Replacing the heating system would cost a Washington homeowner more than $22,300, according to an estimate they received after their furnace began blowing only cold air. The alternative was a repair costing more than $7,000, backed by just a 60-day warranty.

Here's what to know

The first-time homeowner turned to Reddit's r/HVACAdvice community for help. The home's original Trane furnace dated to its construction in the late 1980s, and the heat pump was installed in 2006.

The Reddit post's description of the replacement estimate listed an 80%-efficiency, two-stage Daikin gas furnace and a two-ton Daikin heat pump rated at 16 SEER. The local company's proposal also included labor and permits to replace both units.

Daikin's reliability was one unknown for the homeowner; another was whether the quote reflected reasonable pricing for the greater Seattle area.

For homeowners weighing similar decisions, Palmetto can help them understand their HVAC options and reduce energy bills with newer, more efficient HVACs and heat pumps. Its Comfort Plan network helps homeowners find efficient heating and cooling solutions and connects them with vetted installers.

More background

The replies offered price comparisons, but not independently verified examples of equivalent installations. A self-described Washington HVAC technician acknowledged that Seattle prices could be higher while reporting a quote of just over $11,000 for a two-ton dual-fuel system.

Different equipment also limited what a reported Tacoma installation could reveal about the Seattle homeowner's quote. The commenter describing that job said their four-ton Trane system cost $19,000 — their second-lowest bid — and suggested asking whether a furnace was necessary.

No single owner's experience could establish that every system from a manufacturer performs poorly. Among the varied equipment feedback was an owner's criticism of their system's thermostat and defrost performance in Pacific Northwest conditions.

What can be done?

For the Seattle homeowner, gathering additional bids and asking for a specific diagnosis could help clarify whether to repair or replace the system.

The self-described Washington technician asked, "Did they say what was wrong with the system? Over 7k seems really high for almost any repair on a residential system." The commenter also recommended checking whether the contractor was owned by a private-equity firm.

Upgrading heating and cooling is one of the best ways to save on utility bills and protect against rising energy prices. For homeowners not 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.

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. 

For the original poster, being able to afford the work did not ease the uncertainty of navigating a major home purchase. "We are fortunate enough to be able to afford this, but it's also foreign territory to us. Does this price seem reasonable for the work being done?"

Where can I learn more?

Other homeowners have also had to weigh costly HVAC repairs against replacing their systems. 

• A homeowner facing 105-degree heat received a $22,000 replacement quote after their AC failed.

• HVAC technicians questioned a $6,000 repair quote, suggesting it could be an upsell.

• After three roughly $9,500 HVAC quotes, a homeowner heard a $1,500 repair might suffice.

• A homeowner received a $14,000 furnace replacement pitch over a rusty bolt others deemed fine.

• After a compressor failed, a homeowner questioned a $10,000 replacement quote and sought cheaper options.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.