When you're hit with an astronomical estimate, sometimes you don't know what to do.
One person detailed their experience in r/homeowners, writing: "New homeowner. 930sqft. Company wants $18,000 to replace 25-year-old furnace and add A/C unit. Is that... normal? I was expecting like $8k max, so I'm pretty shocked."
Heating and cooling costs account for 43% of the average utility bill in the United States, according to the Department of Energy. Even worse, homeowners waste hundreds of dollars each year because of drafts, air leaks, and outdated systems.
So, it stands to reason that upgrading your furnace or air conditioner is sure to pay off in the long run. This Redditor, however, was in a predicament. Sure, it's expensive to get something new, but the cost to heat and cool less than 1,000 square feet shouldn't approach the price of a new car.
It's a good thing there are plenty of resources available.
TCD's HVAC Explorer can help you understand your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning options. It can even help you save 50% on energy bills with a new, efficient system. Upgrading to a heat pump or other unit gives you the technology to reduce your energy usage and sidestep rising energy prices.
Commenters urged the poster to get other estimates, and many advised obtaining three quotes.
"I just got the HVAC replaced on ~2k square feet," one person wrote. "Quote one: $18k. Quote two: $14k. Quote three: $9k. All for the same level of equipment, same work. All companies with a long operating history, and tons of positive reviews.
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"Advice to OP: find a small local shop. If they have ads, you don't want them. That's where you save money."
Echoing other recommendations, someone else said, "For less than a thousand square feet, maybe look into a ductless mini split."
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When was the last time you upgraded your HVAC system? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Less than 5 years ago 😎 Smart upgrades that slash monthly energy bills
If you're not sure where to start, check out these resources and make moves to lower your energy costs.
• Mitsubishi can help you find efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home and connect you with trusted installers
• Not ready to spend up front? Palmetto's $0 down HVAC leasing program can lower your energy costs by up to 50%
• TCD's HVAC Explorer makes it easy to access exclusive offers from preferred partners
Palmetto's HVAC leases can be had for $99 per month and include 12 years of free maintenance.
Another smart move is to pair electric appliances with solar panels, as solar energy can lower your energy bill even more. TCD's Solar Explorer can help you find the best fit for your home and budget and save $10,000 on an installation. Finally, the Palmetto Home app offers $5,000 in rewards to spend on home upgrades if you complete challenges such as using less energy.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
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