I'm located in the Midwest and have received two quotes, both around $16,000, for the installation of a new air conditioning unit and furnace. However, I found that I could purchase all the necessary parts for about $6,000. Is it reasonable for them to charge $10,000 for labor? Does this price seem excessively high based on your experiences? Thanks in advance for your input!
3 Answers
Not from your area, but I paid $24K for my new system a while ago. It's a hefty price, but it did make me more diligent about maintenance for the longevity of my units. You might want to negotiate mainly for labor costs or look for a smaller company that could better accommodate your needs!
If it’s just a simple swap, $16,000 does seem high. Just make sure you’re comparing the same units with the same capacities. You might be looking at different models, which could explain the price difference. It’s worth getting a third quote to compare, preferably from a smaller local company.
It sounds about right to me. I’m in the Midwest too, and my wife worked in HVAC for four years. I’ve seen quotes average from $15,000 to $25,000 these days. It’s worth paying for installation because it gives you peace of mind—if something goes wrong, they’ll fix it under warranty, unlike if you DIY and mess something up. A good crew can have everything done in just a few hours. Just be cautious: if you attempt it yourself and it doesn’t work, fixing it can cost a lot more later on.
I agree, it seems like a risky DIY project. Best to leave it to the pros.