HVAC Installation

In Northwest Arkansas & thinking about replacing your HVAC system? Read on.

Tips for saving money

Despite what HVAC salesmen say, it's never fun to replace an HVAC system. Regardless of brand or contractor, they are always a substantial investment. That said, there are ways to reduce that investment:

1. Get all the utility rebates and tax credits you can. Local utilities like SWEPCO and Black Hills offer thousands of dollars in rebates for buying energy efficient HVAC systems, with SWEPCO alone offering a rebate of up to $2,500. For an up to date list of all the HVAC system rebates & tax credits available in Northwest Arkansas, see here.

2. Think hard on repair vs replacement. It's common for people to be stuck having to choose between an expensive repair of an aging HVAC system vs just getting a whole new system. Here are a few things to consider:

• I. Age of your system. The average HVAC system in the United States lasts 15 to 18 years, with heat pumps being on the shorter end of that span and regular ACs lasting longer. If your system is close to that age range, you should probably consider replacement. If not, repairing your current unit is the way to go. Keep in mind that if your system is "builder grade" (was installed with the house), it may last much less than average.
• II. Type of refrigerant in your system. If your HVAC system is old and uses R-22 refrigerant, you'll want to skip the repair and get it replaced. R-22 was banned from manufacturing on January 1, 2020 and pricing for it is obscene (and will only go up as existing supplies of it run out).

3. Get multiple quotes. Since getting a new HVAC system is a big investment, it's a must to get two or three quotes. It'll give you a better understanding of the product offerings out there and you'll feel better about whatever price you do end up paying. You can also read our post here here on how much it costs to replace an HVAC unit in Northwest Arkansas. It has real quotes, utility bills pre and post change-out, and more.

Need an HVAC install quote in Northwest Arkansas? Call Franklin at (479) 282-0003 or just tap the message bubble in the bottom right to schedule.