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New homeowner questions popular HVAC upgrade after receiving massive installation quote: 'Seems like a lot of markup'

"Definitely get more quotes."

One Redditor shared a quote they'd received for a furnace and heat pump that totaled nearly $29,000 and asked for feedback.

Photo Credit: iStock

Upgrading your heating and cooling system is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make as a homeowner, and one Reddit post has sparked debate over just how expensive it should be.

In a post shared on r/heatpumps, the original poster turned to the community after receiving a quote of nearly $29,000 for a furnace and heat pump system. They shared photos of the quote and asked two questions.

One Redditor shared a quote they'd received for a furnace and heat pump that totaled nearly $29,000 and asked for feedback.
Photo Credit: Reddit
One Redditor shared a quote they'd received for a furnace and heat pump that totaled nearly $29,000 and asked for feedback.
Photo Credit: Reddit

"First question, does this seem like a reasonable quote and good setup for a house my size? Second question, is it better to wait a few years until my current furnace dies, or should I upgrade the HVAC system now?" the OP wrote.

Users were quick to weigh in, and they didn't hold back. 


"Seems like a lot of markup, typically they double equipment price and that includes the labor … and on top of that even more extras lol, are they doing duct work, do you have some odd setup like in crawl space or attic?" one commented.

Others agreed that the price quoted was too expensive, with several users sharing estimates for similar upgrades that came in well below $20,000.

The discussion reflects the concerns homeowners have with energy upgrades. While these significantly reduce energy use and help protect you from rising energy costs, pricing varies widely, and that's why doing your homework matters.

TCD's HVAC Explorer can help you understand different upgrade options that let you save up to 50% on energy bills and enjoy $0-down subscription options.

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Several commenters urged caution and noted the importance of comparison shopping.

"I just got very similar for $12,500 in CO. All my other bids were 18-20k. I'd contact a local mom and pop and make sure you're getting power company rebates etc.," a user suggested.

"Definitely get more quotes, 10k labor is crazy and then adding another 4k to add some ductwork lol," another wrote.

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