Janitrol Furnaces

[SlowSpyder]

I'm house shopping and the house I'm interested has this brand of furnace, Janitrol. I've never heard of them, reviews online seem pretty mixed. Does anyone have experience with this brand? Is it ok, or am I asking for trouble? The house was built in 1990, I did not yet look to see if the furnace is the original or not, but my guess is that it is the original from 1990. What are your thoughts and opinions on this manufacturer?

 

[Ronstang]

My buddy owns an AC/Heating company and he LOVES Janitrol. He says he has made tons of money over the years replacing their junk.

If the house was built in 1990 it could still be the original. That is the era he told me most of their units were installed in out area. If you take care of the unit it can last this long. The house I am in was built in 1989 and I have managed to keep the AC and furnaces going.

 

[SlowSpyder]

Thanks, I wish the opinion was a bit better. :/ But, with summer coming up it's not a big deal, but I thought I would ask since it was an off brand. Thanks again.

 

[Ronstang]

It is not that it is an off brand but I think it is a builder's grade brand. Not as expensive as the name brands so builders make more money. If the unit is actually 22 years old and has made it through that many Wisconsin winters I would say it couldn't be that bad of a brand. That being said if it is that old and has made it through that many Wisconsin winters it probably needs to be replaced regardless of brands. I would make sure the inspector tests for CO. You can always bargain down the price of the house for such things as end of life appliances.

 

[Semper Fi]

My concern would be that the furnace is 22 years old and not so much the brand. Janitrol is alright and you can generally find parts for them fairly easily, but working on a unit that old can be dicey and quickly become a money pit.

Maybe have a friend or pay a hvac guy to look at it for you.

 

[skyking]

flown behind a couple of them, they worked ok and we did not die from CO poisoning.

 

[SlowSpyder]

Thanks guys. I'll have a home inspection before I buy, if the furnace is the original I'll factor that into my buying decision and negotiations. Summer is coming up, so putting together $2k for a replacement over the next few months won't be impossible since it isn't a pressing issue right. Thanks for the opinions.