Furnace Replacement Help (GVR)

[cragthehak]

I've gone through that other thread "WHAT DID YOU PAY FOR FURANCE AND A/C Installed??? Post-Rebates???" and didn't see too many responses from the Vancouver region.

I've been looking to replace my 25yr old furnace and a couple quotes that I've got so far seem a bit higher than what people are getting from out east or even Calgary. For example, a Lennox G71P with thermostat, condensation pump and Merv10 filter (is this usually included with furnace?) was about $5200 installed and a G61V from another quote was about $4750. I was also considering adding a heat pump but not at these prices :(.

Anyone out on the west coast care to share their experiences?

[craftsman]

I was shopping for a new furnace a few years ago and was looking at the high efficiency ones as well. I decided for the moneys saved (comparing the price of the furnace over a mid-efficient one and the price of fuel) that the mid-efficient one was the best deal. In addition, the mid-efficient ones are quieter (they don't have an exhaust blower) and generally more reliable since they have fewer moving parts and less condensation.

I know it's not sexy to get the mid but for the savings in money I was able to put in better insulation and weather stripping.

[cragthehak]

Thanks for the input Craftsman. I haven't priced out any mid efficiency furnaces, but as I understand it, the price difference between mid and high efficiency furnaces are not that great with the eco rebates factored in. I will probably dump the sexy heat pump for extra insulation and maybe a couple of new windows.

[Narci]

I've gone through that other thread "WHAT DID YOU PAY FOR FURANCE AND A/C Installed??? Post-Rebates???" and didn't see too many responses from the Vancouver region.

I've been looking to replace my 25yr old furnace and a couple quotes that I've got so far seem a bit higher than what people are getting from out east or even Calgary. For example, a Lennox G71P with thermostat, condensation pump and Merv10 filter (is this usually included with furnace?) was about $5200 installed and a G61V from another quote was about $4750. I was also considering adding a heat pump but not at these prices :(.

Anyone out on the west coast care to share their experiences?

Was this at Costco?

[cragthehak]

Not through Costco, although I believe the G61V quote is from the company that does the Costco installs. Do you know if there's a Costco deal right now?

[hockeywidow]

I saw them at the Willingdon location a few weeks ago. But, I think think the furnaces are usually shown at the exit as one of those places, you can always call to get the a special "Costco" price?

[Narci]

I saw them at the Willingdon location a few weeks ago. But, I think think the furnaces are usually shown at the exit as one of those places, you can always call to get the a special "Costco" price?

Yeah it was a few weeks ago, i think it was richmond costco but his dsiaply was in the back..sorta near the cakes and meats.

[dealhunting]

Did you get any quotes for heat pumps? I've got a few installers coming by this week for estimates.

[Pete_Coach]

Thanks for the input Craftsman. I haven't priced out any mid efficiency furnaces, but as I understand it, the price difference between mid and high efficiency furnaces are not that great with the eco rebates factored in. I will probably dump the sexy heat pump for extra insulation and maybe a couple of new windows.
At the end of this year they will no longer be making mid efficiency furnaces. I would stay away from them. Plus the Lennox G71 has the DC motor (mid efficiency do not) and you can leave the fan running all the time without much electricity cost at all. This keeps the air circulating, allowing the furnace to cycle less.
You do not need a MIRV 20 filter, a normal element filter will do just fine.
As for cost, I found that there is quite a big spread in cost of furnaces, even the same brands between dealers and installers. Go to all the Lennox dealers in your area and have them come out for estimates, you may be surprised at the different quotes. I did, and got what I considered, good deal.
Also, Lennox is supposedly coming back with factory rebate offers in the Fall.
Lastly, they all jacked the prices up becasue of the Government rebates. Next year the prices will be down again, to guess where, to the price you would pay after today's rebates.

[cragthehak]

you can always call to get the a special "Costco" price

This would be easier if anyone can remember what the Costco price is :).

[cragthehak]

dealhunting - $6500 for the Lennox XPG15 with the G61 ($4800). I got a quote this week for the Carrier Performance series heat pump for about $6300 and $5200 for the 58MVB Infinity furnace. Other Lennox dealer pushed the G71 and kind of dumped on heat pumps but threw out a number at $8000. Please let me know how your estimates go this week.

Pete_Coach - Thanks for the input on the filter. I will definitely wait and see what Lennox rebates come up.

