[margog85]

I have a Kenmore natural gas furnace that is about 15-20 yrs old, heats a house which is about 1600 sq ft. This morning there was an odor in the house (smelled like something burning)- and the furnace would kick on and off periodically, but nothing blew through the vents... started getting cold... Had a repairman out to look at it, he said that the problem was that there was a crack in the heat exchanger, that it was overheating, and shutting off-

He said this was something that couldn't be replaced, and that we'd need to get a new furnace installed- is this true? Is it an irreparable part?

If so, what would be a decent price for a new furnace installation in WNY? He gave us a price of $2,000 for the cheapest one we can get (which is what we need!)- do you think we could get someone to go lower than that by shopping around?

Any advice would be great... we're cold!

Thanks!

[letmetellu]

On your furnace there are two or more sections to your heat exchangers, more than likely. So one of the sections could be replaced but it is labor intensive and you will not find many people that will do it. Also the price to do it would probably compare to the new furnace.

I would call a couple of different companies and ask if they give second opinions at no cost, that way you can get their ideas and if they say the same thing is wrong you can get their bids.

Do not tell them what the first guy told you.

[hvac1000]

The parts for that old Kenmore are probably not available.

You get what you pay for in this industry.