Why 'Free Furnace' and 'Free Duct' Promotions Aren't Really Free

Every year when the weather gets mild, you'll see the ads pop up:

"Buy a new air conditioner—get a FREE furnace!"

"Free ductwork installation with any new system!"

"Act now—free indoor unit with outdoor heat pump purchase!"

These promotions sound incredible. Who wouldn't want thousands of dollars worth of equipment for free? But here's the uncomfortable truth that these advertisements conveniently leave out: nothing in the HVAC business is actually free.

The Economics of "Free" Equipment

Let's do some basic math. A quality gas furnace costs $1,500-$4,000 for the equipment alone. Installation labor adds another $1,000-$2,000. Ductwork installation runs $2,000-$6,000 depending on your home.

Now ask yourself: How can a business give away thousands of dollars in equipment and labor while still making money?

The answer is simple: They can't. The cost is hidden somewhere else.

Where the "Free" Cost Actually Goes

1. Inflated Base Equipment Pricing

The most common tactic is dramatically inflating the price of the "primary" equipment to cover the "free" item.

Example scenario:

Item	Fair Market Price	"Free Furnace Deal" Price
Air Conditioner	$4,500	$8,500
Furnace	$2,500	"FREE"
Installation Labor	$2,000	$2,500
Total	$9,000	$11,000

You pay $2,000 MORE and think you got a deal. The contractor still profits on the furnace—they just moved the line item.

2. Lower-Quality Equipment

Another common approach: the "free" equipment is the cheapest, lowest-efficiency model available.

• That "free furnace" might be an 80% AFUE single-stage unit worth $800
• While comparable deals from honest contractors include 96% AFUE variable-speed furnaces worth $3,000+
• Over 15-20 years, the efficiency difference costs you thousands in wasted energy

The real cost: Higher utility bills every month for the life of the equipment.

3. Installation Shortcuts

When contractors need to squeeze margins, installation quality suffers:

• Skipping proper load calculations (Manual J)
• Using cheaper materials (thinner ductwork, lower-quality fittings)
• Rushing through commissioning and testing
• Not pulling proper permits
• Using less experienced installers

The real cost: Poor performance, comfort problems, shorter equipment life, and voided warranties.

4. Stripped-Down Warranties and Support

"Free" deals often come with:

• Shorter labor warranties (1 year vs. 5-10 years)
• No extended equipment warranties
• Minimal or no post-installation support
• Exclusions buried in fine print

The real cost: You pay out-of-pocket for repairs that should be covered.

5. The "Free Ductwork" Shell Game

"Free duct installation" is particularly concerning because ductwork quality is invisible once installed. Common shortcuts include:

• Undersized ducts that restrict airflow
• Fewer supply and return runs than your home needs
• Using flexible duct everywhere instead of proper rigid metal
• Poor sealing that leaks 20-30% of your conditioned air into unconditioned spaces
• Improper insulation in hot attics

The real cost: Rooms that are always too hot or cold, higher energy bills, and equipment that runs harder and fails sooner.

Red Flags in HVAC Promotions

Be skeptical when you see:

• "Limited time" urgency - Legitimate savings don't require same-day decisions
• "Today only" pricing - High-pressure tactics suggest inflated margins
• Vague equipment descriptions - "Brand name furnace" instead of specific model numbers
• Unwillingness to provide written quotes - Honest contractors put everything in writing
• Significantly lower prices than multiple competitors - If one quote is way lower, something is being cut
• Pushy salespeople who discourage getting other quotes - Quality contractors welcome comparison

How to Actually Get a Good HVAC Deal

1. Get Multiple Quotes for Identical Specifications

Don't compare apples to oranges. Request quotes for the exact same:

• Equipment brand and model numbers
• SEER/AFUE/HSPF ratings
• Warranty coverage (equipment and labor)
• Permit and inspection costs
• Any upgrades (thermostat, air purification, etc.)

2. Compare Total Installed Price

Ignore the line items. What matters is the total you pay for the complete, permitted, properly installed system with warranties included.

3. Ask About Real-World Pricing

A straightforward question: "If I bought the furnace and AC separately from you without any promotion, what would the total cost be?"

Then compare that answer to the "promotional" price. Often they're identical—or the promotion is actually more expensive.

4. Verify Contractor Credentials

• Valid California contractor license (CSLB)
• Proper insurance (ask for certificates)
• Manufacturer certifications (Mitsubishi Diamond Elite, Carrier Factory Authorized, etc.)
• Positive reviews on multiple platforms
• Years in business

5. Read the Fine Print

Before signing anything:

• Get the complete equipment specifications in writing
• Confirm labor warranty terms
• Verify who pulls permits
• Understand what's included and what's extra
• Ask about maintenance requirements to keep warranties valid

Why We Don't Run "Free" Promotions

At Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning, we believe in transparent pricing. Here's our approach:

We price each component fairly - Our furnace prices are our furnace prices, whether you buy AC or not

We install quality equipment - We don't stock low-efficiency "promotional" units to bait and switch

We don't cut corners - Every installation includes proper load calculations, permits, and commissioning

Our warranties are real - 5-year labor warranty, backed by our 20+ years in business

We encourage comparison shopping - We're confident our value stands up to scrutiny

The Bottom Line

When a deal sounds too good to be true in the HVAC industry, it almost always is. That "free furnace" costs you money somewhere—whether it's inflated pricing, cheap equipment, installation shortcuts, or stripped warranties.

The best HVAC deal isn't the one with the flashiest promotion. It's the one where you get:

• Properly sized, quality equipment
• Professional installation with permits
• Strong warranties backed by a reputable contractor
• Fair pricing for what you actually receive

Trust your instincts. If a contractor is pushing hard for a same-day decision on a "limited time" offer, they're not prioritizing your best interests.

Get an Honest Quote

We'll provide a detailed, written proposal with:

• Specific equipment models and specifications
• Complete pricing breakdown
• Clear warranty information
• No high-pressure tactics or "today only" pricing

Request a Free Quote or call (925) 578-3379. Take your time, compare us to the competition, and make the decision that's right for your home.

---

Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning has served the Bay Area for over 20 years. We're a Mitsubishi Diamond Elite contractor and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB. CSLB License #1076868.