Having to replace your furnace is a major expense. Depending on the type of furnace, the size, and how efficient it is, you’ll likely need to spend at least $1,500. If you want a high-efficiency furnace or you have a larger home, this number could easily rise to $6,000 or $7,000. And this is just for the furnace itself as you will also need to pay additional costs for the installation. The fact that a new furnace is such a huge investment makes many people question whether they can save money by buying a used furnace instead. In short, yes, you can probably save a bit of money by buying a new furnace. Also, no, you probably shouldn’t buy a used furnace, and here are the reasons why.
You’ll Have a Hard Time Finding Someone to Install It
One of the very first reasons why you shouldn’t consider buying a used furnace is that you’ll struggle to find any reputable, licensed HVAC contractor to install it. Licensed HVAC professionals generally never install or work on used equipment as it is simply too risky. Insurance requirements mean that a licensed contractor is liable for any damage to your home or equipment that occurs during or as a result of their work. No reputable contractor will want to take the risk of installing used equipment since there are too many potential problems that could arise.
This means that if you do buy a used furnace, you’ll need to hire a handyman or someone else to install it. Furnaces and HVAC systems are extremely complex, and a whole lot can go wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing. Having anyone but a licensed contractor install, repair, or service your furnace can potentially make it unsafe to operate or damage your furnace or other HVAC equipment. In this situation, you might end up spending far more than you would have if you had just bought a new furnace in the first place.
New Furnaces Come With a Warranty
Another reason why you should always buy a new furnace is that it will come with a warranty. Most manufacturers provide a 10-year limited parts warranty and up to a 20-year warranty on the heat exchanger. In addition, a licensed HVAC contractor will also provide a one- or two-year installation warranty. These warranties are extremely important as they ensure that you won’t have to foot the bill if your furnace suffers from any problems unrelated to normal wear and tear.
There are many used furnace and AC retailers that sell refurbished equipment, and many of them do offer a one-year limited warranty. However, most of these will still only refund you a fraction of the purchase price if the equipment fails within the first year. Some furnace repairs can cost several hundred dollars or more. This means that you could easily end up spending more on repairs than you save by buying a used furnace instead of a new one.
You Have No Guarantee of What You’re Getting
Even if you buy a used furnace from a certified reseller, there is still really no way to know exactly what you’re getting and how long it will last. Furnaces only have a limited lifespan, but this is generally determined by how much the furnace is used more than its age. With proper maintenance and service, a new furnace should last for anywhere from 15 to 20 years. However, furnaces in colder climates or those that run constantly may not last nearly as long. Even if you buy a used furnace that is only five years old, there is still no way to guarantee how long it will last.
The same is also true if the furnace hasn’t been properly maintained. Maintenance is essential for preventing problems and keeping the furnace working as efficiently as it should. It is impossible to tell how well a furnace has been maintained, which means you could quickly run into issues that need to be repaired. You may also end up spending far more to heat your home than you would with a new furnace, which can quickly negate any money you saved on the initial cost.
Professional Furnace Installation and More
With nearly 25 years of experience serving customers in Vancouver, WA and the surrounding areas, Northwest HVAC Heating & Cooling is the one to trust for all of your residential heating needs. We are a certified Coleman Comfort Expert company, and we also carry furnaces and other HVAC equipment from top brands like Ruud and Goodman. Our expert HVAC technicians also specialize in air conditioning and ductless mini-splits. For more information on your options for a new furnace, contact Northwest HVAC Heating & Cooling today.
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