Sunny days pushed the upstairs of one California home above 80 degrees, even after a $45,850 HVAC upgrade. According to the homeowner, the replacement system performed no better than the old one.

Here's what to know

The San Diego homeowner shared a post on Reddit's r/hvacadvice. Electrical work accounted for $3,850 of the bid. The remaining $42,000 covered an additional 4-ton heat pump and changes to the existing ductwork in their older, 4,000-square-foot house.

The homeowner wanted some advice on questions they had about the failed upgrade: "Is the bid outrageous or normal? What should they have done in order to bid this and spec this job properly? What should they have done when installation was complete to make sure it works?" they asked the thread.

"I can already tell you that 'reworking' the existing ductwork was the first mistake," one commenter pointed out, later adding, "You hired a hack that took shortcuts and now you're down $45k unfortunately."

Upgrading heating and cooling is one of the best ways to save on utility bills and protect against rising energy prices. However, it has to be done properly. Palmetto can help homeowners understand their options and reduce energy bills with newer, more efficient HVAC systems and heat pumps. Its Comfort Plan network helps homeowners find efficient heating and cooling solutions and connects them with vetted installers.

More background

Beyond the uncomfortable temperatures, the homeowner described two problems involving the downstairs thermostat: email warnings that the system was struggling to cool the house and needed attention and a display that no longer offered a heating option.

The homeowner said repeated notifications to the contractor accompanied their daily temperature checks.

One commenter advised, "Present an addendum to your current contract explaining your expectations for corrections of work already done and a time frame that you expect to be adhered to with some financial penalty."

Another commenter questioned how the ductwork had been handled. "Your new heat pump should have had its own ductwork design and installation," they wrote.

Another commenter advised homeowners considering a large project to get estimates from three separate companies. In this case, the homeowner said they had skipped competing bids because the contractor was already working on the house.

What can be done?

The homeowner planned a "backdated permit" to trigger an inspector visit and hopefully identify what work is needed to pass. The homeowner had also scheduled an independent HVAC inspector to assess the installation and switched the system off.

For homeowners who want heating upgrades done right but aren't ready to spend upfront, Palmetto's Comfort Plan includes $0-down options that can lower heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. Palmetto Comfort Plans also include 12 years of free maintenance.

Homeowners can pair solar panels with electric appliances, including efficient HVACs, to drive utility costs even lower. EasyHome makes it easy to compare solar options and find the best solar system and installer for their home and budget.

"I hope he will make it work and not ask for more money," the homeowner wrote.

Where can I learn more?

Other homeowners and renters have reported cooling problems even after costly HVAC work.

• In Dallas, a $10,000 HVAC system still couldn't maintain 72 degrees during the hottest afternoon hours.

• A Dallas homeowner said a $22,000 HVAC installation brought leaks, noise, and weeks without a response.

• A California renter said a monthlong HVAC installation failed to resolve cooling problems after prolonged complaints.

• A California condo owner paid $1,800 for R-22, but the air conditioner still wouldn't cool the home.

• After AC failed in 105-degree heat, a homeowner faced a $22,000 replacement quote or costly refrigerant.

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