HVAC Replacement--Saving Money on Major Appliances

It is Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) replacement week at our house. Yay! We are replacing our broken system with one that is 1.75 times as large (so we can provide some heat to the basement) and twice (or more) as energy efficient as the 12ish year old dinosuar we had that could only run on emergency heat. Specs for the new system for those so inclined: 2.5 tons, 15.75 SEER, 13.00 EER, 8.50 HSPF

We looked into a geothermal system, but the just the drilling cost, not even including the actual system itself, was 1.5 times the cost of upgrading our electric system. Maybe in a decade or so when we have to replace this system there will be even better and affordable options for us, but for now we're sticking with electric.

We've been patiently waiting for just the right time to get the new system and the stars finally aligned to give us maximum discounts:

• Comparison Shopping- We got quotes from four companies to really get an idea of costs, options, etc.
  
• "More for the Money" Negotiation - We asked the two companies with the best prices to give us a bigger system for the same price so we could eventually heat the basement (hubby will do the ventilation work himself down the road)
  
• "Match Competitors" Negotiation- We asked the cheapest company (who was now offering us the larger system for the same price) to match the warranty length of the competitors (bringing it from two years to five years). They said yes!
  
• Vendor Coupon- Hubby found a coupon online for the vendor knocking off another $200
  
• Manufacturer's Rebate- The system manufacturer is offering a $350 rebate right now
  
• Cash/Check Discount- Accepting credit cards costs vendors money. Because we can pay with a check the HVAC company knocked off 2%. This is a great tip for many things that could be financed. We got 10% off our bedroom furniture by not financing.
  
• Federal Tax Rebate- We'll get $1,500 back next April. See details on qualifying products here.
  
• Virginia State Tax Rebate- The latest incarnation of this program began on April 28. We'll get $300 back. (Here is the complete list: Heat Pump - $300 Natural Gas Furnace - $250 Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater - $225 Clothes Washer - $75 Refrigerator - $60 Storage Natural Gas Water Heater - $35 ) Make sure your product meets the efficiency requirements! Not in Virginia? Check to see what your state is offering. The feds gave money to each state.
  

Total savings (once we get back the rebate and credits): 40%

Bonus: Programmable Thermostat! The old system could not sync with a programmable thermostat, something that we had loved in the condo. I am so excited to have one again with the new system.