The Case For Buying a Used Furnace

There are many reasons that you may be considering purchasing a used furnace, namly the savings. Since the average lifespan of a furnace is between 15 and 20 years, it stands to reason that if a furnace is being removed from a house after, say, five years, the furnace still has more than a decade worth of heat to produce and certainly doesn’t deserve to end up in a landfill.  Some of the benefits of buying a used furnace include: 

• Cost saving
• Reduce waste

The Case Against Purchasing a Used Furnace

When you think about purchasing anything used, we recommend treating it the same way you would a used car purchase. You’d want to make sure inspections are completed, warranties aren’t void, and you aren’t getting a lemon. A used furnace may be a temporary solution that results in more costs down the road. Some of the downsides of buying a used furnace include: 

• Scams are common
• Warranties are void
• May affect renters or homeowners insurance
• May require repairs and quicker replacement
• Safety concerns are higher 

Safety Considerations With a Used Furnace

Safety concerns can be really high in used furnaces. Everything from a gas leak to missing pieces can cause them to pose a threat of carbon monoxide poisoning and/or fire. If a furnace has mechanical problems, you may be able to get repairs, but you’ll have to consider the cost vs. the benefits. Additionally, look out for scams and furnaces that are stripped of precious metals. Some safety concerns to be aware of include: 

• Cracked heat exchanger
• Corrosion in flue pipe
• Broken blower fan or motor
• Clogged air filter
• Dirty gas burners
• Leaking gas

Comfort Solutions’ Take

At Comfort Solutions, we are team “No” for purchasing and installing used furnaces, unless of course, you purchased the furnace new and then moved homes and want to bring your furnace with you (which is not common). We highly recommend spending the extra money to purchase a new, safe furnace that is less likely to break down, will last longer, and mitigates most furnace safety threats. For financial considerations, most furnace manufacturers and dealers offer financing options to help.