I think he's referring to the line sets. They make what they call DIY kits which come with pre charged lines (freon) so there's no need to pull vacuum etc. They work like the old quick connects. The issue with this usually comes down to the fact that those DIY kits are not what pro's are installing, we're installing better quality equipment & usually higher efficiency. Even if you can get a name brand unit, it's still not the same as what a pro is quoting you.

I've had several people take my quotes deduct the cheapest mini split unit they can find online & assume the rest is what I'm charging for labor. And we don't want to install the cheap DIY units because we don't want to take the heat from customers when they break down. It will invariably be the HVAC companies fault despite the fact that the customer hand picked the cheapest equipment they could find.

I got mine done last July. $14k

5 ton variable speed Lennox 11000 BTU furnace
4 ton, variable speed 18 seer Bosch heat pump
humidifier

It hurt to do, but we also were able to claim a $2,000 tax credit for the heat pump too

I've had to replace two HVAC systems over the last 3 years and the cost is pretty much in line with what I had to pay. Prices on systems have gone through the roof and are going to keep going up due to new efficiency requirement standards.

In 2021 we spent $14k on two Lennox units, a 3 ton and a 4 ton. This includes a 15 year warranty. I realize cost has gone up but your quote seems really high.

Alright all you guys are making me feel much better about this, thank you! Just got a better quote from a just as reputable company with a very straightforward salesman.

12.2k if I do the one stage furnace instead of two stage, and give up the variable speed fan motor.

14.5 with those two upgrades. Given that until 4 years ago I lived for 17 years in the mountains with wood stove heat and no AC, I'm thinking I won't miss those "luxuries", but let me know if I'm really missing out and should invest the 2,300. Thanks again!

For my place, the biggest advantage of the variable speed motor is that you can set it way low and just have the fan running all the time without costing a fortune (I estimate it costs me around $8/month). I've got major hot/cold spots in our master bedroom on the upper floor, and running the fan all the time helps to even things out a bit. If you've otherwise been pretty comfortable with a simple one-stage system, you can definitely live without the upgrade.

SC, in sales, how much are you expected to negotiate with customers? Does your management give you much wiggle room on price? Trying to understand if this is supposed to be like buying a car where some haggling is expected. I'm not worried about 5-10 percent sort of thing, just trying not to pay 30 percent more.

Ah I'm on one level, can see where that would matter more with two. Thanks!

What did you say to me mother ****er? I'll post the private message if u don't want to

It has only been five years ago we did a 16 SEER Amana heat pump, 3 1/2 ton for $8,100 and I thought that was theft.

Last week our accountant said the installer was now getting close to 25k for similar product.

Heat pump?

I’ve got a 135 ton Daikan going up on a roof next week for just north of 400k. Good deal fellas?

How the hell do normal people afford this shit? Do you fiance it and make payments for a decade? Dust your savings account? Take money from your 401k?

After getting my roof and gutters done it seems like you can be $20k into home repairs before you even blink.

I'm fortunate to have the cash but yeah I asked the last salesman. He said they do zero interest for a year and then something above 6 percent. I'm sure a lot of people are going into debt to keep their house warm which sucks.

Then he's telling me about people who spare no expense and drop 40 grand like it's nothing. He had one extremely wealthy lady he asked, do you want the best like what originally came with the house and she said honey, the best has never been too good for me. Imagine being married to her.

My parents are retired and have been kicking around the idea of replacing their furnace all winter long, it's the same age as i am. I almost stroked out when they told me what their quote was (i think it was $12,000 and change). I could swing that if i absolutely had to, but I'd cry when i handed the check over.

Paying off 12-15k in a year at zero % would be like doubling your mortgage for most people I'd reckon.