Buying a new furnace for your Houston home is a big investment, and you want to make sure you aren’t wasting your hard-earned dollars. This can make a used furnace seem quite appealing. You might see one offered online, find one locally, or know someone who is getting rid of a working heating unit. Chances are, the price is very attractive, but there are many things you need to consider before making that purchase. You could end up spending more money in the long run.
Contractors Don’t Like Used Furnaces
If you are in the process of building a new home, you are spending many hours discussing details with your contractor. This includes choosing a furnace. While you may know the person you are buying a used furnace from, your contractor doesn’t. Your contractor wants to work with equipment provided by a reputable manufacturer, using professional installation services like those provided by Texas Pride in Houston.
New furnace models can be tracked by their serial number and proper paperwork. If there is any damage found during installation, the unit can be returned. A used furnace doesn’t offer this type of assurance. No contractor wants to be held responsible for a second-hand heating unit that won’t work.
You are Opening Yourself Up to Many Problems
Age is important when it comes to a furnace. If someone is replacing their current furnace that works, it is probably because they are upgrading to a new, energy-efficient model. While the used furnace may still function, it could be expensive to run. You also need to realize that a furnace has a limited lifespan. You will be replacing that pre-owned version sooner than you want to.
Most furnaces are designed in a way that allows them to be installed once and used until they have reached their limits. Manufacturers don’t take into consideration the ability to move them from one house to another. The simple process of retrieving a used furnace and relocating it to your own home can cause unforeseen damage, and much of this damage could be internal. Even though it looks as though the furnace survived the move, you could find yourself without heat just when you need it the most.
You Won’t Get Warranty Coverage With a Used Furnace
The person selling you the used furnace may insist that it is still covered by the warranty, but be aware that most warranties are rendered useless as soon as the unit is removed from the property. Manufacturers often word warranties so that they only apply to the original owner.
When you purchase a new furnace and have us install it in your home, you may be spending a little more initially, but it will save you money over time. If the unit needs repairs, the warranty that comes with a new furnace may cover the expenses. When you have issues with a used model, those repair costs come out of your pocket.
You May Be Putting Your Home at Risk
Not only can a used furnace be more dangerous to have in your home, but your homeowner’s insurance also may not cover damages resulting from the furnace malfunctioning. Heating units work by creating combustion from natural gas or propane. This isn’t dangerous when the furnace is operating properly. Unfortunately, accidents can happen. In these situations, the damage caused is bad enough. You don’t want to find out afterward that your insurance refuses to cover that damage because the furnace was pre-owned.
Avoid Being Red-Tagged by Your Gas Company
It is not uncommon for the gas company to shut off your gas for utility repairs on or near your property. When they turn it back on, they’ll come into your home to make sure all of the gas appliances are functioning properly. They do this as a safety service. During this inspection, if they find a gas furnace that they think is unsafe, they will keep your gas shut off. You could be without heat until the necessary repairs are made or the unit is replaced.
If you are looking for a new furnace, Texas Pride can help. We’ve been assisting homeowners in the Houston area with all their heating, cooling, and indoor air quality needs since 1984. That includes repairs, installation, and maintenance. We recommend ENERGY STAR appliances, are affiliated with quality Trane products, and can work with any make or model. Allow us to find you a new furnace that is affordable and reliable. Call Texas Pride today to learn more.