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The 60305Beta

Printable

One page to carry into the estimate conversation.

The facts, the rows to fill in from each estimate, the questions to ask, and room to write. Letter size, one sheet.

Read the full guide
The 60305 · Project brief

Furnace and air conditioning

River Forest, Illinois. Take this to the kitchen table with the estimate.
Typical installed price$8,000 to $18,000
Best time of yearApril to May or September to October
Village permitLike-kind replacement is on the Village’s no-permit list, but the contractor must be licensed and bonded with the Village. New equipment, new central air, a fuel or venting change, a relocation or new piping needs a permit. The Village’s express-permit page also lists furnaces and air conditioners, so confirm with Building & Zoning at (708) 714-3552 before work starts.
Most common hidden costVenting the water heater once the furnace leaves the chimney

Rows to fill in from each estimate

Estimate 1Estimate 2
Price
Furnace
Air conditioner
Permit + old equipment removal
Parts warranty
Labor warranty
Electrical work
Installation timing

Ask every contractor

  1. Full model numbers: furnace, condenser, coil?
  2. Did the size come from a load calculation?
  3. Single, two-stage or variable, and why for my house?
  4. What duct work is included, and what if more is needed?
  5. How is it vented, and what happens to the water heater flue?
  6. Labor warranty in years, separate from parts?
  7. Installed cash price, and how long it holds?

What moves the price: Tier and ductwork move the number most. Venting and the water heater are the surprise items on 96% furnaces.

Notes, names, dates

Village of River Forest Building & Zoning (708) 714-3552 · Public Works (708) 714-3551 · Village Hall (708) 366-8500the60305 · guide-hvac