Out of all the appliances in your home, HVAC systems cost the most to replace. According to Angi, homeowners spend $7,500 to upgrade their HVAC on average, but the price can reach over $12,500.
While a new HVAC system will always be a significant investment in the comfort of your home, that doesn’t mean you can’t try to save a little money. In fact, there are many excellent ways to cut costs without compromising on the system’s quality and performance—and we’re here to help.
At Ultimate Heating & Cooling, we pride ourselves on helping all our clients get the most value out of every purchase. That’s why we’ve created this list of the six best ways to save money when buying a new HVAC system.
Find the Correct Equipment Sizing
Bigger is not always better when it comes to getting the right HVAC equipment for your home. The overall energy efficiency of the system and your comfort depends on finding correctly sized equipment.
To do that effectively, you need an HVAC company with an in-house engineer who knows how to move through the Manual JSD process. That way, you can get recommendations for equipment based on your actual home’s needs rather than a general size estimate.
Otherwise, you could end up paying more for an oversized system you don’t actually need. In addition to the initial equipment purchase and installation costs being higher, your monthly energy bills may go up, and the lifespan of the system decreases due to short cycling issues.
Seek Out Multiple Quotes
Saving money on your new HVAC system starts with understanding your options. To do that, you need multiple quotes in hand, so you can truly understand what the upgrade will cost.
Plan to get quotes from three companies you’ve thoroughly vetted by reviewing their website, online reviews, and license info. Ask about the same equipment brand and size each time to be consistent. Doing so will allow you to compare apples to apples and get the best value for your money.
Then, consider additional value adds, like warranties on parts, workmanship, and professionalism. A streamlined maintenance program is also a nice addition. Regular service and support can help extend the life of your equipment and help you get the most out of your investment.
Install Two Units at One Time
If you’ve always wanted an AC unit, going for it during your new furnace installation can save you money in the long run. That’s because installing two units at the same time combines the labor and transportation costs. You might also get a discount on the installation when doing more than one service at a time.
Oftentimes, waiting to add AC increases the cost because the installer has to deconstruct part of the furnace to put in the evaporator coil. Depending on your system design, the coil may sit beneath the furnace, complicating the installation process when done separately.
Installing two units simultaneously can also make sense when replacing or upgrading a system that already has heat and cooling. Your installer will help you weigh the remaining life of the equipment with your potential savings to see if an upgrade would benefit you.
Get HVAC Energy Tax Credits and Rebates
With the right HVAC investment, you can earn money back on your purchase. You just need to find the appropriate program to participate in and then follow their guidelines.
For federal income tax credits, go with the ENERGY STAR program. This program rewards you for greatly improving your home’s energy efficiency with equipment like heat pumps and rooftop solar systems.
Local energy companies and HVAC equipment manufacturers often offer rebates as well to help cut the installation costs. Ask about these rebates and tax credit programs when getting quotes to see where you can potentially save money.
Buy During the Off Season
Everyone wants heating or cooling upgrades when the outside temperatures start to get uncomfortable. HVAC companies end up with a full schedule as a result, causing prices to rise alongside the demand for parts and services.
To get the best deal, it’s often best to schedule your quotes for the end of the summer or winter season. Then, plan to have your selected HVAC company complete the installation during the fall or spring months.
By taking that approach, you’ll end up saving more on your HVAC equipment and installation labor. Plus, you won’t have to wait for room to open up on the schedule, allowing you to get your HVAC system working correctly before you really need it.
Pay with Cash
Many credit companies charge HVAC vendors a percentage of the bill when offering financing to their clients, which drives up the price of your equipment and installation.
For that reason, cash is king when saving money on a new HVAC system. Ask your installer if they’ll offer a slightly lower price for a cash payment. Although it’s not always an option, it’s well worth asking before moving forward with your project due to the savings. Plus, the more expensive your HVAC project is, the more rewarding the discount.
Ready to Save Money on Your HVAC System?
If you are ready to put all these tips into action, simply reach out for a quote or call (720) 647-5099 to speak with our team.
During your call, we’ll be your guide to finding the best HVAC system for your unique house. Our in-house engineer will complete the Manual JSD process to determine exactly the right equipment size. Then, our NATE-certified technicians will visit your house at your convenience to complete a timely and accurate installation.
We look forward to helping you improve the comfort, health, and safety of your home with a new HVAC system. So, please contact our team whenever you’d like to get started.
