Just got the bad news that the furnace for my rental unit was shot -- no surprise as it was at least 50 years old and had scorch marks all over the inside cabinet. Given the fact that I'm obsessive, I called about 10 furnace companies to get verbal quotes and schedule on-site estimates. Over half of those companies use answering services or receptionists who apparently have no idea what a furnace is. Only two companies answered where I was actual talking to an HVAC technician.
The prices for a 45,000 BTU furnace ranged from $1900-2800, which each company giving me a different line about how they use "this brand or that brand" and how so many things would effect the actual cost of the job. One company even told me I'd have to replace my hot water tank, too.
I called Hawco based on the recommendation of a colleague who owns several rental properties, and Jim Hawco promptly showed up. He quickly scoped out my set-up and gave me a non-binding quote that was significantly less than the competitors. I told him to book it and cancelled the 6 other appointments I had scheduled for estimates. Jim and his son showed up exactly on the day we booked the installation, and even fabricated a new cold air return for only $100. A new, programmable thermostat was included in the initial quote (most companies make this an option with an upcharge) and will be great for our tenant to save on fuel costs.
Hawco is a family-owned business between two brothers and a son, and when you call, you talk to the owner and the guy doing the job -- not a receptionist. I'll definitely be calling when it comes time to upgrade our house HVAC. read more