Why the lowest HVAC quote is never the best quote

tl;dr

You can save money by going with the lowest hvac quote you can find, but the savings you’ll get are almost never worth it. Tetra might not be the cheapest hvac quote you can get, but you get so much more for your money — including 10 free years of repairs and maintenance on your system.

Overview
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At a Glance:

  • You can always get a cheaper system, but you’ll have to do more work and deal with unreliable contractors. Plus, it’s a pretty sure bet you won’t get any type of warranty. 
  • Tetra does things right the first time. We handle all permits and paperwork, while offering 10 free years of repairs and maintenance with our hvac warranty. 
  • Working with Tetra pays for itself by helping you avoid $200+ annual service visit fees, $15,000 replacements, and expensive fines if your project is completed without the proper permits or incorrect equipment. 

Low hvac quotes will cost you more than you think

A super-low quote might seem like a great deal, but it comes with hidden risks and long-term headaches. Imagine if your furnace breaks down in the middle of winter and you can’t reach the installer. 

Then, when you finally do, you’re looking at a $200-$400 service call plus the cost of material repairs. Even worse, the system could be installed without permits, leaving you vulnerable to fines up to $10,000 or having to replace the system entirely.

With Tetra, you’ll never worry about any of these issues. Learn more about the Tetra Fully Covered warranty. 

When you cut corners with furnace or heat pump installations, you might save a little today, but you’ll pay a lot more later.

Immediate risks of low system quotes

Going with the lowest bidder can lead to big problems right away. Here’s just a few of the issues we often see:

  • Unreliable technicians that can’t be reached when issues come up. Leaving you scrambling to find help or having to pay rush job fees. 
  • Expensive service visits between $200 and $400, each time you need repairs or maintenance.
  • Off-brand equipment that doesn’t include an hvac warranty. 
  • Lack of permitting which means your installation isn’t up to code and you could be liable to expensive fines.
  • You have to coordinate with other contractors for electrical upgrades
  • Equipment that doesn’t meet rebate guidelines
  • Equipment that can’t handle the heating and cooling requirements of the house
  • Poorly installed equipment that causes an increase in utility bills
  • Equipment that fails or is dangerous to the health and safety of your family. Heating and cooling equipment failure is the leading cause of home fires in the United States. It also can cause poor air quality 

Choosing the lowest hvac quote is one heating and cooling mistake. Here are 6 more common heating and cooling mistakes that are costing you money.


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Now let’s get into the longer-term risks

The problems don’t stop after the install. With low-cost jobs, you’re setting yourself up for countless expensive issues later. 

  • Improper installs can void your rebate, costing you more when you least expect it. 
  • Selling your home becomes harder when your system is installed improperly or without a permit. 
  • Forget any type of maintenance support; you’re on your own when things break.
  • Improper installations lead to inefficient systems and higher energy costs. 

For more help, here’s a resource we published about 12 things to look for in a heat pump contractor.

Replacing an improperly sized system can set you back $8,000-$15,000. That’s a gamble you don’t want to take.

Our hvac warranty isn’t the only thing that sets Tetra apart

At Tetra, we do things right the first time. When you choose us, you’re not just getting a system installed—you’re getting a partner who’s with you for the next decade. Below are just a few of the reasons why Tetra is in a league of our own. 

  • 10-Year Fully Covered Guarantee: All repairs and maintenance are covered for a decade.
  • We handle all the paperwork: From permits, to rebate applications, and everything in between, we tackle all the paperwork for you. 
  • Next day installs: After you complete your free, virtual estimate, we can install your new system as early as the next day.
  • 24/7 Customer Support: Every Tetra client has their own web portal, where they can request repairs and maintenance, ask questions, and get answers around the clock. 

We can also help you decide between a heat pump vs furnace. Either during your consultation or by looking over this resource. 

Pay for quality now or problems forever

Tetra may not be the cheapest option today, but we’re the most reliable for the next 10 years. Your home’s comfort system is too important to leave to chance.

Don’t gamble on your heating and cooling. Choose quality, reliability, and peace of mind with Tetra.

Schedule your free, virtual estimate today and we’ll take it from there.

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You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers

FAQ

Is it really “Fully Covered”?

In short yes. Here’s what the guarantee does not cover: 

  • System negligence: As outlined in this blog, you will need to perform routine inspections and clean your boiler filter. Following this will help keep your system operating at the highest efficiency and keep it eligible for The Fully Covered by Tetra Guarantee. 
  • You (or anyone else!) take a baseball bat (or anything else) to your equipment and intentionally destroy it.
  • Another contractor damages the equipment. If that happens, we'll fix it and they'll pick up the bill.
  • There's an Act of God or extreme weather event. If that happens, we'll work with your homeowner's insurance and they'll cover it.

That's it, if there's anything else, it's on us.

What should I look for in an HVAC quote?

Look for quotes that include permits, warranty registration, and high-quality equipment from reputable brands. Avoid anything that seems too good to be true!

Why should I not accept the cheapest HVAC quote?

Cheap quotes often mean cutting corners, like skipping permits or using off-brand equipment, which can lead to costly repairs, voided warranties, and potentially even legal issues down the road.

How much do HVAC service visits cost?

Service visits can range from $200 to $400 per call, and that's if you can reach the contractor who installed your system.

Do hvac contractors take care of permits?

Not all contractors do, but Tetra handles all permits for you, ensuring your installation is legal, safe, and up to code.

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