When changing out your HVAC system do you?
 

When changing out your HVAC system most of the time you get the "Good", "Better" and "Best" options to select from. Assuming you can afford any of these systems, and you are not changing out the system because you are moving, did you get the cheapest unit from the cheapest installer you can find OR did you spend a little extra for the "Better" or "Best" unit from a more well known, reputable installer eventhough they were not the cheapest? Did you get and compare multiple quotes, specifically comparing the same equipment from multiple installers? Did you ask in some detail about what their installation was replacing or did you just assume the installation was the same?

Let's here some thoughts and or experiences. Specifically, if you went with the cheapest, over the long term did the system last? Did the cheapest company stay in business and adequately service it? Did i save you any money on electric? Was the new system more comfortable?

In addition, If you spent the extra money to get the "Better" or "Best" system, did you feel it was worth it and If so, why? Did you feel spending the extra money for better comfort was worth it eventhough you knew you would not re-coup the extra cost of the system? Do you feel that haveing the "Better" or "Best" system would help you get a better price for your home if you sold it? Do you think potential buyers look at or care if you have a newer HVAC system and if it's the cheapest (junk) or a better system?

If I was going to keep the home, I would go with one of the high quality brands like Trane, Rheem or Carrier. Thats just me though, I always buy top quality. I find that you get what you pay for in most cases.

But I'm not sure I would opt for the most expensive, highest effeciency model they quote. Our utility bills here are fairly low, so the payback on expensive upgrades like a variable speed blower and highest seer rating may not be there.

That said, if I was not planning on staying there longterm or getting ready to sell it, I would go for the lower cost/quality brand. Most people buying here don't care about the brand, they just care about how old it is.

We went with the middle option for a couple reasons. Our A/C company told us it was a significant upgrade from the cheapest option, and after the manufacturer rebate it only costed a couple hundred more. The best option was a significant price increase, didn’t have a meaningful manufacturer rebate, and was only marginally more efficient than the middle option so we would never recover the added expense. We are very happy with our new system (it’s a Champion System made by Johnson Controls). It’s super quiet and cools down our home almost instantly.

as an old repair guy, i would never go with anything high end , more bells and whistles and lots more to break down , stay middle of the pack. just my 2 cents.

So, a couple of comments.

If you live here in the Villages, your probably best to go with Carrier or Trane becasue most HVAC companies install these brands so there is more familiarity and available parts.

Ending now in 2025, there are significant rebates from Carrier, Duke Energy and a $2,000 Federal Tax Credit for the "Best" higher end systems bringing them closer in price to the "Better" system.

Concerning repairs and the complexity and expense on the "Best" system, you can get 10 years of full labor, for about $1,000. That's about $100/year which is very cheap insurance and it's transferrable to subsequent owners. This goes along with the 10 year parts from Carrier. In addition, two models of the Carrier "Best" category have Replacement of the outdoor condenser unit with major failure such as a compressor failure vs repairing. This means, 8 years out, for example, if your compressor fails, they will replace your outdoor condenser with a brand new unit vs repairing the compressor on an old system. My feeling on this is the newer systems are more reliable and eventhough there is no guarantee that your condenser won't have a major failure, the probability is low enough that the coverage is relatively cheap. Either way it's not a concern since you are fully covered.

The only issue with the more expensive inverter systems is you need a trained qualified technician who is familiar with the system to service it. Most of the authorized Carrier and Trane companies will have these tech's along with direct tech support from the manufacturer. You need the same "trained" techs to maintain and repair all the mini-splits that everyone is installing since they are basically the same technology. What you loose in going with the "best" system is the ability to do any repairs yourself since there isn't the typical capacitor and contactor that you can buy on Amazon.

What do you gain with the "Best" system? Comfort from exact temperature and humidity control, potentially a longer life system, significant energy savings. Not enough to re-coup the extra cost but enough to reduce your electric bill especially since we most certainly will be paying more for energy in subsequent years.

I would expect some of the smaller HVAC companies to say don't buy anything new and complex and just stay wit the old tried and true but this newer inverter technology has been out long enough where this "fear" isn't warrented any more. A reputable company that has authorized support and trained technicians should propose the "Good", "Better" and "Best" options explaining the price and feature differences given any manufacturer and or tax credits and you as the customer can decide which system fits your needs best and what you can afford. Anything else is just potentially scare tactics to get you to purchase the system they make the most money on.