Furnace replacement

Furnace replacement in Garland, Texas

A furnace swap looks simple from the hallway, but in Garland it often means working in a hot attic around the AC coil, the vent pipe and the gas line. Here is what to expect and ask.

Call (469) 804-6158

Signs a furnace is near the end

A heat exchanger crack found during service, a control board replaced twice, or rust and soot around the burners are the usual triggers. So is a furnace whose blower can no longer move the air a newer AC coil needs.

Repeated lockouts that return after each repair.
Yellow, lazy burner flames instead of steady blue ones.
A cracked heat exchanger noted in writing by a technician.
Parts that are no longer made for the model.

The furnace and the AC coil share a cabinet

In most attic and closet installs the indoor AC coil sits directly on the furnace outlet. A new furnace may have a different width or height, so the coil may need an adapter, or the contractor may suggest replacing it at the same time.

The EPA's refrigerant rule matters here. Replacing only the furnace leaves the cooling system alone. Replacing the coil and the outdoor unit together counts as a new split system, which must use refrigerant below the 700 GWP limit (EPA). Ask which path the proposal takes.

Gas furnace and coil cabinet in a house attic, reached by a plywood walkway, with a light bulb overhead

Points Garland's inspector checks

These come from the City of Garland's mechanical guidance, which also requires a permit whenever a heating unit is replaced.

Access: A solid-floored catwalk or passage to the unit in the attic.
Light and outlet: A switched light at the attic opening and an outlet near the furnace.
Disconnect: An electrical disconnect for the equipment.
Gas: An approved flex connector with a listed gas stop.
Venting: At least one inch between Type B vent pipe and wood or insulation.
Condensate: Water from the AC coil on top of the furnace drains to an approved disposal point.

Standard or high-efficiency

Standard-efficiency furnaces vent through metal pipe. High-efficiency models extract more heat, produce condensate of their own and usually vent through plastic pipe, which changes the drain and vent work. In a mild winter climate the extra efficiency pays back more slowly, so ask the contractor to explain the tradeoff for your house.

Electric furnaces and air handlers with heat strips avoid gas work altogether, but they draw heavily on the electrical service on cold nights.

What changes the price

Location: Attic installs take longer than closet ones, especially where walkways or lighting must be added.
Efficiency: High-efficiency models cost more and need different venting and a condensate drain.
Coil fit: An adapter, or a new coil, if the cabinets do not line up.
Gas and venting: New flex connectors, gas stop, or vent pipe to meet clearances.
Permit: City fees and the inspection visit.

Common questions

Can I replace the furnace and keep my AC?

Usually, if the coil fits the new cabinet or can be adapted. The contractor should confirm the blower suits the coil.

Does a furnace replacement need a permit in Garland?

Yes. The city requires one whenever a heating unit is replaced.

Who can do the work?

In Texas, heating installation falls under the air conditioning and refrigeration license issued by TDLR. Garland also requires mechanical contractors to register with the city.

Where these facts come from

Talk it over with an independent HVAC contractor

Say what the equipment is doing and where it sits in the house. The contractor on the call can tell you what a visit would involve and whether the work needs a city permit.

Call (469) 804-6158