A Florida homeowner facing a $37,000 air conditioning replacement quote was left frustrated after the company said the new ductwork included in that price could wait.

The homeowner had paid the same company for twice-yearly maintenance, only to discover major problems with an eight-year-old system.

Here's what to know

Regular service visits were central to the homeowner's concerns in a post on Reddit's r/HVACAdvice forum. The account described a refrigerant leak and extensive rust on the evaporator coil, with both problems flagged within a year.

The equipment-only options came to $16,000, $18,000, or $21,000 for a new air handler and condenser. Those quotes followed an initial $37,000 proposal that also included replacing the home's original ductwork, which the company later said was "not a priority."

Complaints about employees doing the "bare minimum" had led the company to change its maintenance approach, the technicians reportedly acknowledged.

For homeowners comparing replacement proposals like these, Palmetto helps explore efficient HVAC and heat pump solutions and connect with vetted installers through its Comfort Plan network, providing another route to evaluate equipment and installation options. If installed and maintained well, an upgrade can provide efficient heating and cooling that can save money.

More background

The homeowner lives roughly a 15-minute drive from Florida's coast, according to the post. The company offered different explanations for the coil's corrosion, pointing to the coastal location and, separately, problems with the old ductwork.

Commenters disagreed about how much coastal conditions could explain. One noted that equipment near saltwater can have a shorter lifespan. Another, who reported having HVAC experience and owning homes in Florida and New Jersey, disputed that failure after eight years was inevitable.

The homeowner had expected the equipment to last at least 12 years but said there was no remaining warranty coverage.

What can be done?

For equipment using R-410A refrigerant, replacing the leaking evaporator coil could be an alternative to buying a whole new system, another commenter suggested.

"Find a local small HVAC mom and pop shop, you can go bare bones cheap and sized correctly equipment and call it a day," a user proposed.

A commenter explained the poor service, which had left the original poster "frustrated" and feeling "screwed."

"Depending on what the company is, they just don't care," they said. "A lot are private equity now and it's all about getting the most money."

For a homeowner weighing large upfront quotes, Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers $0-down options, with potential heating and cooling savings of up to 50% and 12 years of free maintenance included. Efficient heating and cooling can help manage energy expenses and make it easier to avoid higher energy prices.

Pairing efficient electric HVAC with solar can further help manage utility bills and make a home more self-reliant. For homeowners considering that additional investment alongside an HVAC replacement, EasyHome offers a solar comparison shopping tool to help them view installation offers side by side and find the best deal.

Where can I learn more?

Steep HVAC quotes have left other homeowners questioning their contractors' recommendations, too. 

• In Texas, an $80 HVAC tune-up turned into a $30,000 ductwork replacement quote.

• A homeowner received a $19,000 AC replacement quote before HVAC technicians flagged concerns about the diagnosis.

• In Connecticut, a homeowner received a $25,000 HVAC quote, then priced equipment at $15,000.

• A Florida homeowner's $10,000 AC installation was followed by freeze-ups and a $150 service demand.

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