On Thursday, April 17, I signed a proposal with a very reputable, excellent HVAC contractor to install a new gas heating system in my house.

It's now Saturday, April 19 (company closed, of course). I am having HIGH anxiety about taking on this debt ($10K).

I need to repair my current furnace and NOT spend $10K on a new system, even though I know that in the long run, a new system would be the best choice.

Does anyone know if I should be able to undo my agreement without penalty, since I will have gotten back to them within 3 days? I am in Oregon.

The form I signed is labeled as a work proposal, not as a contract.

Thanks for any help. I'm ready for a good night's sleep, even if it is snowing and I have no heat!

Ava H.

You should be able to get out of it, but you can call your state agency that licenses business contractor or contractors and they can tell you. I would be upfront with the heating company and explain the dilemma. Tell them you really want to use them but just can't afford it. There might be a less expensive option through them, they may even repair old ones, etc. Ideally they should be thinking about customer service and gaining you as a long-time customer versus trying to force you to buy something you can't affod. And, kudos to you for being realistic about your budget!

Thanks for your reply!
I don't expect any difficulty with this company.
And I do have the distinct feeling that they have extremely high standards of customer service.

It's just this economy right now: everyone's looking over his/her shoulder.

I don't like taking my business away from good folks.
And yes, I will go with them when the furnace does give up the ghost.

Thank you again. I was mainly wondering about legal rights, just in case.

I'll post the resolution, probably tomorrow.