A Connecticut homeowner shopping for a boiler replacement turned to Reddit after getting bids ranging from about $19,320 to $26,680 and wondering whether the numbers were reasonable or if he was working with shady contractors.
Heating systems are one of the biggest drivers of home energy costs, and upgrading one can be a major expense.
Here's what to know
Writing in a post on Reddit, the homeowner said they want to replace an aging boiler and reached out to two contractors for quotes, asking, "Am I being overcharged?"
One small plumbing company put the replacement option at about $25,000. A larger HVAC contractor offered two choices — about $19,320 for a traditional cast-iron boiler with an indirect tank, or roughly $26,680 for a different system after an 8% discount for paying by check. Both of those larger-company quotes included around $3,000 to fit the new boiler with the homeowner's existing chimney.
"I'm mainly trying to figure out what a fair price actually is," the homeowner asked in the r/hvacadvice subreddit.
Upgrading a heating and cooling system can be confusing and expensive. Luckily, if you switch out an aging system for a modern and highly efficient option like a heat pump, the upgrade can make a dramatic difference in annual energy costs.
If you're trying to sort through similar options, the HVAC experts at Palmetto can help you understand your HVAC choices and cut your energy bills with newer, more efficient HVACs and heat pumps. Its Comfort Plan network can connect you with vetted installers and efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home.
More background
Labor, venting changes, chimney work, regional costs, and replacement of related components can all push a project's costs much higher than expected.
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Commenters said the final number can depend heavily on both location and how much equipment is being replaced beyond the boiler itself. One wrote, "Location absolutely matters. I guarantee you'll pay more in New Jersey than you will in Maine."
The same commenter said buyers should confirm that "everything airing the unit is getting replaced as well," including parts such as valves, pumps, the water feeder, and the expansion tank.
What can be done?
A clearer way to judge the pricing is to compare itemized estimates instead of looking only at the bottom line. When looking over an estimate, ask whether the total covers chimney lining, pumps, tanks, controls, and venting changes, because a lower quote may just reflect a narrower scope of work.
If you're not ready to spend up front, Palmetto's Comfort Plan includes $0-down options that can lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. Palmetto Comfort Plans also include 12 years of free maintenance.
And if you switch to or already have electric appliances such as an efficient HVAC or heat pump, pairing them with solar panels can drive your utility bills even lower. EnergySage makes it easy to find the best solar system and installer for your home and budget, with some homeowners able to save up to $10,000 on installations.
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