A Texas homeowner's warning about a $22,000 HVAC installation tapped into a common fear that making a major home investment can end up with more damage and stress, and no clear resolution.

Here's what to know

The Dallas resident said the dispute stemmed from a new HVAC system purchased from Rescue Air and Plumbing on April 3, 2026, for about $22,000. 

"I'm sharing our experience so others can take it into consideration before making a decision about who to trust with their air conditioning and heating needs," they wrote on Reddit.

The homeowner said problems surfaced almost immediately. Rescue Air came back multiple times in May and June to address "excessive noise, inadequate cooling and a malfunctioning float switch." 

Then, in early July, the homeowner said they found "significant water leaking from the third floor down to our second floor ceiling."

Although Rescue Air paid for professional mitigation, the homeowner alleged the process bogged down once it came time to restore the home. They wrote that 6.5 weeks after the damage was assessed, they still had not received "an estimate, timeline, or any follow-up regarding repairs," despite repeated attempts to get answers, including taking the issue to the owners.

If you're exploring a replacement because you want lower bills and a more efficient home, Palmetto's Comfort Plan network can help you find efficient heating and cooling solutions and connect you with vetted installers. For many homeowners, that added support can matter just as much as the equipment itself.

The original poster wrote, "This has been an extremely frustrating and time-consuming experience."

More background

A poor installation can do far more than affect comfort. It can waste energy, raise monthly bills, and even cause damage to the home itself. When systems are improperly sized or installed, homeowners can end up paying more for worse performance.

In an update, the homeowner shifted to the company's ownership, arguing that its public image as a family business does not reflect its corporate backing. 

Citing Boxwood Partners' transaction records, they said Rescue Air sold a majority stake in December 2023 to HomeTown Services, which is backed by private equity firm CenterOak Partners.

One commenter wrote, "6.5 weeks is a long time after evaluating the damages to not give an update or estimate on fixing things. They're dragging their feet." 

Another commenter put it more bluntly: "Private Equity strikes again."

The homeowner referenced a January 2022 Community Impact sponsored article featuring Rescue Air owner Josh Campbell's criticism of private-equity-owned competitors: "They run those businesses very differently. Customers are just a number and it is all about money and profits. You lose the home feel of when you call your local air and heating guy."

What can be done?

It's wise to ask for detailed scopes of work, warranty terms, expected timelines, permit information, and clear explanations of what happens if an installation causes damage. Getting multiple quotes can also make it easier to compare efficiency ratings, repair policies, and long-term operating costs.

Commenters also suggested next steps when damage occurs, including filing a claim through the contractor's insurance or having a homeowners insurer seek reimbursement. Keeping photos, invoices, service records, and written communications may also help protect homeowners if a dispute drags on.

If the steep upfront cost is holding you back, Palmetto's Comfort Plan includes $0-down options that can lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 50%, along with 12 years of free maintenance. For homeowners seeking comfort, predictability, and lower energy use, that can be a meaningful alternative.

You can also pair solar panels with electric appliances, such as efficient HVACs and heat pumps, to push your utility costs down even further. EnergySage makes it easy to find the best solar panel system and installer for your home and budget, with potential savings of up to $10,000.

Where can I learn more?

Stories like this strike a nerve because costly HVAC problems rarely end with a single service call. 

• Basic AC maintenance turned into a suspicious $20,000 quote for one homeowner.

• Homeowners said HVAC contractors used trust-me sales tactics to justify costly system replacements.

• After a simple repair, one homeowner faced an unprofessional $2,300 bill and scam fears.

Homeowners should look closely at installers, warranties, and system options before signing a major contract. 

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