California homeowner spends $45,000 on HVAC upgrade, yet upstairs still reaches the 80s

“You hired a hack that cut corners and now, unfortunately, you’re out $45k.”

Warm weather left the upstairs of one California home climbing above 80 degrees, even after a $45,850 HVAC overhaul. The homeowner said the new system did not cool the house any better than the old one.

What to know

The San Diego homeowner described the situation in a post on Reddit’s r/hvacadvice. Of the total estimate, $3,850 went toward electrical work. The other $42,000 covered a new 4-ton heat pump and modifications to the existing ductwork in the older, 4,000-square-foot home.

The homeowner asked the forum for guidance on the failed project, questioning whether the bid was excessive, how the job should have been properly specified, and what should have been checked once the installation was finished.

“I can already tell you that ‘reworking’ the existing ductwork was the first mistake,” one commenter wrote, later adding, “You hired a hack that took shortcuts and now you’re down $45k unfortunately.”

Replacing heating and cooling equipment can be one of the most effective ways to lower utility bills and guard against higher energy costs, but only if the work is done correctly. Palmetto says it helps homeowners weigh their options and cut energy bills with newer, more efficient HVAC systems and heat pumps. Its Comfort Plan network is designed to connect homeowners with efficient heating and cooling solutions and vetted installers.

More background

In addition to the uncomfortable temperatures, the homeowner reported two issues with the downstairs thermostat: email alerts saying the system was struggling to cool the home and needed attention, and a display that no longer showed a heating setting.

The homeowner said they kept checking the temperature each day while repeatedly notifying the contractor.

One commenter suggested, “Present an addendum to your current contract explaining your expectations for corrections of work already done and a time frame that you expect to be adhered to with some financial penalty.”

Another commenter questioned how the ductwork had been handled. “Your new heat pump should have had its own ductwork design and installation,” they wrote.

Another advised homeowners planning a major project to get quotes from three separate companies. In this case, the homeowner said they had not sought competing bids because the contractor was already working on the house.

What can be done?

The homeowner said they planned to seek a backdated permit in hopes of triggering an inspector visit that could identify what still needs to be corrected. They also arranged for an independent HVAC inspector to review the installation and turned the system off.

For homeowners who want heating upgrades completed properly but do not want to pay everything upfront, Palmetto’s Comfort Plan offers $0-down options that can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. The plan also includes 12 years of free maintenance.

Homeowners can also combine solar panels with electric appliances, including efficient HVAC systems, to push utility costs even lower. EasyHome says it makes it simple to compare solar options and find the right system and installer for a home and budget.

“I hope he will make it work and not ask for more money,” the homeowner wrote.

Where can I learn more?

Other homeowners and renters have also reported cooling problems even after expensive HVAC work.

• In Dallas, a $10,000 HVAC system still could not hold 72 degrees during the hottest afternoon hours.

• A Dallas homeowner said a $22,000 HVAC installation led to leaks, noise, and weeks without a response.

• A California renter said a monthlong HVAC installation did not solve cooling problems after repeated complaints.

• A California condo owner paid $1,800 for R-22, but the air conditioner still would not cool the home.

• After AC failed in 105-degree heat, a homeowner faced a $22,000 replacement quote or expensive refrigerant.