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Benefits of Owning vs Leasing an HVAC Unit

Debating whether to buy or lease your new HVAC unit?

To help you decide, we’ll go over the benefits of leasing HVAC equipment:

And the benefits of owning HVAC equipment:

We’ll cover each benefit in more detail.

Have questions about leasing an HVAC system?

Our NATE-certified technicians can answer any question you have about owning or leasing HVAC equipment. Contact us today to get an in-person, no-obligation estimate or learn more about leasing through our Unlimited Program.

Select services are not available at all locations. Contact a location near you for service availability.

Benefits of leasing an HVAC system

Leasing benefit #1: Lower upfront costs

Leasing your HVAC system means you don’t pay anything upfront. You’ll only have to pay a low monthly payment after your unit is installed.

When you buy a new HVAC system, you’re responsible for the full cost of the unit at the time of installation.

While many HVAC companies offer financing plans, you’ll likely pay more each month in financing than you would if you lease. Plus, you may end up paying more than expected in interest.

Leasing benefit #2: Free repairs and maintenance

Most HVAC companies include free lifetime maintenance and repairs on leased heating and cooling systems. Since the average cost of an AC repair is $450 and furnace repair costs can exceed $900, you could save yourself a lot of money in repairs by leasing your HVAC equipment.

If you buy your HVAC system, you’re responsible for the cost of those repairs unless they’re covered under your parts or labor warranties.

Even if you have a home maintenance program, which usually includes discounted repairs and maintenance, you’ll likely still have to pay a chunk of money out of pocket.

Leasing benefit #3: Some leases are transferable

If you’re moving and your HVAC lease is still in effect, most HVAC companies will transfer the lease to your new home. This saves you from having to break your lease or buy a new HVAC system at your new place.

If you own your HVAC equipment and want to move, you’ll have to leave the system behind, as it was sized for that home and likely won’t fit the new one. You’ll need an HVAC tech to come measure what size HVAC system your new home needs.

Benefits of owning an HVAC system

Owning benefit #1: The equipment is yours

When you buy a new HVAC system, you now own that system—or you will after paying off the financing. That means the system is yours to upgrade or sell as you wish once it has outgrown your home.

Leasing an HVAC system means that the system is never really yours unless you decide to buy it outright after your lease ends (if the company even offers that option). Until then, it’s property of the HVAC company you’re leasing from.

Owning benefit #2: Some rental plans cost more in the long run

Depending on the type of system you’re looking at, leasing could cost you more in the long run.

HVAC equipment leases promote low monthly rates, which look cheaper at a glance. However, those payments add up over time, which could lead you to pay more than you would if you had bought the system.

Plus, you’ll pay more if you:

  • Need to break the lease early
  • Choose to buy the unit after your lease is up

Need a quote for a new HVAC system? Call Michael & Son for a free estimate.

At Michael & Son, we offer honest pricing, provide exceptional customer service and can answer any questions you have about owning versus leasing your new HVAC system. Whichever way you’re leaning, we’ll help you find the right system for your home.

Select services are not available at all locations. Contact a location near you for service availability.

This blog was written on May 25, 2021. Any pricing information is subject to change.