[Narci]

Argh..i don't remember the exact price but with heat pump it was around $10K. They had 2 packages, the more expensive one, there was a costco rebate of $1000. Then you can add the other rebates/incentives/eco rebates on as well.

[dealhunting]

Thanks. I've got Sears coming in today, another guy coming tomorrow and 2 next week. I'll poste when I get all the estimates together. One place I called gave me a $6000 for a Lennox but didn't go into specifics. They're one of the ones coming in next week.

[Gixxer]

I got 2 quotes already for a Lennox G61 furnace:

$6000 with Allin Plumbing (through Shell Busey referral network)
$5447 with BC Furnance (B- ratings with BBB; 21 compliants)

Both includes a programmable thermostat.

I slipped up with Allin Plumbing about when I had my audit done so they know I'm eligible to get the Provincial rebate hence the $600 difference. I agree with the previous poster that they all jacked up the prices. Rebates actually benefits them and not the consumers.

Do you know who Costco uses for their furnace installs?

[cragthehak]

$6000 with Allin Plumbing (through Shell Busey referral network)
$5447 with BC Furnance (B- ratings with BBB; 21 compliants)

And I thought my prices were a little high! Yeah, I just got my highest quote this week from the Shell Busey network as well which was almost $6500 for an Amana. Shell must be doing well, as the guy took almost a month just to come by for an estimate. I've skipped BC Furnace because of the number of complaints listed on the BBB and so far have concentrated on the A+ rated companies (for what that's worth). So it's good to know that they likely won't have anything better to offer.

I believe that it's Coleman Heating that is doing the Costco installs. They are supposed to be a decent company. They're the company that gave me the $4750 quote for the G61 with condensate pump and thermostat + tax and permits. I still have to call them about the Costco deal, so let me know if you find anything out.

[Gixxer]

Agreed. I'm not comfortable with BC Furnace either. Milani came and provided me a quote $4900 install before GST.

This is a Lennox G61 Furnance w/ programmable thermostat, permit. If I want to add a box filter for clean air quality, it's an extra $350.

The estimator told me Coleman is one of their leading competitors. Let me know what you find. Thanks in advance.

[cragthehak]

Hi Gixxer/dealhunting, how did it go with your furnace quotes.

These are the 3 quotes that I got for a Lennox G61V. All quotes include condensate pump, thermostat and permit:

1. Rona - $5200 but get 10% back on Rona credit card so ~$4850 but only 1yr labour warranty all others are 10yr labour

2. Kirland - $4990 includes Merv10 package

3. Coleman - $4800

Coleman works with Costco and according to them Costco is selling the G61V for $4500 and offering a $400 Costco rebate. The condensate pump, thermostat and permit should be an additional $400 and purchasing from Costo does not qualify for the Lennox fall rebate of $150. So my comparable cost for Costco would be $4500+$400-$400+$150 = $4650. I will have to talk to Costco to confirm.

Let me know if you've seen anything better.

[271425]

Just had our 30 yrs furnance replaced with the

Lennox G61V 70,000 BTU AFUE 94.1%
Condensate pump to laundry tub
Merv 10 filter
4" chimney liner for HWT (building code requirement)
10 year parts and lifetime on the exchanger

Cost $3800 installed plus GST (before any rebates)

:razz:

[Gixxer]

Hi Gixxer/dealhunting, how did it go with your furnace quotes.

These are the 3 quotes that I got for a Lennox G61V. All quotes include condensate pump, thermostat and permit:

1. Rona - $5200 but get 10% back on Rona credit card so ~$4850 but only 1yr labour warranty all others are 10yr labour

2. Kirland - $4990 includes Merv10 package

3. Coleman - $4800

Coleman works with Costco and according to them Costco is selling the G61V for $4500 and offering a $400 Costco rebate. The condensate pump, thermostat and permit should be an additional $400 and purchasing from Costo does not qualify for the Lennox fall rebate of $150. So my comparable cost for Costco would be $4500+$400-$400+$150 = $4650. I will have to talk to Costco to confirm.

Let me know if you've seen anything better.

Hi Cragthehak,

I bit the bullet and went with Kirkland. I bought the G71p instead. Total $5590 ($5250 + $200 + $139) w/ furnace, merv10 honeywell, permit, 2 stage programmable t-stat.

They came and install the unit today. They did a great job, and I am satisfied with their work. Hope this helps.

BTW: They quoted me the same for the G61v. Milani wanted $4900 alone for the furnance + permit.

Good luck.