Homes must have HVAC systems to maintain a comfortable indoor climate throughout the year. Several homeowners have used different methods for financing heating and cooling to achieve this comfort. Although HVAC is frequently used concerning temperature, these systems regulate vital elements like ventilation and air humidity. The U.S. Energy Information Administration notes that this comfort comes at a price since heating and cooling account for 51% of household energy use.
Financing Heating and Cooling Can Be an Expensive Project
HVAC systems can be expensive to install initially, especially if you choose energy-efficient models. This is why financing heating and cooling is necessary. However, it has its advantages and disadvantages. For instance, the upfront HVAC cost in a 2,000-square-foot home might be more than $10,000. But financing can be an effective choice in the appropriate circumstances, and this article explores the benefits and drawbacks of borrowing money for a new HVAC installation.
Benefits of HVAC Loan Financing
Here are the merits of financing heating and cooling:
- Rescuing A Massive Upfront Cost
The biggest benefit of financing home upgrades with a loan is avoiding the upfront costs. Even if there is sufficient cash to pay for an HVAC system in full upfront, a loan allows that money to be used for other investments.
- Energy Subtitles
A loan can help pay for the higher cost of energy-efficient units in the case of HVAC. Over time, this reduces energy costs by thousands of dollars, and these savings can be used to repay the loan. The overall cost of the system will be cheaper over time if the energy savings outweigh the price premium and interest.
Make sure you choose energy-efficient HVAC equipment if you want the greatest outcomes. The US EPA’s ENERGY STAR designation is a reliable indicator that a product has been put through rigorous testing for performance and efficiency following government regulations. Higher savings from high-efficiency appliances will help pay off more of the loan.
Consider how different HVAC systems have different efficiency metrics:
- The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is a tool used by modern air conditioners (SEER).
- The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency is used by furnaces and boilers (AFUE).
- Using the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, air-source heat pumps (HSPF).
These measurements can be contrasted with a car’s estimated gas mileage. Although a better HVAC efficiency lowers electricity and gas expenditures, a higher MPG number minimizes gasoline use. The ENERGY STAR designation defines minimum values for the SEER, AFUE, and HSPF depending on the kind of equipment.
Cons Of HVAC Loan Financing
Here are the demerits of financing heating and cooling:
- Interest Payment
The biggest disadvantage of financing an HVAC system is the interest payment. The initial expense is eliminated, but in exchange, the overall cost increases over time. However, interest rates differ depending on the type of loan, and HVAC financing can work if the conditions are good.
Recommended HVAC Financing Option
A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is an excellent choice if you have a solid credit history. These loans have interest rates under 5% and often have a 10–20 year repayment duration. A HELOC’s primary disadvantage is that it creates a lien on your home, making selling it challenging if you want to move within the following 20 years.
Higher interest rate financing choices are not advised because they can significantly increase the price of an HVAC system. For instance, if a project is financed with credit card debt over five years at a 30% interest rate, you will pay twice as much.
Conclusion
Finishing an HVAC installation can be a wise choice in the right situations. You can utilize the loan to buy more energy-efficient equipment, and the money you save on energy over time will help pay off the debt. A HELOC or other low-interest alternative is ideal for HVAC financing. High-interest loans will increase the cost of HVAC installations and may even cancel out the savings from energy-efficient equipment.