I have a 23 yr old Lennox forced-air furnace and air condenser. The air-conditioning stopped working. Public Service diagnosed and said the fan motor is shot. They told me that a new motor would be impossible to get given the age of the unit. They then quoted me $6500 to replace the air unit and furnace. O.K. Then I got another guy to come out and he said he could get me a motor (universal) and repair for $600. I know that it is a gamble because the compressor could go, but it might be a good gamble for now. 1. Why would they tell me they can't get a replacement motor? Who is lying? Will the other guy give me a motor and it still doesn't work? Or is the other guy just an honest contractor and is trying to repair the unit for the lowest cost hoping that his good will, will reflect on his reputation and I will use him in the future for all my needs? Please help me to make an informed decision and to understand why my public utility would try and get one over on me or if in fact they are. Thank you.

1. Why would they tell me they can't get a replacement motor? Who is lying

Motors are always available they wanted to sell you a new unit.

Will the other guy give me a motor and it still doesn't work?

Simple do not pay him till it works.

Or is the other guy just an honest contractor and is trying to repair the unit for the lowest cost hoping that his good will, will reflect on his reputation and I will use him in the future for all my needs?


I am not a mind reader so I have no idea why he wants to repair your unit except to say that he likes to fix things and that is what he offered to do for you.

Please help me to make an informed decision and to understand why my public utility would try and get one over on me or if in fact they are.

That is a question you need to ask the person who is in charge of the public utility. Once again I am not a mind reader but I am sure they like to make money on you and the more $$$ the merrier.

My corporation had always made repairs a priority over sales but that is not the case today with many companies.

At 23 years of age it is probably time for new equipment but that is your wallets discission since I have no idea how much money you can afford to spend.

If you do go with new get at least TWO other estimates for the replacement and make sure they do a manual J so the size of the furnace and A/C is correct for your home. You cannot depend upon the size of you old equipment to be proper size you need now. Many things in the HVAC business have changed. To large of a unit and you will be uncomfortable and use more utilities and cost more to operate. To small and it will not cool or heat correctly.

Good luck.