Yikes! Furnace inspection.

athenian · ‎03-18-2012

We have a yearly furnance inspection with the company that put our gas furnance in 17 years ago. Normally they turn it, inspect, tweak if needed and leave. This year, as usual, the furnance is fine, should last for at least 10 more years. But he said our thermostat is wearing out and he could replace it for $300 with one that is not programable because "we won't use it." I put in our current thermostat, which seems to be working fine, and it is programable.

And he told us our water heater is at the end of its life (it's 12 years old) and he could replace it for $3000. The water heater was not put in by them, and isn't part of the inspection. It was a pretty hard sell. Of course we just said we would think about it.

I am calling the office to let them know I did not appreciate the inspection turning into a sales pitch. I don't want to change companies because they are the best in town and their work is first rate. Has this happened to you?

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

You can always tell when service people work on commission, can't you? I'd call and complain too.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

software · ‎06-08-2016

Yes, all the time with everything!

I had my oil changed recently and they wanted to "service" my battery for $12. What??? I can buy a can of spray for about $6 and clean the terminals myself.

Sometimes you can get a free water heater if changing from gas to electric.

I feel sorry for people who fall for these up-sells.

@athenian wrote:
We have a yearly furnance inspection with the company that put our gas furnance in 17 years ago. Normally they turn it, inspect, tweak if needed and leave. This year, as usual, the furnance is fine, should last for at least 10 more years. But he said our thermostat is wearing out and he could replace it for $300 with one that is not programable because "we won't use it." I put in our current thermostat, which seems to be working fine, and it is programable.

And he told us our water heater is at the end of its life (it's 12 years old) and he could replace it for $3000. The water heater was not put in by them, and isn't part of the inspection. It was a pretty hard sell. Of course we just said we would think about it.

I am calling the office to let them know I did not appreciate the inspection turning into a sales pitch. I don't want to change companies because they are the best in town and their work is first rate. Has this happened to you?

minkbunny · ‎03-09-2010

Wehad a new digital thermostat installed (purchased from them) last week for $100 total, Had a new 40 gal hot water tank installed - the installer went to our local Sears, picked up the new tank, took out the old tank and all that involved - installed the new one - all for just a few hundred dollars. Can't remember how much but it was a very good deal. $3,000 would be crazy unless it was some crazy high tech model or something. We had it installed last Spring and the guy came Saturday and drained it and checked everything (for free). Love living in this town.

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

@athenian wrote:
We have a yearly furnance inspection with the company that put our gas furnance in 17 years ago. Normally they turn it, inspect, tweak if needed and leave. This year, as usual, the furnance is fine, should last for at least 10 more years. But he said our thermostat is wearing out and he could replace it for $300 with one that is not programable because "we won't use it." I put in our current thermostat, which seems to be working fine, and it is programable.

And he told us our water heater is at the end of its life (it's 12 years old) and he could replace it for $3000. The water heater was not put in by them, and isn't part of the inspection. It was a pretty hard sell. Of course we just said we would think about it.

I am calling the office to let them know I did not appreciate the inspection turning into a sales pitch. I don't want to change companies because they are the best in town and their work is first rate. Has this happened to you?

Thermostats don't gradually wear out - they just die when it's their time.

PINKdogWOOD · ‎05-13-2010

We had a new gas hot water tank installed a year ago. We discovered a small leak coming from underneath the tank. When the two guys came to check it out, the lead guy spent time with me talking about the best & worst, cost factors, how log they last these days etc. He was very informative, knew/knows his stuff.

As the old one was unreparable of course we got a new one. The last one last longer that my guy thought it should/would so we got good years out of it (about 10). He said that's about it - 7-10 years. Both guys came back about a week later, did all they needed to do ie drained the old one, installed the new one filled it which took minutes (I was amazed at that), all for $1200.00. ANd yeah, it's a good one, 30 gallons I believe for 2 people. They took out a 40 gal which replaced a 10 gal all copper one.

I'd be curious as to why your furnace guy looked at your water tank. DId you ask him to or did he just 'offer info'? What does he know about water tanks?

I think I'd also check around with one or two more companies about your furnace thermostat if you can - a 2nd opinion is most times good to have.

Scooby Doo · ‎03-14-2010

Thermostats are easy to change and takes just a few minutes. A nonprogrammable one shouldn't cost $300.

Twelve years is at the end life of a water heater. It will probably start leaking and the bottom will rust out very soon. I would change that as soon as possible. I had the same problem a couple of years ago. Mine rusted out and flooded the basement. I had to dry out the drywall and change the carpeting because of the water mess. I had a handyman do the work and the total cost was under $500, but he didn't strap it and make it earthquake proof. Next time it will probably cost me $1000.

queendiva · ‎03-12-2010

@software: Always upsell at the car dealership!

My car is still under warranty. Had a covered service done recently. Tried to upsell a change in the carbon cabin filter to rid my car of that "unpleasant" smell. The only thing I smell when entering my car is leather and there's nothing unpleasant about that! Of course, that was a service that was not covered under the warranty.

athenian · ‎03-18-2012

Thanks for all your good advice. I just had the plumber, for another problem, and he agreed we should replace the water heater. His company will get the business. I'll have to check on earthquake straps; we're in the New Madrid fault zone.

I checked on Amazon, and the cost of the newer model of our thermostat is $69.

I think the furnace company has been sold, as they now have offices in other towns.

momtochloe · ‎11-03-2013

@athenian wrote:
Thanks for all your good advice. I just had the plumber, for another problem, and he agreed we should replace the water heater. His company will get the business. I'll have to check on earthquake straps; we're in the New Madrid fault zone.

I checked on Amazon, and the cost of the newer model of our thermostat is $69.

I think the furnace company has been sold, as they now have offices in other towns.

@athenian I have been blessed with a wonderful HVAC company for decades. They do great work and never cheat anyone. I am happy that the owner is training his nephew to take over when he retires as he is just a pleasure to be around.

They have also been helpful in helping me find other trade's people (like electricians) as they all kind of know what's what and who does good quality work. If you have a tradesman that you trust and have a good relationship with you could try giving them a call for a recommendation.