replacing furnace in NJ - go with utility?

[NJhomelady]

My local utility told me I needed to replace our umpteen-plus-year-old furnace; I got an estimate from a local contractor for 80
% and 95% AFUE Carrier models. I also got an estimate from the utility for a York Latitude 80% model. Someone told me I would be better off going with the utility because "they know what they are doing" and "they pay all the permit fees." I also looked up the model numbers and saw a class action lawsuit (settled) regarding the high-efficiency Carrier model. I'm a little paralyzed: I just want a furnace that will work and don't want too many surprises. Got any suggestions? Questions I should be asking?

[gary_g]

Get 3 additonal quotes from reputable contractors for a good comparison.

Make sure the scope of work and all model numbers are on the quote.

Good luck.

[Thebil Illpay]

I'd ask what is the payback time on the difference between the 80% and 95% AFUE furnaces. As you are considering either possible efficiency options, the choice obviously does not boil down to enviromental concerns. There is no great fault in that.

[mike_home]

One of my neighbors received a quote from PSE&G last year. She described the people who did the estimate as not knowing what they were doing. She went with a local Carrier dealer.

There are many good installers through out New Jersey. Get at least three quotes. Were are you located? I can recommend a Carrier Factory Authorized dealer in central New Jersey who did my installation last month.

[sktn77a]

I don't think most Utilities actually do the install. In most places, they are like Home Depot - they send a local contractor to your house.

[NJhomelady]

I'm located in Morris County.

[NJhomelady]

sorry - replied to the wrong message. I'm in Morris County

[ascj]

I don't think most Utilities actually do the install. In most places, they are like Home Depot - they send a local contractor to your house.

PSE&G does there own work. They are hit and miss with quality of installation. To me it's not worth the gamble.

Also I don't know any contractors in that area that I would recommend, sorry.

[croft1972]

PSEG installs themselves. I do know they charge alot higher them most contractors. They do finance, but so do some contractors. Just do your homework and get other quotes.

[comfortdoc]

Compare PSE&G prices with reputable contractors. You will find them noticeably higher and the work I've seen has not been top notch.

[n-e-w Jerz!]

Utilities are a bunch of jabronie's!

[smadave]

I'm a HVAC contractor in NJ and I am familiar with the utilities, but most familiar with NJR. They do have their own in house (union) installers. They tend to be more expensive than most but they do an adequate job. I do believe you can get a better job for less money if you just look around. You will find that others "know what they are doing" as well and can offer you everything the utilities offer and usually more. Don't be fooled by a contractor that pays for the permits....believe me, its worked into the price. You are paying for it. If I could give you one piece of advise, it would be not to get all caught up in the brand. Whats most important is the installation. The people coming into your home. That's what matters. There's no magical list of things to look for or ask. But ask yourself, do you feel comfortable with this contractor, did they answer all of your questions, do they address your needs, do they consider your budget? A previous poster offered some good advise, get a few more estimates, if your still not satisfied, get some more. Eventually someone will walk through your door and make you feel comfortable enough to sign on the dotted line.

Hope this helps...

Dave

[key1cc]

The answer to this question is not as straight forward as it may appear. I live in central new Jersey and had a new HVAC system installed about a year ago. Of my 5 estimates PSE&G was the most expensive which is why they try to push "just add it to your PSE&G bill". I agree installation is most important but I don't agree that because the salesman seems knowledgable that you will get a good installation. I selected my HVAC company based on the salesmen\installer who initially came to my home and said all the right things. When it came to the installation two different guys showed up and did a less than adequate installation which ultimately drove me to this website. The guys were fantastic people and very pleasant...just not well trained on the new Trane equipment or basic install good practices.

My advice is to get a referal from neighbors who actually are completely satisfied with there recent installs. I would ask them simple questions like is the temperature even throughout the home, is it very noisey airflow through the ducts, etc..

I also reccomend you get everything in writing including the model numbers of all equipment and post it here for feedback.

Also, from what I can tell I think the "external static pressure" test is one of the most important, revealing, yet overlooked test that can be performed...and it is very easy to do. I could not reccomend any company that does not want to or know how to run this very simple 5 minute (max) test on your new equipment as well as your current equipment.

Key1

[gary_g]

Utilities are a bunch of jabronie's!

Now there's a word I haven't heard in a while - "Jabronies" :)