In this article…
- 5 Reasons To Go With The Less Expensive HVAC System
- Finding The Right HVAC System That Meets Your Comfort and Budgetary Needs
Whether your AC randomly shuts down or you’ve been experiencing comfort issues for a while, finding the right HVAC system for your home is crucial.
Investing in any home upgrade can be costly, though, and that’s no secret. There is a wide range of how much a new HVAC system can cost, and it can be overwhelming to know how much you should pay for your new system.
What’s the average cost of a new HVAC system? Should you go with the least expensive option? Are there any downsides to going with a lower-grade system?
The truth is, sometimes choosing the least expensive option is the right choice for you, which is exactly what we’re going to discuss in this article.
At Wright Home Services, we’ve been providing San Antonio homeowners with high-quality comfort solutions since 1979.
Before even entering your home, we want you to be fully educated on all you need to know when it comes to your new system, especially regarding the cost.
We’re never going to upsell you on a bigger system or HVAC upgrades you don’t need. We understand that you never want to feel ripped off or like you got taken advantage of.
So, when should you choose the least expensive HVAC system? Let’s find out.
5 Reasons To Go With The Less Expensive HVAC System
The average cost of an HVAC system replacement can range from under $8,000 to over $20,000, depending on the size of the system, ductwork modifications, and needs for your home.
On the lowest end, some systems can even be installed for less than $7,000, but that doesn’t always mean they will last.
However, you can still find an affordable system that will perform as you need it to.
Let’s explore the five most common reasons why you should choose the least expensive HVAC system for your home.
1. You Don’t Have An Unlimited Budget
Alright, let’s be honest. Rarely does anyone have an unlimited budget.
You have a set budget for what you’re willing to pay for your new HVAC system, and maybe you’re looking for the least expensive option on the market. That’s reason enough to choose that option.
However, it’s important you understand that the cheapest option will never be the highest quality, so you may think you’re getting a deal, but you are compromising on efficiency, longevity, and overall comfort.
2. You Don’t Need Maximum Heating Or Cooling Power
Maybe you aren’t particularly picky with your home’s temperature, and you don’t mind it to be a little warm inside on a hot summer day. Or maybe you resort to burning fires and bundling up with blankets in the winter rather than cranking up the central heat.
If this sounds like you, then a less expensive HVAC system may be right for you.
Lower-cost systems will run at a lower capacity, which would be inefficient for those who need or want maximum heating and cooling power.
So, if you love to have your AC blowing at a steady 70 degrees all summer long, you’ll want to consider a system with a higher SEER rating, which will be more expensive.
3. You Live In A Smaller Home
Similar to the point above, if you live in a smaller home, you might not need maximum heating and cooling power and can get away with choosing the least expensive HVAC system on the market.
The size and layout of your home is a direct factor to the capacity size and SEER rating you’ll need. Smaller homes don’t need as high tonnage or efficiency as larger homes, so naturally, the system you choose will be less expensive than a system needed for a larger home.
However, this doesn’t mean there isn’t room for upgrades. Even if you only need a 1.5-ton system, you can upgrade the SEER rating and invest in ductwork repairs if needed to increase airflow and efficiency throughout your home and improve comfort.
4. You Plan To Sell Your Home Or Move Within A Few Years
If you’ve lived in your home for a while or are working on a fixer-upper with an old HVAC unit, you may want to choose a less expensive HVAC option because you won’t be there to reap the benefits of a highly efficient one to justify the pricetag.
If you’re considering moving in a few years and still want to enjoy maximum comfort in your home, investing in a higher-quality HVAC system will provide you with that comfort, peace of mind, and can also increase your home value to attract potential buyers.
But, if your system is giving out and you aren’t concerned about the longevity because you plan to move soon, choosing the least expensive HVAC replacement option may be the most worth it.
5. You Plan To Upgrade At A Later Date
If your AC has been going out regularly or you recently bought your forever home with an older unit, you’re most likely looking for a fast replacement option just to fix the issue.
In this instance, it may make sense for you to choose a less expensive option now and upgrade later to fit all your comfort needs.
This option may be viable for you if you are a long-term homeowner and don’t necessarily want to spend too much on a high-efficiency HVAC system. But, it’s still important to remember that choosing the cheapest option means you aren’t getting the most efficient or comfortable system.
Finding The Right HVAC System That Meets Your Comfort and Budgetary Needs
Finding the right HVAC system for you depends on a variety of factors, from your comfort and efficiency needs to your budget.
When shopping around for the right system for you, having realistic expectations for the cost is one of the most important things. This way, you can avoid feeling blindsided by a “too good to be true” offer and can understand that you get what you pay for.
It’s crucial to remember that with any HVAC system, cost and quality have a direct relationship. The cheapest system on the market will never be the most efficient, and the highest-quality system with maximum comfort will never be the cheapest.
Understanding all that goes into the cost of your new HVAC system and what to consider before making a decision is crucial. Then, you will feel more comfortable and confident in the system you choose and can find a trustworthy company to get the job done right.
Remember, no matter the type of HVAC system you choose, the quality of installation is the most important element to ensuring a successful replacement.
At Wright Home Services, our team of expert technicians and installers is here to educate you on all things HVAC and provide you with the highest-quality service repairs and full system replacements.
We’re here to help guide you to the best solution for your comfort needs, whether that’s upgrading your indoor air quality with a whole-home air purification system or a standard system replacement.
Whether you work with us or not, we want you to have all the information you need to choose the right company for the job and ensure all your needs are met.
To help you better understand the cost of an HVAC system replacement and when you should choose the least expensive option, check out this article that outlines how much a full system replacement costs in 2025 and what factors affect the cost of your project.
