons.

• A homeowner received a $14,000 furnace replacement pitch over a rusty bolt, then heard it was "fine."

• A 34-year-old furnace kept working, but HVAC pros said the heat exchanger was the real test.

• Furnace quotes ran $2,000 higher for a variable option, leaving a homeowner weighing comfort against savings.

• A Philadelphia homeowner received a $4,900 furnace quote after CO testing, but technicians urged further testing.

• A Connecticut homeowner received a $25,000 HVAC quote, then priced equipment for both systems at $15,000.

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