HVAC question

[Tim Anderson]

Hello. I purchased an older home for a flip (built in the 30's), it currently has an inoperable boiler system. I'm wanting to switch from that over to forced air. Needless to say, none of the ventilation is in place currently. I've gotten a couple of estimates, and the lowest is around 4 grand. This seems high to me, based on reading a couple of other threads. Being that this is my first flip, I'm very cost conscious, but at the same time I don't want to run into a headache by paying a dirt cheap price and having the work messed up.

My question to the forum is, what is a good price to pay for the new furnace/ac/new ventilation? The house is a 2 story with a full basement. 1800 square feet, 3 bed/1.5 bath.

Second question I have is, am I better off buying the furnace and AC system online and then having them install it? Or should I just go with what they provide? One would think they would mark up the equipment a good amount. Thanks very much in advance for any input.

Btw, if anyone knows a good HVAC guy in NW Ohio/SE Michigan, let me know! :wink: