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Homeowner surprised by HVAC techs' odd behavior after wife asks for simple upgrade: 'Contractors won't even quote this job'

"Are [they] really this bad?"

See how one homeowner was struggling to get a quote for a mini-split installation — until helpful Redditors came to the rescue.

Photo Credit: iStock

A confused homeowner reached out to Reddit's r/hvacadvice after receiving frustrating responses from multiple HVAC companies. 

According to the original poster, they bought a 1970s home in Knoxville, Tennessee, and they had been trying to find a contractor to install a mini-split system. However, each business the OP brought in tried to sell them a different package. 

"Are mini-splits really this bad?" they asked. "Contractors won't even quote this job."

Commenters emphasized the efficiency of mini-split systems and urged the OP to find the right HVAC installer. 


"I have a company out of Huntingdon, TN on the west side of the state," one person responded. "We do tons of mini-split jobs. I actually prefer mini-split/mini-style system. They are hard to beat on efficiency."

A mini-split system divides your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning setup into different zones with outdoor and indoor units. This eliminates the need for ductwork and cuts energy losses associated with ducts. One of the main benefits of a mini-split system is that it's more energy-efficient than traditional HVAC units because you can adjust the temperature in individual rooms. 

Upgrading your home's heating and cooling system is a great way to not only save money on your utility bills but also improve your home's energy efficiency. For homeowners looking to understand their options, TCD's HVAC Explorer is a great place to start. You can connect with trusted installers and save up to 50% on your energy bills after upgrading to a new system or energy-efficient heat pump. 

Palmetto is one of TCD's partners that can help you find a solution while saving money down the line. With Palmetto, you can get a new system for $0 down and subscription lease payments as low as $99 per month. You'll also keep saving once the system is installed, as Palmetto offers 12 years of free maintenance. 

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The OP updated Redditors in the forum, explaining that they received a call from a local contractor shortly after sharing their post.

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