A Missouri homeowner getting a new heat pump turned to Reddit for advice when deciding between a more established company offering shorter protection and a relatively new installer promising a 10-year warranty at a higher price. 

Here's what to know

Estimates shared in the homeowner's Reddit post ranged from $13,000 to $15,500 to replace a 30-year-old air conditioner and electric resistance heating. The home measures 2,300 square feet.

At $13,000, the three-ton Rheem was the least expensive option. A four-ton Carrier came in at $13,500, and a three-ton Trane/American Standard cost about $14,500. The highest quote was for a three-ton Champion inverter heat pump.

For the highest-priced system, labor protection rested with the installer's own business — a company with just 18 months of operating history. Its warranty was the longest offered.

Part of their concern with this new company is that the "Warranty is only as good as the company that offers it." The homeowner also weighed brand reputation against price, writing, "Champion ain't a top tier brand. So why so high? Do I go with Carrier or Trane because the stuff is built better?"

For homeowners facing similar decisions, Palmetto can help them understand their HVAC options and lower energy bills with newer, more efficient HVAC systems and heat pumps. Palmetto's Comfort Plan network helps homeowners find efficient heating and cooling solutions and connects them with vetted installers.

More background

Upgrading heating and cooling equipment is one of the best ways to lower utility bills and protect against rising energy prices, so it's important to feel like you made the right choice for your home. 

For the OP, difficulty reaching one local contractor was a concern, even though they liked them. A friend had recommended another company, but it had changed owners since they used them. 

Dropping below 3.5 tons worried the homeowner because their existing air conditioner of that size had performed well.

One commenter cautioned that frequent on-off cycling and inadequate dehumidification could result from oversizing. Commenters did not agree, however, on what capacity the home needed.

What can be done?

One commenter preferred fully communicating inverter systems. They also advised collecting the full model numbers for the thermostat and both the indoor and outdoor units.

The Rheem air handler's model number remained missing from the equipment information, even after the homeowner supplied additional details.

Another commenter advised that the home's heating needs should be established before the homeowner settles on equipment.

"Get a heat loss calculation before your final decision," they wrote, "And believe it because there is still a big buffer built in to the calculation."

For homeowners who aren't ready to spend up front, 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, making ongoing upkeep another factor to compare alongside installation price and warranty coverage.

Homeowners can also 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. 

Where can I learn more?

Other homeowners have also wrestled with which HVAC system to buy and whether its warranty would hold up. 

• A Houston homeowner questioned whether a TOSOT heat pump would withstand the city's brutal heat.

• A homeowner faced a $10,000 bill after a written 10-year AC warranty was disputed.

• A Maryland homeowner compared HVAC quotes as contractors favored the lower-priced Goodman option.

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