While the growing availability of renewable energy options for home heating and cooling means that homeowners across geographies, climates, and financial backgrounds can access eco-conscious HVAC upgrades, it also means that the risks of stumbling across an overpriced or exploitative installation service are higher than ever.
In the r/raleigh subreddit, one user shared their experience receiving an "out of control" $48,000 quote for a system upgrade that more likely cost only around 10% of that. Folks in the subreddit were quick to jump to the original poster's defense and issue warnings for similar exploitative services.
"Always get 2-3 quotes," one commenter recommended. "It puts things into perspective. I've had great luck with Lee Air who did a great job on our system for a bigger home than yours. Our total came out to like $9K about 14 months ago and it involved replacing the furnace and heat pump."
The top comment refers to the HVAC "experts" in question as "crooks," urging other folks to steer clear. Another advised, "Run, don't walk away … there's got to be somebody that's going to do it for a reasonable rate."
Conventional heating and cooling systems rely on a central AC unit paired with a furnace or boiler — effective, but environmentally unsafe. These systems rely on the combustion of fuels like coal and oil for energy generation. That's why making the switch to clean energy is essential for the health of our planet — as long as you do it safely.
To ensure that you stay conscientious when scouting for your home improvement services, you can start by looking to trusted sources like The Cool Down's partner Mitsubishi for a well-rounded inquiry into your various HVAC options.
Smart upgrades that slash monthly bills
Done right, upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC can drastically lower your monthly energy bills while keeping your household's carbon impact to a minimum. With both all-electric and hybrid options at your disposal, you can find the solution that works for you, based on your geographic location as well as your budget.
• Mitsubishi can help you find efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home and connect you with trusted installers
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. Solar panels can save you more than $50k over their 25-year lifespan, and EnergySage can help you save as much as $10k on installation. Which begs the question — isn't that worth an email or two? |
• 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
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What's the most you'd pay per month to put solar panels on your roof if there was no down payment?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
$200 or more 💰 If you're interested in HVAC leasing, Palmetto offers solutions that start as low as $99 per month and cover more than a decade of repairs and maintenance.
To save even more on your sustainable upgrades, consider pairing your new HVAC with solar panels and making your lifestyle greener and more self-sufficient. With vetted TCD partners like EnergySage, you can connect with local installation services, curate competitive bids, and ultimately save close to $10,000 on the process.
For all your clean home improvements, the Palmetto Home app can score you an additional $5,000 in rewards as you make simple, energy-efficient changes in your day-to-day life.
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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