[dannieboiz]

Aside of all the jcalc etc... I'm interested in what to look for in a bad furnace installation?

I mean if someone is replacing an existing furnace with another, as long as it fits and secure, all seams are sealed that's good right?

Due to the requirement of lifting the 100+ lbs furnace into place I'll be paying someone to do it but just want to know what to look for whenever I watch them do the installation.

 

[user_12345a]

I mean if someone is replacing an existing furnace with another, as long as it fits and secure, all seams are sealed that's good right?

Nope, there's so much that can be screwed up and it's mostly invisible to the average user.

Things from improperly sloped exhaust/intake pipes, to undersized filter, to poor duct transitions, oversizing, unsafe gas line (flex into cabinet), improper setup (fan speed/gas pressure), incorrectly sized or no chimney liner, plus much more.

A furnace can be improperly setup and seem to heat fine, but overheat and cycle off limit, crack the heat exchanger after 5 years or less.

A water heater can seem to heat water fine, venting into a unlined chimney (going from 80% or less efficient furnace to 90% that doesn't use the chimney) - chimney damage could take years to become apparent.

 

[roughneck]

Asking how many ways an installer can screw up an install is like asking how many ways a prisoner can break out of jail. The answer is many, some of which you may not realize were possible until it's done.

 

[dannieboiz]

So I guess pick one with good reviews and hope for the best?

 

[roughneck]

Avoid the big companies that have all the advertising. Also avoid sites like Angie's list and Yelp where contractors can pay for good reviews. Ask friends and family who they have used, who they know and who they would recommend.

 

[BayouRunner]

Friends and family, coworkers are all good sources. If you here a certain companies name a few times that would be a good start. Ask about their recent jobs, maybe you could look at one. That's kind of iffy, but it can't hurt to ask. A lot of homeowners will be glad to show you. Keep in mind every install is different. Some have more room, some have none. If I get a changeout in a short attic I add $500 more to the bid. There are no more materials but it takes so much longer to do the job. Sometimes there is just one transition, sometimes a few. A supply may be better off being replaced than just trying to make it work. If you have any problems or concerns with you old system, talk to your contractor before the job starts. Nobody wants an unhappy customer, communication will make you both happy.