Did I pay too much?

4 years ago

This is my first time having to replace my furnace. The old one was in fixable and over 15 yrs old. I ended up going with Bell Brothers. They recommended a Ruud R801s furnace. With installation, cutting out a new larger return, and new duct work, rerouting the condensation drip lines. Etc... it took 12 hrs for the install. I paid $7000 for all. I'm beginning to feel like I got snookered for not shopping for bids

Featured Answer

sktn77a

4 years ago

If that was just for the furnace, yes, you were ripped off. If it was for a furnace and new AC then, depending on the extend of the ductwork modifications, it could be typical.

Nevertheless, you won't get caught out like this again, will you?!

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Comments (16)

tigerdunes
4 years ago
Yes, low end 80% eff furnace...should have gotten quotes and a better furnace.

TD
Carlo Santos thanked tigerdunes
mike_home
4 years ago
A 15 year old furnace is not that old and likely could have been repaired. Was there a coil for the AC on top of the furnace? If so was the coil replaced? It sounds like this was more than a simple furnace replacement if it took 12 hours.
Carlo Santos thanked mike_home
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Josie23: Zone 5: WI
4 years ago
You should always shop for bids when you don't know much about the product. But since you already had it done, it's water under the bridge and asking us if you paid too much wont' really change anything.
Carlo Santos thanked Josie23: Zone 5: WI
Carlo Santos
Original Author
4 years ago
I appreciate all you responses. And yes, I should have known. At the time, all I wanted was to fix my unit. I've been having issues with my furnace for the past two years and finally decided to replace with a new one since the old unit had a crack in the heat exchanger. The unit was about 30 yrs old, not 15 as i previously mentioned.

After the install and payment, I had this feeling that I should have shopped around. It was my fault. As for asking this question, I anticipated your answers. In a way, this is a form of self-flagellation. This will not happen again. Also, I've discussed this with my friends and was told that Bell Brothers usually charges way more than others.

IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN!!!
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
4 years ago
7 large for a new furnace isn't bad. Relax please.
PRO
Get Back JoJo
4 years ago
nothing seems to cost leass than 10k these days!
sktn77a
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
You two are kidding, right? $7k-10k for a low end furnace is highway robbery.

I'm guessing that's what you try to charge, though.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
4 years ago
I just had my air conditioner/furnace replaced. I shopped and bought a replacement for 7K.
mike_home
4 years ago
AC and a furnace for $7K is reasonable. But not for a Rudd 80% efficiency furnace.
Elmer J Fudd
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
It depends on how much and what duct work was done. If new hard metal ducts were installed or sealed and a lot of work was done, maybe not too high. If flex duct and new AC equipment was not included, it could be on the high end.

Some of you need to remember that there are areas where higher efficiency furnaces are not economical to upgrade to, especially if put in place of an 80 percent unit and the vent runs need to be put in and the old exhaust vents sealed.

12 hours and how many workers?
mike_home
4 years ago
Is this Bell Brothers of Mather, CA?
sktn77a
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Some of you need to remember that there are areas where higher efficiency furnaces are not economical to upgrade to, especially if put in place of an 80 percent unit and the vent runs need to be put in and the old exhaust vents sealed.

True, but that should result in an easier (less expensive) replacement job than a HE furnace would be.
Carlo Santos
Original Author
4 years ago
12 hours 2 up to 3 workers. Complete duct replacement, new return vent 20x30 to replace old 3 - 6x13(?) floor returns, plug up the old return holes, re-rout AC coil condenser drain pipes. Old ones including the catch pan were leaking and overflowing (causing ceiling water damage, A new extended catwalk in the attick and expanded work platform for the new furnace. New venting on the roof. This is a 6 room duct replace.

I was a bit disappointed when I realized that I got a lower end RUUD furnace. I retained my old AC. Still working and cooling the house. Work was done by Bell Brothers (Sacramento)

Regardless, I've accepted what I've paid. My fault if paid too high. Lesson learned. I even tipped the workers $100.00. They did a great job.
Elmer J Fudd
4 years ago
Presuming that the new furnace is a proper match to the AC coil, you probably will be okay. If not, you may lose a bit of efficiency when using AC.

In the last three years, I've put in new furnaces and first time AC in two homes (a total of 3 separate systems) a bit to the south of where you are and both in more coastal locations. Both times, the contractors (different ones because of different areas involved) recommended sticking with 80% furnaces because of the short and relatively mild heating seasons we have. Your winters are a bit cooler in the Sac area but are still pretty mild compared to most of the country. I think it will work out.

Ruud is a brand of Rheem, certainly a mainstream manufacturer. If it turns out you're unhappy with the furnace, that would be a not-too-expensive option to change again down the road when it's time to replace the AC equipment.
Carlo Santos thanked Elmer J Fudd
sktn77a
4 years ago
Well, it sounds like there was a lot of additional work done on this installation. Depending on the complexity of those additional items, things may not be as bad as they seemed initially.

Did I pay too much?

sktn77a

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Did I pay too much?

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