Scratch & Dent Furnaces: What Mike Looks for Before Buying

🔧 Introduction: Why Furnaces Deserve Extra Attention

Hey folks—Mike Sanders here. If you’ve been following along with my HVAC tips, you know I’m all about saving money without cutting corners on comfort or safety.

Air conditioners and heat pumps are important, but if you live anywhere with cold winters, your furnace is the heart of your home’s comfort system. It’s what keeps you and your family warm when the snow is piling up and the temperatures drop below freezing.

That’s why I take furnaces especially seriously when talking about scratch & dent equipment. Yes, you can save hundreds—sometimes even over a thousand dollars—but because furnaces involve gas, combustion, and venting, it’s not just about looks. You’ve got to know what to look for.

Today, I’ll walk you through exactly what I inspect before recommending or buying a scratch & dent furnace, what’s safe, what’s not, and how much money you can realistically save.

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🏷️ What Scratch & Dent Means for Furnaces

When you see “scratch & dent” on a furnace, here’s what it really means:

• The outer cabinet might have a ding, scrape, or bent panel.

• The unit may have been scratched during shipping or warehouse handling.

• The internal components (heat exchanger, blower, gas valve) are brand new and untouched.

• The furnace has never been installed or used.

👉 Ingram’s Water & Air explains that most scratch & dent HVAC equipment is cosmetically imperfect but mechanically sound.

It’s also important to distinguish between:

• Scratch & Dent = brand new, cosmetic only.

• Refurbished = repaired after defect.

• Used = previously installed, removed, and resold.

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✅ The Pros of Buying a Scratch & Dent Furnace

Let’s start with why scratch & dent furnaces are so attractive:

💰 1. Lower Price – Up to 20–50% Off

This is the biggest draw. A $2,200 furnace might go for $1,500 just because of a cosmetic dent.

👉 Surplus City Liquidators often lists furnaces hundreds of dollars below retail thanks to cosmetic issues.

⚡ 2. Same AFUE Efficiency Rating

Cosmetic flaws don’t change how efficiently the furnace burns gas. An 80% AFUE furnace with a scratch is still 80% AFUE.

🛡️ 3. Warranty Coverage

Many scratch & dent units carry full or partial manufacturer warranties—covering critical components like the heat exchanger.

👉 Budget Air Supply notes that most major brands (Goodman, Rheem, Lennox) still honor warranties if the unit is new and never installed.

🌎 4. Eco-Friendly Choice

Buying scratch & dent keeps perfectly good equipment out of landfills. It’s a smart move for both your wallet and the environment.

🛠️ 5. Budget Flexibility

Savings can be redirected toward:

• Professional installation

• A smart thermostat

• Preventive maintenance plans

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⚠️ The Cons Homeowners Should Weigh

Scratch & dent is a great deal—but it isn’t perfect. Here are the risks I always point out:

❌ 1. Visible Damage

If your furnace is in a garage or open area, cosmetic dents may bother you.

❌ 2. Potential Airflow Issues

A dent near blower doors or intake panels can restrict airflow.

❌ 3. Limited Return Options

Many scratch & dent deals are final sale. You need to be 100% sure before you buy.

❌ 4. Stock Limitations

You may not find the exact BTU rating, fuel type, or brand you want.

❌ 5. Warranty Exclusions

Cosmetic flaws (like rattling doors) usually aren’t covered.

👉 DeWaard & Bode emphasizes reading the warranty fine print carefully.

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🔍 Mike’s Furnace Inspection Checklist (Before Buying)

This is where I get picky—because safety matters. If you’re considering a scratch & dent furnace, run through this list:

👉 Energy.gov stresses that heat exchanger integrity is the #1 safety factor in furnaces.

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🛠️ Installation Considerations for Scratch & Dent Furnaces

I’ll say this loud and clear: always hire a licensed HVAC installer for furnaces.

Why?

• Gas connections must be tested for leaks.

• Venting and clearances must meet code.

• Combustion safety is not DIY-friendly.

Your installer should:

• Inspect the furnace for hidden damage before setting it.

• Verify BTU capacity matches your home’s load.

• Ensure local inspectors sign off if required.

👉 The Furnace Outlet reminds buyers that improper installation—not cosmetic damage—is the #1 cause of furnace problems.

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💰 Real-World Savings: Furnace Case Studies

Here are real savings examples I’ve seen:

👉 That’s 25–35% off on average, according to Budget Air Supply.

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🏡 Who Should Consider Scratch & Dent Furnaces?

Scratch & dent isn’t for everyone. Here’s who I recommend it to:

✅ Great Fit For:

• Families with basement or closet installs (out of sight).

• Rental property managers.

• Budget-conscious homeowners.

• Eco-conscious buyers reducing waste.

❌ Not a Great Fit For:

• Homeowners concerned about resale “showpiece” looks.

• Anyone uncomfortable with limited return policies.

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🙋 FAQs About Scratch & Dent Furnaces

Q: Do dents affect AFUE efficiency?
A: No. Efficiency is tied to internal combustion design, not cosmetics.

Q: Can rebates still apply?
A: Yes, if the model meets federal or utility efficiency requirements.

Q: Do warranties cover internal parts?
A: Usually yes—check the fine print.

Q: What’s riskier: scratch & dent or refurbished?
A: Refurbished, because internal parts have been replaced.

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🧭 Mike’s Final Word: Reliability Over Looks

So, would I buy a scratch & dent furnace?

Absolutely—if it passes my checklist.

• Heat exchanger clean and intact.

• Blower and gas valve area unaffected.

• Warranty confirmed in writing.

• Installed by a pro.

For me, it’s simple: if the furnace runs safely, efficiently, and saves me $500–$900? I don’t care if it has a dented cabinet. That furnace is heating my house, not entering a beauty contest.

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In the next topic we will know more about: Scratch & Dent Air Conditioners & Heat Pumps: What You Need to Know