Furnace issues

[moolarkey]

So we're in Ohio and it turned cold on Saturday. Early Saturday evening I noticed the house was getting cold, I mentioned to H that he should turn the furnace on. Well the blower came on but no heat. H can usually fix anything and he could tell something in the controller wasn't letting the gas come on.
Sunday he looked at it some more, determined he couldn't fix it. Our neighbor owns a company that fixes heat & ac. He called them, told them what he'd done to diagnose the problem.

They sent a guy out for $90, he confirmed H's diagnoses and told him he'd get price quotes and back to us today. Around noon H texts me:

$1110 to repair our 20 year old furnace
$2350 to replace our 20 year old furnace with an exact duplicate, including model number.

Are they kidding me? $1110 to fix or $2350 for 20 year old technology?

H watched the repair check out the furnace, used his iphone to get a picture of the controller board that needs replaced. By doing this he got the part number.

He used the part number to order the bad part for $151 plus $45 for overnight shipping. $196 for repairs by H vs $1110 to repairman for service.

[takeonyou]

:Y:

[thinkofthesoldiers]

I don't see what your point is. So you found a way to patch up your old furnace without paying that much? Okay.

[moolarkey]

I posted it because I was just stunned by how much the repairman wanted in order to fix it. If we can get the part, including overnight shipping for $196, I'd think they get it for less. I realize they would have some mark-up so even if it cost $200 from them, I can't see $900 in labor. H took the furnace apart to night in about 30 minutes. It's now ready for the new part and he anticipates it taking 30 minutes or less to put in the new part.

I just can't see $900 in labor. I think that's outrageous. Maybe everyone else thinks $900 is a fair price for the labor.

[pitterwoo]

wonderful! way to save a ton. I'm sure you are looking forward to being warm again.

[heygrey]

Nov 26, 2012 22:35:49 GMT -5 thinkofthesoldiers said:

I don't see what your point is. So you found a way to patch up your old furnace without paying that much? Okay.

You are on mm correct? Saving money is the point.

[pamela]

I wish DH was that go-getter about fixing things! Way to go.

And yes, they get to charge an outrageous premium because it's something most people don't have a clue about.

[takeonyou]

They charge it because they can and because businesses have overhead. Insurance, license, advertising, health benefits, vehicle upkeep, tools and diagnostic equipment, etc. Of course it is cheaper for you to do it yourself. You are paying for the convenience and expertise of a professional.

[Deleted]

Nov 27, 2012 8:53:08 GMT -5 takeonyou said:

They charge it because they can and because businesses have overhead. Insurance, license, advertising, health benefits, vehicle upkeep, tools and diagnostic equipment, etc. Of course it is cheaper for you to do it yourself. You are paying for the convenience and expertise of a professional.

Agreed. I would never allow my DH to fix a gas furnace because he would probably blow up our house. I would gladly pay a professional who has knowledge of that sort of thing.

BUT...if your DH has the ability to do such repairs, that's awesome and quite the money saver.

[moolarkey]

It's been working perfectly ever since he fixed it!

[lys]

You might want to consider replacing your furnace with a more energy efficient one. A 20 year old furnace is an energy hog.
Replacing it with the same furnace is not helping you much.
Congratus on DH's ability to fix the furnace without spending more than needed.

[lys]

You might want to consider replacing your furnace with a more energy efficient one. A 20 year old furnace is an energy hog.
Replacing it with the same furnace is not helping you much.
Congratus on DH's ability to fix the furnace without spending more than needed.