I have a Payne Furnace, model # 395BAW036060AABA, serial # 4686C85445. I had noticed a loud noise coming from the furnace each time it ran. Called a Heating and Air company to come out and take a look. They told us we needed a new inducer motor and capacitor and quoted me $1100.00 ($875 for the motor, $225 for the capacitor)! Talk about shock! I was expecting a $200 repair.

After my initial shock and a little research it seems to me that an inducer motor should cost me about $150-$200 + 2 hours labor and the capacitor is a $10-$20 part and 5 min of labor. Let's say labor is $100 per hour, I believe that I would be paying no more than $425 for this repair (on the high end).

Do I have my facts straight or could this really be a $1100 repair? (BTW... just received a call stating that I was quoted the incorrect price for the work and now it's down to $970... seems a little shady to me? They also noted that I should replace the gas valve and 3 wire pilot at a cost of $800. Then told me that I might want to get a quote on a new furnace, saying that I should a least get a quote on a new model before I put money into the old one... again seems shady to me).

Any advice on how much this work should cost me (or additional advice) would be appreciated.

Thank you!

Trust your instincts, and do a li'l web surfing. If it smells like $h!t it probably is $h!t. You have already discovered that the parts aren't too expensive.