Your home’s HVAC system is something you don’t think about much until it stops working. When the air conditioning goes on the fritz, it’s all you can think about.
Replacing or repairing an HVAC system can be very expensive, but when that first bit of air conditioning hits on a scorching hot day, most of us would agree that it’s worth every penny.
An HVAC tech suggests that you may be overpaying a lot, however. Creator Daylon Fazekas (@gettheblow_air) recently posted a TikTok captioned, “HVAC techs—what do you do in this situation?”
Fazekas’ post shows a tablet browser window displaying parts for an HVAC system, specifically a 40+5 MFD. A person is scrolling on a phone next to it, apparently looking the part up online.
He captions the post, “Yeah, I charge $220 for a $20 part. It’s not just the part—it’s knowing which part, why it failed, and fixing it right the first time. Cry about it.”
His post has some crying foul and others agreeing that it’s the cost of doing business with a professional.
The costs of staying ‘room temp’
Heating and cooling are one of the biggest expenses in most households. Much of that cost is in the form of paying for whatever fuel you use. Be it wood, gas, or nuclear—it’s pricey.
Eventually, every HVAC system is going to need to be repaired or replaced. Then you could be hit with a bill for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
According to Angie’s List, HVAC repairs cost between $100 and $3,000, with the average cost being $350. This will depend on the type of repair and system.
Happily, your HVAC system should last upwards of 20 years, so you likely won’t incur the higher end of this expense more than a few times over your lifetime.
Is it fair or is it price gouging?
Price gouging refers to significantly marking up the price of an item. Be it for bread or a capacitor for an HVAC system, people largely disapprove of the practice. There are laws that prohibit price gouging in certain circumstances and for essential items, such as during natural disasters and for milk, respectively.
But in a free market, albeit one subject to regulation, merchants are largely allowed to set any price they want for most items.
That’s why experts recommend shopping around and, like the person in Fazekas’ video, doing some research beforehand. You can also do it yourself if you have the skills, tools, and time.
You might not save money every time, but you will know you paid a fair price.
A few people who commented on Fazekas’ post said a markup of $200 is acceptable.
“Collect the diagnostic charge and call it a day,” wrote one who has “HVAC” in their handle.
Another spurned “cheap ole homeowners.”
“There is no profit replacing a capacitor for $100,” they wrote. “Look into the true cost of running a business and you’ll find out why. To have a licensed company send a technician to your home,diagnose the problem and explain what is going on under a hourly rate.”
More people were appalled, however.
One called a 1000% markup “wild.” Others sneered at the implication that it takes particularly specialized knowledge to replace a capacitor.
“Turn off power, remove access panel, discharge capacitor, remove and replace, return panel, return power. WOW such skilled labor you provide,” wrote one.
A third said they were able to change theirs with advice from ChatGPT.
Fazekas didn’t immediately respond to a direct message sent via TikTok.
@gettheblow_air Yeah, I charge $220 for a $20 part. It’s not just the part — it’s knowing which part, why it failed, and fixing it right the first time. Cry about it ? #hvac #hvactechnician #fyp #foryoupage #fypシ #hvacarmy #hvaclife ♬ New Flame (but I promise you) (feat. Usher & Rick Ross) – Chris Brown
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