HVAC Replacement Cost?

Submitted by Dull_Victory8857 t3_118ebuy in boston

Got a quote from Sila for $28k for a full HVAC replacement in a 2009 townhouse (recently purchased)

Originally I had a service call for dampeners that need replacing, which costs $2k, but the technician also said it's probably time to replace the whole system, furnace and outdoor condenser. Gas HVAC/2 heating zones/nest thermostat

$28k sounds very high, I have no experience but common sense would tell me to get a second opinion from a different contractor. Thoughts?

EDIT: Thank you all for the insights! The $28k includes 7 years of free maintenance so that seems like not a bad deal, albeit pricy to someone who's completely HVAC dumb

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sderby t1_j9gy4mo wrote

Sila quoted me $1400 to replace a kitchen faucet. Get a few different quotes.

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kiwi-cucumber t1_j9gn59a wrote

This is in line with what we paid (and got multiple quotes for) in cambridge 1.5 years ago

Be sure to check out mass-saves too, because you may get efficiency benefits. I think technically ours was on the expensive side because we went with very quiet units, but even so it wouldn’t surprise me if that’s now a median price with supply chain and other cost increases.

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dtmfadvice t1_j9gttp9 wrote

Yes. There are also substantial national tax rebates as of this year for switching from gas to heat pumps. OP may have a little more trouble finding contractors familiar with the latest advances in heat pump systems (they sucked in the 70s and their reputation has not kept up with the reality that they're way better now).

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kiwi-cucumber t1_j9gvusy wrote

Yeah, for us even when we did it it took months for the units to become available - definitely something to plan waaaay ahead on

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nattarbox t1_j9gnppr wrote

Sila always comes in high, but they're available/fast/quality/and you get 5 years of free maintenance. Would definitely get at least two more bids to compare against.

I spent $9500 to replace an old gas burner + gas water heater with a single Navien unit, plumbed to three zones.

Sounds like you're doing AC too if there's a condenser involved?

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SideBarParty t1_j9gvgzl wrote

SILA's quotes are exorbitantly high.

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dghah t1_j9jm5jv wrote

They quoted us using preprinted prices listed in a three ring binder they brought to our house. Didn’t even look at our setup or situation before giving us a fixed price. We selected a different company

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thatpurplelife t1_j9gvz3f wrote

Get three quotes for sure. Also consider heat pumps. The incentives right now through mass save and the inflation reduction act are great.

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lifeisakoan t1_j9hb1v5 wrote

I put in a two head mini-split and they want me to subscribe to a $400 a year maintenance contract. They offer contracts up to $900 a year. I paid $14000 for the two head mini-split and I have 550 sq ft to cool/heat.

$28K for the full system sounds about right, although it make sense to get another quote.

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Legitimate-Divide837 t1_j9hm1ci wrote

Just got a heat pump and gas furnace dual fuel system installed for 18k before rebates. After rebates and tax credits it will be about 12k. I would seek some more quotes. I got three and they were wildly all over the place in terms of pricey and quality.

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equalrights2020 t1_j9i6k3v wrote

Does this include new duct work as well? Or just the mechanical pieces? How many sqft of heated/cooled space?

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Dull_Victory8857 OP t1_j9jxxf7 wrote

I think the quote is just for the mechanical pieces, no mention of duct work. House is a little over 1700 sqft

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equalrights2020 t1_j9k0130 wrote

Maybe worth getting a quote or ballpark from somebody outside of Boston. Samual in buzzards bay started recently out on his one. Try him at +1 (774) 501-7385

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wildfire_atomic t1_j9k4orf wrote

Sila is the equivalent of getting your car fixed at the dealership. You’re going to pay top dollar. Get some more quotes

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Dull_Victory8857 OP t1_j9kh6d1 wrote

If it's top dollar but also top notch, should I go with Sila anyway? I hope to call this place home for a while, just not sure what an acceptable price range for a quality job is

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aoethrowaway t1_j9midyk wrote

‘Probably time to replace the whole system’ sounds like total bullshit. What exactly is wrong with it?

Absolutely no way I would replace that for $28k.

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-CalicoKitty- t1_j9gs5d6 wrote

Sounds about right to me, but get another estimate or two. I recently paid about $15k for a tankless gas boiler with three zones, including installation. Look at Mass Save, they offer rebates and 0% loans up to $25k.

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