If your HVAC unit goes out, you’re usually up a creek, especially in the summer heat. So what to do?
Knowing that a brand new HVAC unit is usually quite expensive—in the thousands—is a good place to start. But asking the right questions and gaining the right knowledge before you go HVAC shopping is likely to save you thousands, too.
Look Up Manufacturer Rebates
Before you begin your hunt for the best-priced HVAC unit, look up the rebates offered by current major manufacturers. Although many of these rebates tend to be for the most expensive models, knowing what’s available will help you make the best price decision. For example, you may be able to save more money by purchasing a mid-grade model than an expensive model with a rebate—but knowledge of the rebate puts you in control. Check out these manufacturer rebate sites to start searching:
You should also check to see if Tennessee offers any tax breaks or monetary incentives for installing new HVAC units. You might just be able to find a decent heating and cooling incentive that’s worth applying for.
Have Your Unit Installed in the Off-Season
We know that you can’t predict the time of year your air conditioning unit is going to quit on you, but if you are planning to replace your unit before it dies, this tip is for you. If you can plan when your installation will take place, you can plan it for the offseason so that labor is cheaper (when HVAC contractors aren’t so busy).
This “off-season” is in the less hot and cold months of spring and summer. For us in Nashville, that will be late March, April and May, or late September and October. Then, ask for an off-season discount. It never hurts to ask! To help you decide if you need to replace your unit or not, check and see what Energy Star recommends for maintenance of an HVAC unit and when to replace one.
Get Several Quotes Before Committing
And finally, the tip we probably all know about: have several contractors out to give you quotes. Sometimes heating and cooling companies will have very different prices, but how will you know if you don’t get several quotes? HVAC units run the spectrum in both size and quality, so you can’t get a good idea of the price until you have contractors out for a quote. If you’re serious about saving money, the extra time it takes to get these quotes will be well worth it. Here are a few questions you can ask to make sure you’re getting the most accurate quote from your HVAC contractor.
Do you have any HVAC buyer tips?
Yes, a new HVAC unit is an investment. But if your unit isn’t working as needed, you really don’t have much of a choice in the summer heat. Doing your research will prepare you for getting a good price on your new investment.
Have you ever purchased a new HVAC unit? What was the buying experience like? Or are you dreading the day your unit goes kaput? Leave us a comment in the box below and we’ll answer right away. We love to converse with our readers!
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