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re: New A/C System - Pay in Full or Finance?

Posted on 7/8/26 at 7:25 am to
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
179587 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 7:25 am to
quote:

Unless you can get 0%


The way an ac guy explained it to me, even a 0% financing, someone is eating that financing cost so most likely your cash price will be less than the financing price. Ask outright if the cash price is better and by how much can it get knocked down.
Posted by dakarx
Member since Sep 2018
8543 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 7:31 am to
What are the finance terms?

We just replaced the 2.5 ton downstairs unit last fall and the 3t upstairs the fall before, got the same deal on both, 50% down and balance split into 6 monthly payments @ 0%. Had the cash up front for both, but used their $ money for 6 months and collected the interest.
Posted by WavinWilly
Wavin Away in Sharlo
Member since Oct 2010
9081 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 7:32 am to
quote:

If you're in Mandeville/Covington area I have a good small local independent guy to recommend you to.


I’d love to get this info. I’m on borrowed time with one of my units, and another one that isn’t that old can’t seem to keep up.
Posted by wrongRob
Tampa FL
Member since Oct 2017
1425 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 7:39 am to
I own an ac business.

The price is in line.

The current unit seems oversized, it will cool but not remove moisture efficiently.

Ask about a 2 stage condenser and variable speed air handler. 3 ton

A heat load calculation of your home would be beneficial and tell you exactly what you need but most homeowners don't do do it.

Best of success
Posted by Meauxjeaux
102836 posts including my alters
Member since Jun 2005
47295 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 7:39 am to
Ask for Joe. He’s like a nephew-in-law or something. :)

Pounds AC
Posted by Tedorgeron
Member since Feb 2022
259 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 7:41 am to
That price should also include new ductwork. Where accessible in attic. Not an AC guy but get 15 quotes a month for work. Where are you located if in south Louisiana I can give you a fair good person to give you a quote
Posted by BamaCoaster
God's Gulf
Member since Apr 2016
7290 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 7:44 am to
quote:

Unless you can get 0% (we did when we replaced our 4 ton a few years ago) bite the bullet


Let me ask a question.
You think companies that charge 0% interest don’t inflate the price?
We offer 0%, but charge an extra like $900 or so in order to finance for free in order to pay the bank or finance company.
Posted by SETH6180
TEXAS
Member since Feb 2020
1312 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 7:52 am to
Just had a 3 ton carrier installed end of June. New ductwork etc. Cash price was $9500, 0% financing for 24 months was $10K, I did the 0% for 24 months.
Posted by notsince98
KC, MO
Member since Oct 2012
22215 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 7:55 am to
the older I get the more i see/realize how bad financing is for this world. I'd avoid financing at all costs.
Posted by NBR_Exile
Houston via Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2012
2094 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 8:00 am to
quote:

As the townhome is around 1,400 square feet, it's right in the middle. 2.5 tons are typically best for 1,100 - 1,500 square feet, while 3 tons are typically best for 1,500-2,000 square feet.


Rule of thumb I've heard is one ton per 500 sq/ft. At 1400 it sounds like 3 is the right choice. There are other variables but 500 per ton is a good place to start. I'm not an HVAC expert but I do know 2 and they usually there.
Posted by Supermoto Tiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2010
10933 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 8:06 am to
quote:

I have the money to pay for the new A/C system
quote:

Would it be better to pay off in full at installation or finance?


Absolutely pay it off in full upon installation.
Why add debt when you have the funds to pay it off in full.
Posted by WM88
Rayvegas
Member since Aug 2004
2058 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 8:07 am to
Crazy prices.

I paid $4400 a year ago to replace both inside and out. I don't know size but my house is 1500 sq feet and AC guy was family friend so he didn't screw me.
I also don't have a name brand system.

I tried to send a friend to him and he told them that he only services now (no new installs).
Posted by SoloTiger
Member since Aug 2016
11028 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 8:16 am to
Yeah, you need to size the unit appropriately to your house.

You will typically get better pricing from small mom/pop outfits as opposed to the big guys.
Posted by WavinWilly
Wavin Away in Sharlo
Member since Oct 2010
9081 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 8:20 am to
quote:

Meauxjeaux
TY.

A little off topic, but since we seem to have a bunch of HVAC guys in here right now - does anyone have thoughts on the new variable speed inverter systems, such as the Daikin Fit? I seem to see so many mixed opinions on both inverter systems and Daikin. Unless I’m misunderstanding something they seem pretty ideal for dealing with our humidity. I have an older home that doesn’t have the best envelope - removing humidity is factoring into my future decisions.
Posted by Athis
I AM Charlie Kirk....
Member since Aug 2016
16767 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 9:06 am to
I am learning that cheaper isn't always cheaper.. You have to find that happy spot.. I have a guy that is very expensive but he doesn't cut corners and is honest.. About 6? years ago he quoted me for a all new 4 ton system (inside and out because of the new freon) for $10,000. I am sure $3000+ can be added for today's prices... But that price is a no worry deal. He will be there night or day if something goes wrong. When he gave me that quote I joked about buying window units.. He looked at me and said "that is no joke some people are doing that now".. Just to be clear he was at my house doing maintenance and we were just talking about prices...
Posted by Everyday Is Saturday
Member since Dec 2025
2311 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 9:08 am to
Sorry to hear.

quote:

24 year old unit (great Carrier unit)


But they don’t last forever.

To all the youngins, get that emergency fund funded. This is great example of wealth preservation, believe it or not. DO NOT pay finance charges (interest) on AC if you can help it. And hopefully your emergency fund has been growing over time. Good use here!

And, avoiding all those extended warranty marked up policies…still in your pocket b/c you had an emergency fund that flexes in the unlikely case that you need it.
Posted by lsupride87
Member since Dec 2007
111928 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 9:12 am to
quote:

Let me ask a question. You think companies that charge 0% interest don’t inflate the price?
Not if you have a brain as the customer

Ask the cash price. Mention nothing about financing. Go thru with the sales walkthrough etc etc

Say you are ready to sign the deal. Then ask for financing. If they try and increase the price threaten to walk.
Posted by OlGrandad
Member since Oct 2009
4652 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 9:19 am to
check our these on amazon

Ask around and find who to get to install.
Posted by udtiger
Over your left shoulder
Member since Nov 2006
116399 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 9:46 am to
quote:

quote:
Unless you can get 0% (we did when we replaced our 4 ton a few years ago) bite the bullet


Let me ask a question.
You think companies that charge 0% interest don’t inflate the price?
We offer 0%, but charge an extra like $900 or so in order to finance for free in order to pay the bank or finance company


I was answering his question.

If a cash price is cheaper, then obviously he needs to consider the time value.
Posted by Jake88
Member since Apr 2005
80622 posts
Posted on 7/8/26 at 9:50 am to
Get at least 2 more estimates. Don't be a rube.
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