When your HVAC unit starts to show signs of breaking down, it’s uncomfortable in many ways.
It’s physically uncomfortable because the summer heat will make your home hot and sweaty. However, it’s also financially uncomfortable. Thinking about the HVAC unit replacement cost is enough to send any homeowner into a mild panic.
Heating and cooling your home isn’t cheap, but HVAC replacement has countless benefits. The key to lessening the financial burden is being tactful about installation and budgeting properly.
In this post, we’re going to give you a short guide to preparing for an HVAC unit replacement cost. It’s never a good time to shell out thousands of dollars for anything in your home, but keep reading and you’ll see that it doesn’t have to ruin your finances.
How Much Does HVAC Unit Replacement Cost?
The cost of your HVAC replacement will depend on a few different things. First of all, it depends on the size of your home. If you’ve got a 1,500-square-foot home, the average cost is around $6,000, but for a 3,000-square-foot home, it could easily be $10,000.
Another cost-determining factor is the type of HVAC unit that you get. There are many combinations of heating and cooling units to choose from. Selecting the right one will depend on your local climate, as well as your home size.
Energy efficiency and brand type play a huge role in cost as well. Higher energy efficiency and more reputable brands cost more, both for the unit and installation.
Having to replace any of your home’s ductwork will drive up the cost as well. Over time, the efficiency of your ductwork will diminish, so you may need to upgrade it to work with the new HVAC system.
Ways to Manage the Installation Costs
When it comes to heating and cooling, you always have to take a long view of things. Trying to repair and maintain an older unit may end up costing you more in the long run. The upfront cost of HVAC replacement looks scary on paper, but there are different ways to manage the costs.
Getting an Energy Audit
Prior to hiring an HVAC installation company, it can be helpful to get a reinstallation evaluation complete with an energy audit. Of course, this will add another small fee to the overall cost of installation, but it can really help you save in the long run.
Having a professional look at your home can help you discover any issues with its energy efficiency, like air leaks or duct problems. It’ll also help you when it comes time to choose your HVAC unit, as they’ll be able to tell you exactly what to get.
Getting the Best HVAC Installer
Choosing the best HVAC service to replace your unit is paramount in saving money long-term. According to the EPA, nearly 50% of all HVAC systems are installed incorrectly, leaving customers like yourself footing the bill.
If you want to make sure your heating and cooling are working optimally, you need a trustworthy HVAC technician. For those in San Francisco, Heating and Air HVAC Services is always your best bet. As a BBB-accredited business, we always put our customers’ needs first.
Our testimonials say it all, whether we’re doing HVAC repairs or a full replacement. To get a quote for your HVAC replacement, contact us today.
Preparing Your Budget for HVAC Replacement
Once you’ve got a sense of the cost of different HVAC systems and installation costs, you’ll have to start budgeting. The first thing to do is decide what you can reasonably afford.
Keeping It Cheap?
When it comes to HVAC systems, you never want to go straight to the cheapest possible option. As mentioned above, the more expensive units may be tougher to budget for, but in the long run, you’re going to see more savings because of greater energy efficiency.
Rebate Potential
The next things you’ll want to look for are any rebates that you may be entitled to. In San Francisco, the Department of the Environment offers incentives up to $5,000 to anyone that replaces natural gas appliances with electric ones.
It’s worth looking into, as rebates/incentives can drastically lower the end cost of your HVAC replacement.
Shop Off Season
As one of San Francisco’s top HVAC specialists, we know how busy we get in the fall and spring. This is when most residents think to prepare for the heat of summer and the cooler winter months.
If you think ahead, you may be able to take advantage of special offers in the off-season that make your HVAC replacement cheaper.
Think Ahead and Budget
Regardless of whether you have any rebates or deals on the table, it’s important to have some foresight when it comes to HVAC unit replacement. The more time you have to budget and save money, the easier the cost of replacement will be to handle.
Financing options are always available in a pinch, but if you can set aside a bit of money each paycheck, you’d be surprised at how quickly you can save up the $6-10,000 required for HVAC installation. Setting monthly savings goals and cutting out needless expenses will help you get there as well.
The key to saving for an expense like this is paying attention to what you’re spending. Eat out fewer times per month, take public transit when possible, and sell some of the belongings you don’t need anymore. Every little bit counts and before you know it, you’ll have a brand new HVAC system for your home.
Enjoying Your Brand New HVAC Unit
Now that you know what you’re looking at and how to prepare for an HVAC unit replacement cost, you can start exploring your options. Once you have a new HVAC unit installed in your home, your level of comfort will skyrocket—as long as it’s installed correctly.
If you’re an SF resident, don’t overthink your HVAC replacement and contact us at Heating and Air HVAC Services. Our reputable technicians do the job right every time, so you can rest easy that you’re getting the best service in town.
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