I figured I need to get three quotes on supplying and installing a new gas furnace and new AC unit. I'm dealing with licensed people only. Permits will be pulled. No funny business. I do not want my house to burn down.

Guy #1. I got his name from the gas company. A tank removal place also recommended him. His family has been in the plumbing business for years. However, most of this work is not plumbing work, he's "got a guy" who will do most of the install of the furnace and the AC unit. He'll do the piping/plumbing.

His price is right around what I expected to spend, and it's not a firm price.....should be between "X" and "X."

BUT he was not all that professional, kind of looked around the basement and outside at the current AC unit. He didn't take measurements, didn't show up in a company vehicle....just not what I expected.

Guy #2 Was recommended by my usual plumber to my son when he needed some work on his gas furnace. He showed up in a well kept company truck, took out his tape measure, took measurements, made notes, and looked around the AC unit. He'll call with a price. I have the feeling his price will be higher than Guy #1

Guy #3 I called the plumber we've used for 25+ years. Nice guy, professional, NEAT worker and his truck is always clean. I told him what I wanted and he said he'd get his thoughts together and get back to me. For all I know he may recommend guy #2, or he may want the work to contract it out himself, or have another suggestion. If he contacts Guy #2 at least they know I'm shopping this out...

So how do you choose who gets your business. I trust the plumber he's done plenty of work here and didn't steer me wrong suggesting a contractor for kitchen and bath. So do you go by reputation, word of mouth recommendation, price? Or do you factor in all of those and go with your gut, even if your gut selects a more expensive guy?

 

my furnace was purchased from a local company after i got three prices - they have been in business for 40 years and it's in the same town and they provide my oil - i wont go someplace else to save a few pennies on oil because if there is a problem they will be here day or night

i also have a few people i know when i need some work done that i can't do - i've seen his work at my mom's and others so i go to him. used to use george BUT his work sucked and it cost me more in the end to fix his mistakes but then again i only paid him in beer and food oh and free rent

i guess word of mouth and past experiences

so go with #3

 

Lainey,

I do the same thing on jobs that fall outside the expertise of my usual tradesmen. I eliminate the people I don't like (regardless of price) and then pick the lowest bidder.

 

[QUOTE=Bass,Sep 1 2010, 02:47 PM]my furnace was purchased from a local company after i got three prices

 

Added in Guy #4.

Long time local business in heating and AC. He stopped by today to give me a quote.

He was 1K cheaper than Guy#1 (who is no longer in the running ) and the AC unit he quoted was more efficient thus allowing us a $400.00 rebate.

Guy #2 has yet to give me a price.

Net out of pocket isn't looking as bad as I thought.

 

Guy #2 didn't give me an all inclusive price (no plumbing and a couple other items left out). He didn't return my call when I left him a message. He's out. Guy #4 got the job.

The furnace + AC replacement begins tomorrow afternoon, will be done on Friday AM.

I'll be watching the gas bill closely this winter to see how much $ we spend on gas heat with new furnace vs the oil heat with old burner.

It might take a few years to recoup our out of pocket $, but it was time....

Thank you to the government for the energy tax credit we will get for doing this job.