Purchasing a new HVAC unit can be a daunting task. These truths, from my 23 years inside the industry, will help you make the best purchasing decision.
Coupons & rebates are nothing more than a ploy by the HVAC provider to get your attention and get you to call for a quote. The ugly truth: more times than not, they're built into the cost of the job. So when the "discount" is deducted, you feel good — when in actuality you paid a relatively normal amount for the service or product.
Same goes for "Senior Citizen" & "Military" discounts. Providers that offer a 10% discount typically already have it built into the job cost. Not every provider does this, but most do. I'd much rather a provider tell me they can't afford to offer discounts because their pricing is already competitive than be handed a false one.
You'll know that gut feeling when a price feels too high and when you object the salesperson tries to convince you otherwise. Often the next words are: "Would you excuse me for a moment while I call my manager and see what we can do to improve the price."
This is a blatant dog-and-pony show. They may or may not actually be calling anyone — they want you to think they're going to bat for you. The money to lower your price was already built into the job. If a salesperson comes back and says "my manager said we can knock $1,000 off if you sign right now," your very next question should be: "Why wasn't I offered that price in the first place?"
"Big box" contractors that offer next-day installation do so because they don't want you getting more prices. They know if you get more prices you'd see immediately how they are overcharging you. Unfortunately, some contractors build their entire business model around it. Customers who fall for this sometimes spend 1.5–3x more than they should, because they were sold, not educated.
Always get more than one estimate. At least three is customary.
Quality contractors in this market offer prices that genuinely can't be discounted much. If a provider offers to knock $750, $1,000, or $1,500+ off your price, ask why they didn't offer that price at first. Buying an HVAC system is NOT like buying a car. A quality, honest contractor may knock a couple hundred bucks off, and when they do, they're decreasing their own margin to do it.
Be honest with the contractor when asking for a lower price. Are you asking just to ask, or do you genuinely like their proposal better but it's slightly higher than another?
The internet and Google can be your best friend and worst enemy when researching HVAC equipment. First and foremost: there is no "best brand." Every brand on the market has examples of premature failure in one way or another. The price of the job doesn't make the equipment good or bad either. If you believe spending more means better you will be taken advantage of. An unethical salesperson will pick up on that belief and use it against you.
The integrity of your equipment comes down to the company you choose to install it. That choice is critical because you want a company that answers your calls for warranty service and repairs after the installation.
Send it my way before you sign anything. I'll tell you exactly where it stands.