Everyone wants to save money, but buying used can be risky. Experts say it probably isn’t wise to buy a used furnace if you’re looking to save money on heating costs.
Used furnaces are generally offered for sale by individual homeowners or small businesses. You might find them advertised in the classified section of your local newspaper, posted on sites like Craigslist.com, or in an online marketplace like eBay.com.
Before buying a used furnace, you should understand what it is and how it works. A furnace is actually a complex system of components, including gas burners, ducts, fans, and more that must work together to provide heat to your home. Because furnaces contain flammable gases, you need to be absolutely sure that the system has been thoroughly inspected and repaired. And fuel fires are not the only potential danger.
It’s not a good idea to buy a used furnace
You can buy used things, but a used furnace is not one of them. It’s a complicated system that needs to be inspected and repaired by a qualified heating contractor, and you need to have confidence in the person who will do the work. Buying a used furnace from an online site can be especially risky because you often don’t know if the seller has replaced worn-out components or looked for potential problems.
For example, a used furnace might have an expensive problem that you haven’t seen until it’s installed in your home. For instance, if the heat exchanger is defective, you could face significant repair bills or even have to replace it with a new one at great expense. And manufacturers typically won’t honor warranties on parts for used furnaces you purchase online, so any problems that come up after the sale are not covered by their warranty.
Your best bet is to buy a furnace from a reputable home heating contractor. He’ll complete all the necessary inspections and repairs required for installation in your home, and he can provide an estimate of what your monthly heating bills will be once you start using your new furnace.
If you decide to buy a used furnace, make sure you buy it from someone who is reputable and has several positive reviews and responses to previous sales on sites like eBay and Craigslist. Look for reviews of the seller and reviews of the furnace he’s selling. And be careful about buying a used furnace from an individual online. The old saying “buyer beware” is particularly true when you purchase something as important as a furnace from someone you don’t know.
If you buy a used furnace, make sure a professional inspects it
A professional HVAC inspection is also a smart idea. You can save money by doing the job yourself, but that’s usually not advisable because of the potential dangers involved in using and installing gas-burning appliances. If you’re thinking about buying a used furnace, be sure to consult with an experienced heating contractor who will help you choose the best system for your home and your budget.
Bottom line, don’t buy a used furnace. But, if you do buy one, be sure to have the furnace inspected by a licensed heating contractor before you use it. That way, if necessary, he can make any required repairs. And don’t buy anything used for your home or personal use without checking out its background, including possible recalls and complaints against the manufacturer. After all, the best piece of equipment in the world won’t do you any good if it’s defective and doesn’t work properly.