How To Get The Best Deal On A New HVAC System
We recently came across a post on Reddit where someone was looking for how to get the best deal on a new HVAC system after suffering from extreme sticker shock. They’d received a quote for their home; the cheapest option was $36,000, and the most tricked-out version being offered was $48,000.
We’ll give you a moment to pick yourself up off the floor.
You good? We’ll continue.
This price is, admittedly, insane. But it got us to thinking. There is SO much to consider when making an investment in a new HVAC system. You hear so many competing things - we thought we’d take some time to try and cut through the noise and bring some attention to things you absolutely should know before you make any purchases. Read on for some vital issues to think about so you’re prepared when it’s time to get a new system at your home.
Leasing A System Versus Purchasing
Many companies are now offering to lease you a new HVAC system rather than selling it outright. For a monthly price, they’ll install the system, provide scheduled maintenance, and repair it as needed. Whether this is the right option for you will depend on your own circumstances, but there are some things to keep in mind. Some of these programs are not transferable, so if you sell your home you may have to “buy out” your lease. Also, depending on the monthly payment, long-term this could actually cost you more than buying - you just have to weigh the potential costs of maintenance and repair along with it. One option we saw equated to paying more than $14000 over the purchase price over the life of the lease, and if you have an HVAC system that needs $14000 worth of maintenance and repair, it was garbage to begin with.
Get A System That’s Right-Sized To Your Home
This is one of the biggest issues we find when working on customer’s homes - either they got oversold and paid more for a system that’s entirely too big for their square footage, or they were convinced to go with a cheap option that’s not big enough to handle the load. Whatever the case, getting this wrong is going to cost you more in the long run. You’ll be wasting energy, which drives up your utility bills, and you may not even have the level of comfort you need. Work with your HVAC contractor and do your own research to determine what type of unit will be best for your home (and if you’re still unsure, see below).
Don’t Get Anything You Don’t Need
Some HVAC contractors will be trying to sell you on numerous additions and upgrades to your new system, particularly things like air purifiers, whole home humidifiers (or dehumidifiers), UV lights and so on. We sell and install these things too! While they can be great for your home’s overall indoor air quality and comfort, they might be more valuable if you add them as you go rather than paying for everything up front. This can help you keep your costs under control and more manageable long term. Don’t get us wrong, if you want these upgrades, get them - just make sure you understand the value they’re bringing to your home and the impact they’ll have on your final cost.
Always, Always, Always Get A Second (Or Third, Or Fourth) Opinion
We aren’t going to sit here and make any kind of statement about specific HVAC companies in our area, including ourselves. What we will say is this: some companies put their customers first, some put themselves first, and some put their investors first. So don’t assume the first equipment recommendation or first price you get is the best available. Plan ahead when you know you’ll have to replace your HVAC system, and get several opinions on what kind of system you need and how much you should pay for it. Look into companies online. Read reviews, check out Yelp or Reddit or the BBB website. Arm yourself with knowledge so you know if you’re being handed a fair deal or a bill of goods. You never have to say yes to your first offer.
Comfort Pro Is Always Available As A Resource
We strive to do everything we can to take care of our customers. It’s right there in our slogan - “Dependability You Can Count On, Every Time.” So whether you’re looking to buy a new system for us or you’re just wanting help understanding your choices, we’re always here to bring our knowledge and expertise to bear to help you. We are here to make sure you know how to get the best deal on a new HVAC system, even if you aren't getting it from us. Call us at 919-887-8889 any time or message us online to ask questions, and we’ll do our best to assist you in any way we can. A new HVAC system is a huge investment, and we wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we weren’t helping you to make the best decision possible for you and your family.
