heating-system-budget

Tis the season for trouble hot and cold spots in your home, faulty thermostats, and cold tile floors. 

To fix these issues — along with high energy bills and other potential heating problems — you may need to gut and upgrade your home's HVAC system.

According to Fixr, an online cost estimation and comparison service, the national average to install a gas central heating system in a home with pre-existing ductwork is between $6,000 and $8,000. 

A total renovation (for a home without ductwork) doubles those estimates and varies from region to region, as climate can affect the type of system necessary. 

Specific heating considerations, including the use of zoned comfort solutions or smart thermostats, can also increase the price. That's a big chunk out of your home maintenance budget.

To save on upgrading your home's heating system (and stop worrying about how cold your family is), check out Warner Service's tips: 

  • Consider the installation cost. When you replace or install any heating unit, whether it's a Trane heat pump or Trane furnace, two costs exist: the price of the unit and the price of the installation.

    You can save money by purchasing the A/C unit at wholesale price, but don't lowball the installation costs. Quality installation of an HVAC component requires a professional to ensure that the unit is the right fit for your home before going through all that back-breaking trouble.

  • Pay attention to rebate opportunities. Many states and individual HVAC manufacturers and utilities companies offer rebates to offset the cost of a brand-new system, particularly those that are environmentally friendly.

    As of right now, Maryland offers more than 50 rebate and incentive programs for residential energy efficiency and renewable energy. Talk to your local heating contractor or visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency to learn more.
  • Think about longevity. We talked about two costs — the unit and installation prices. When upgrading a heating system, you should also consider a third cost: The monthly energy bill.

    A good rule of thumb is to remember the lowest price nor the first estimate guarantees the best product for your dollar. When buying a new heat pump or Trane furnace, think about the total cost over the decades that it's supposed to last.

    For example, a high-efficiency system might cost an extra $800 up front but could save you $300 per year on your energy bill. In two-and-a-half years, you'll offset the extra cost in energy savings.

    HVAC System Tip: You can also download our 30 Steps to a Lower Energy Bill. This list offers year-round tricks that any level of do-it-yourself skill can perform.
  • Pick the right manufacturer. If you recognize the manufacturer and see commercials for brand-name heating units, you may be inclined to go with that system. However, you should do research on Angie's List, Consumer Reports, and other reputable websites to check out other homeowners' reviews before you purchase.

    HVAC System Tip: At Warner, we prefer partnering with Trane — the most trustworthy brand in heating and cooling. To check out our favorite money-saving HVAC units, click here

If you think a whole-home heating system upgrade is what you need to decrease the monthly energy bill and keep your family warm this winter, be sure to follow Warner Service's money-saving tips. 

Download Our Energy Bill Checklist