Originally Posted by
motoguy128
larger furnace don't cost much more (maybe 1% if that on the total install price for each size increment), but most csutomers have become accustomed to pushing the thermostst and feeling instant heat, not a slow steady even heat. Some homeowners (I think they are weird) are so used to oversized units that they like the noise, woosh and rush of hot air.... it's comforting or something. IF it's 0F outside and a furance barely keeps up or takes 2-3 hours ot raise the tmep 1-2F, then many woudl think something is wrong and call a contractor.
Depending on where you live and construction, its might not be too far off. Home construction makes a big difference. If my home was Victorian stick frame it might need 100k or more. But being stucco and 1920 arts and crafts and well construction using more modern building techniques plus good storm windows, it's a lot better off.
You sure it takes only 45 minutes to change? He may have a 1 hour minimum as well or a minimum service charge just to show up. He may have to pick up the parts, travel to your house, he has tools, equipment insurance (health, workmans comp, liability), training and should gurantee the installation of that component. He also has a building, inventory costs, and maybe he doesn't like to mark-up the parts, but charger a little more for labor.
Investigate starting you own business and see how much you'd have to charge per hour assuming you can fill a full 40 hour work week.
For my workplace a HVAC contractor can also add on tiem for safety training, time needed to get work permits signed.
Don't forget, all those competitive bids, then may be free to you, but it's still someone's time to come to your home and put them together. All that gets rolled into overhead, whcih gets spread over an hourly rate. I find that smaller shops are often more reasonable for that reason. Less overhead.