Good news has been hard to come by in the air conditioning world over the past several years. Regulatory changes and high inflation have just been pounding the industry causing prices to skyrocket. We are nearly at the point where even a small split system or packaged unit is going to cost $10,000 or more when considering labor, materials, permits, duct testing, etc. It’s getting extremely hard to bear the cost of replacement but having a working AC system is vital to your family’s health and safety during the extreme Bakersfield summers. What choice is left for the homeowner except to empty your savings or go into debt?
There is some good news on the horizon, however. Starting in 2023, the Inflation Reduction Act kicks in for homeowners who might consider moving towards a heat pump AC system. A heat pump involves the use of an air handler to transfer heat in two directions to both heat and cool your home. It removes any dependence on a gas furnace, thus meeting the requirements of the Inflation Reduction Act for both a federal tax credit and a state rebate. Not enough is known yet about just how much the credits and rebates will be, but it appears at this point that savings will vary between $2,000 and $10,000 depending on the household income and the cost of the equipment being installed. As the new year descends upon us, we will make you aware of the specific details for these savings and how to apply for them.
What does all of this mean for the cost of a new system in 2023? How can someone get an “almost-free” system?
A traditional high efficiency heat pump system can cost upwards of $18,000-20,000 installed, which would still make the final cost of ownership fairly steep even with the rebates. However, there is a relatively new heat pump product on the market that I want to talk to you about that can bring that cost down significantly. It’s a “hybrid heat pump system.”
The hybrid systems take advantage of the efficiencies of the mini-split condensing units (ductless systems), but are combined with air handlers that are used in traditional ducted homes. The cost of these condensing units are significantly cheaper than standard units, but they still provide cooling & heating coverage up to 2500 square feet and operate at 18+ SEER efficiency ratings. Additionally, the variable speed compressors make for a super quiet operation. If you would like to do more research on these systems, take a look at this brochure on the GE Connect series hybrid units: GE Connect Hybrid Heat Pumps.
At Can Do Crew Plumbing, Heating & AC we are able to these hybrid systems at a competitive price point that would allow the homeowner to see their final costs for install land around $5000 less than traditional high efficiency heat pump systems. When rebates and tax credits are applied another $2000 to $10,000 could come back in savings, making these the most affordable AC systems on the market! Not only would they be affordable at that price point, but with their high efficiency ratings there would be significant PG&E savings in our hot summers, resulting in these units completely paying for themselves in just a couple of summers!!!
If you would life to find out more about these systems and/or receive a free quote for your home, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Can Do Crew today!!
