Noon-Air wrote:
wrote in message
ups.com...
I'm getting my furnace replaced and have some questions. How important
is it for the contractor to be NATE or NADCA certified? The more
expensive, big places really push these certifications. Or is this
more of a sales pitch than anything?

Do you want your new furnace installed by a *qualified* technician?? or by
"Billy-Joe-Jim-Bob"??

But, how do I know he's not qualified? He's licensed and insured, and
the company has been a member of the BBB since 1980 and has no
complaints in the last 3 years, the maximum reporting period.
Correction: has been in business for 26 years to be exact, not 15.

My belief is that someone doesn't necessarily have to be "certified
this" and "certified that" as long as they have the proper licenses,
insurance, and experience to do the work. The company obviously is
able to install and repair HVAC based on it's record. I'm just
speculating here. Is there anything wrong with my reasoning?


I have 3 choices:

You have a lot more choices than just Bryant.

You will see the 3rd one is Rheem. I also got a quote from a Lennox
dealer but wasn't terribly impressed. I just don't have time to get a
quote from every brand when it takes an hour each. Rheem is highly
rated according to CR.


Bryant Plus 90t
5 year parts/labor warranty
humidifier
media filter
duct cleaning (I need it)
very well established company with all the fancy certifications and
guarantees
permits
$4360

Bryant Plus 90t
5 year parts/2 year labor warranty
humidifier
media filter
duct cleaning still to be added to price, probably $300-400 more
very well established company with all the fancy certifications and
guarantees
permits
$3474 (plus duct cleaning)

Rheem RGRK
10 year parts/labor
humidifier
media filter
duct cleaning
smaller company, in business for over 15 years, owner seems very
competent
permits
$3299


Is there anything good/bad about either furnace? Comments? I know the
bigger places might offer more piece of mind, but the price seems
pretty steep.

I am not going to comment about brands other than to say.... check Consumer
Reports.