"Extra" Work Your HVAC Contractor May Need To Do During A Furnace Replacement

In its simplest form, a furnace replacement involves removing the old furnace and putting a new one in its place. Of course, your HVAC contractor will have to connect the ducts, the electrical connections, and the gas connections. Sometimes, this is truly all that a furnace replacement requires. Other times, however, your HVAC contractor may need to do one or more of the following tasks to complete the project and ensure your new furnace works well.

Replace Some Ducts

It is unlikely that your HVAC contractor will have to replace all of the ducts in your home. However, they may need to replace some of the ducts closest to your furnace. This is often done when your new furnace is a different size or height than the old one. 

If the new furnace is shorter, your HVAC contractor will likely need to add on to the existing ducts to connect to the furnace. If the new furnace is larger, your HVAC contractor may need to trim down your existing ducts. They will also look over the remaining ductwork and replace any ducts that are bent, leaking, or damaged.

Replace the Thermostat

If your thermostat is the old, dial type of thermostat, then your HVAC contractor will likely want to replace it when they replace your furnace. These old, dial-style thermostats don't always connect to new furnaces. Plus, they don't give you a lot of control over your home's temperature, which means you won't be able to heat your home as efficiently. It's worth paying your HVAC contractor to replace your thermostat since it will allow you to save money on heating costs in the following years.

Run New Vent Lines

Older furnaces typically vented out of a chimney or a really thick vent pipe. New furnaces do not give off nearly as much exhaust because they are so much more efficient. As such, they are designed to vent through smaller pipes, such as PVC pipes that are just three or four inches across. Your HVAC contractor may need to make a new hole in your home's wall to run the new vent during the furnace replacement process.

If your HVAC contractor wants to do any of the work above when replacing your furnace, it is generally because these changes are necessary. Consider this when negotiating the terms of your furnace replacement and when reviewing any quotes that you are given. If you have any questions, reach out to a residential furnace service in your area.