🔧 Introduction: Why I Trust The Furnace Outlet
Howdy folks, Mike Sanders here.
Now, you all know I’ve been in the heating and cooling game for decades. I’ve seen just about every way people can save money—or waste it—when it comes to HVAC. And let me tell you something: buying from the right supplier matters just as much as buying the right equipment.
That’s why I want to walk you through how to shop scratch & dent at one of my favorite places: The Furnace Outlet.
Why them? Because unlike a lot of places that toss dented equipment in the corner and slap a discount tag on it, The Furnace Outlet actually does things the right way. They:
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Clearly list scratch & dent equipment on a dedicated page.
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Show photos of the cosmetic damage.
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Break down condition notes.
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Still help you confirm warranties.
Today, I’ll give you a step-by-step guide to shopping scratch & dent with confidence, how to know a good deal from a bad one, and a few insider tips that’ll save you time, money, and headaches.
🏷️ 1. Why Buy Scratch & Dent from The Furnace Outlet?
Not all suppliers are created equal. Let me paint a picture for you.
I once worked with a homeowner who bought a “discount furnace” from a random online seller. No photos of the damage, no warranty paperwork, no support after the sale. When the contractor unboxed it, the heat exchanger was cracked. That wasn’t cosmetic—it was a deal breaker. The homeowner ended up eating the cost and buying a brand-new unit anyway.
Contrast that with The Furnace Outlet, you’ll see:
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Real photos of the actual blemish.
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Notes on whether it’s a scratch, dent, or packaging issue.
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Manufacturer info and model numbers.
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Warranty status clearly explained.
That’s transparency—and it makes all the difference.
🔍 2. Step 1: Browse Online Like a Pro
The Furnace Outlet makes shopping easy, but you’ve still got to know what you’re looking for. Here’s my playbook.
Filters & Categories
On the Scratch & Dent page, you can filter by:
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Furnaces (gas or electric)
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Air conditioners
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Heat pumps
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Water heaters
This lets you zero in on what you need instead of wading through everything.
What to Look For in Listings
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Model Number: This tells you efficiency (AFUE or SEER rating), capacity (BTUs or tons), and whether it matches your current setup.
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Condition Notes: Look for phrases like “cosmetic dent on side panel” (good) vs. “coil fins bent” (proceed carefully).
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Photos: Always zoom in on the blemish. Small scratches? No problem. Dents near coils or gas valves? Walk away.
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Price Comparison: Pull up the same model in new condition to make sure you’re actually saving.
👉 Pro Tip: I like to keep a spreadsheet with model numbers, new prices, and scratch & dent prices side by side. Makes decision-making crystal clear.
📑 3. Step 2: Check Warranty Coverage
One of the biggest myths about scratch & dent units is that they don’t have warranties. That’s simply not true—most do.
How It Works at TFO
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Many scratch & dent units still carry the full manufacturer’s warranty.
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Some may have limited warranties if the damage could impact long-term durability (rare, but it happens).
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You’ll still need to register your unit after installation.
Questions to Ask Customer Support
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Does this unit have the full manufacturer’s warranty?
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If not, what’s limited or excluded?
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Can you send me the warranty registration info?
👉 Angi explains that warranties usually cover parts, not labor. So even if the furnace is under warranty, you’ll still pay for contractor labor.
📋 4. Step 3: Match Equipment to Your Home
Don’t buy a unit just because it’s cheap. I’ve seen too many homeowners grab a bargain, only to find out it doesn’t fit their needs.
Sizing Matters
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Furnaces: Look at BTU rating. Too small = constant running, too big = short-cycling.
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Air Conditioners & Heat Pumps: Check tonnage (1 ton = ~12,000 BTUs). Match it to your square footage and climate.
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Water Heaters: Gallon capacity should fit your family size.
👉 Energy Star stresses correct sizing as one of the most important factors for efficiency and comfort.
System Type Matters
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Do you need a split system (separate furnace + AC/heat pump)?
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Or a package unit (everything in one cabinet outside)?
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Gas or electric furnace?
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Standard efficiency or high-efficiency (condensing)?
👉 If you’re not sure, snap a few photos of your current system and compare specs.
🛠️ 5. Step 4: Plan Your Installation
This is where the rubber meets the road.
Lining Up a Contractor
Don’t wait until after you buy. Have a licensed HVAC contractor lined up and tell them upfront:
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“I bought this from The Furnace Outlet.”
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“It’s a scratch & dent unit.”
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“Here’s the warranty paperwork.”
Good contractors won’t mind as long as you’re honest.
Documentation to Keep
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Invoice with model number.
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Photos of cosmetic blemish.
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Warranty paperwork.
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Serial number tag (take a photo).
This protects you in case a warranty claim comes up later.
💡 6. Mike’s Pro Tips for Shopping Scratch & Dent at TFO
Here are some tricks I’ve learned over the years:
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Always compare prices: If you’re not saving at least 20%, it may not be worth the trade-off.
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Go for small blemishes: Scratches in paint or minor dents on side panels are perfect deals.
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Move fast: Scratch & dent inventory moves quickly—if you like it, don’t sit on it.
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Ask about shipping: Always inspect your delivery. If new damage happened in transit, note it before signing.
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Document everything: Screenshots, photos, and invoices are your friend.
👉 Consumer Reports reminds buyers that installation quality and correct setup matter more than flawless appearance.
🛒 7. Example Shopping Scenarios
Let’s break it down with real-world examples.
Case 1: The Smart Furnace Buy
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Furnace with a small dent on the side panel.
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$400 cheaper than new.
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Full warranty intact.
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Installed in basement.
✅ Winner.
Case 2: The AC to Skip
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Outdoor AC unit with bent coil fins.
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Only $150 cheaper.
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Coil damage could affect efficiency.
❌ Walk away.
Case 3: The Water Heater Steal
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50-gallon water heater with scratched paint.
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$250 cheaper.
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Scratch sealed with rust-resistant paint before install.
✅ Winner.
🙋 FAQs About Shopping Scratch & Dent at TFO
Q: Are these units used?
A: Nope. They’re brand new, just cosmetically blemished.
Q: Can I return it if I don’t like the dent?
A: Usually not—scratch & dent sales are final.
Q: Do inspectors care about dents?
A: Not at all. Inspectors care about safety and code compliance, not cosmetics.
Q: What if it gets more damaged during shipping?
A: Inspect on delivery. Note damage on the bill of lading before signing.
Q: Will my contractor refuse to install it?
A: Some might. That’s why you tell them upfront and provide warranty paperwork.
🧭 Mike’s Final Word: Shop Smart, Save Big
Here’s my rule of thumb:
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If the blemish is cosmetic only, the warranty is intact, and you’re saving at least 20–30%? Buy it.
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If the damage affects coils, controls, or heat exchangers—or the discount is tiny? Walk away.
The Furnace Outlet makes scratch & dent buying as painless as possible by showing real photos, being upfront about conditions, and offering support before and after the sale.
So, shop smart, don’t overthink a dent, and remember: your comfort doesn’t care what the cabinet looks like.
In the next topic we will know more about: What Does “Scratch & Dent” Mean for HVAC Systems? Mike Explains the Basics
