Every rental property needs a high-performance heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to keep tenants cool and comfortable. Choosing a system that balances cutting-edge technology with affordability is key to making a sound investment that lowers monthly utilities and prevents complaints.
The question is where to find the most cost-effective options for rental dwellings. Whether you are equipping a single-family unit or a multifamily complex, these brands have the right system for optimal well-being.
Ingrams Water & Air Equipment (IWAE) delivers a wide range of complete HVAC systems, components and accessories at wholesale prices. As a supplier, it provides units from reputable brands like Goodman and MrCool, each supported by manufacturer and IWAE warranties.
The team is an excellent resource for helping customers decide on an appropriate product that fits their property and budget. The company prides itself on customer satisfaction and helping you save money.
Ordering is easy online with secure checkout. IWAE aims to ship products within 24 to 36 hours. You can also return or replace faulty purchases within 30 days for a full refund, provided you pay a 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs when sending back unwanted items.
In addition to an array of free resources — including how-to manuals, buying guides, and other articles and videos — IWAE offers complimentary technical support throughout your product’s lifetime. You can contact the support team by phone for setup instructions, troubleshooting or other guidance.
Key Features
- Carries renowned brands like Goodman and MrCool
- Free technical support throughout the product lifetime
- 24 to 36-hour shipments
2. AC Direct
AC Direct offers a 125% low price guarantee and free shipping on HVAC unit purchases over $1,500. It carries brands like Daikin, Goodman, Honeywell, Aprilaire and Nest. While some suppliers provide additional services like sizing and installation, AC Direct focuses more on discounted prices — you will need to contact a local contractor to assist with the rest.
This online wholesaler ships throughout the United States, except Alaska and Hawaii. You can expect delivery within five to 10 business days, excluding holidays and weekends. Items eligible for returns are subject to a 15% restocking fee, and you are also responsible for insured freight costs.
All items sold by AC Direct come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which you can read about under each product listing or look for on the individual manufacturer’s website. To ensure coverage, you must register your equipment as soon as a contractor installs it, sending proof of installation to AC Direct within 45 days.
Key Features
- 125% low price guarantee
- Free shipping on purchases over $1,500
- Five to 10-day deliveries
3. Amana
Amana has created quality HVAC products since 1934. It manufactures and tests its products in its 4.2-million-square-foot facility in Texas to guarantee they exceed customer expectations. Through its website, you can easily search for expert dealers who have undergone comprehensive training on Amana equipment.
Your brand dealer can service your HVAC equipment based on the product, your regional codes and climate needs. Once you register your purchase, your system could be eligible for a 10-year unit replacement limited warranty, a 99-year heat exchanger limited warranty and a 10-year parts limited warranty. You can also opt for the extended warranty policy through Asure.
No one knows Amana products better than its in-house specialists. If you have questions about its inventory, you can contact a representative by completing the online form or calling the primary office.
Key Features
- Extensive testing for quality assurance
- Expert dealers with comprehensive brand training
- 10-year parts and unit replacement warranties, 99-year heat exchanger warranty and extended warranty
4. YORK
YORK is a renowned brand for heating and cooling systems for residential and commercial properties. In addition to its quality products, YORK’s life cycle services include 24-hour equipment repairs and proactive maintenance. Opt for a tiered service plan that fits your budget, including regular service schedules, routine diagnostics and complete retrofits to maintain various components.
Over 3,000 YORK dealers in the U.S. are trained on its equipment. This allows it to provide superior service and support for your rental property’s HVAC system. On its website, you can search for a Certified Comfort Expert near you.
Many YORK products are eligible for energy efficiency rebates, helping you save money and improve your building’s sustainability. All YORK products also come with standard warranties and extended coverage options for specific equipment when you register your system within 90 days of purchase.
Key Features
- 24-hour equipment repairs and planned maintenance
- Over 3,000 U.S.-based certified YORK dealers
- Standard warranties and extended warranty coverage for registered purchases
5. Lennox
Lennox is a popular commercial and residential HVAC brand known for its cutting-edge climate solutions. Enter your ZIP code to search for a dealer. Independent partners maintain North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification and have completed 40 hours of factory training.
Its award-winning products come with SilentComfort technology for quieter operation and two-stage cooling that is more even and longer-running.To match superior engineering efficiency with affordable pricing, Lennox distributors typically offer rebates and financing options to help lower costs.
Landlords of multiple multifamily properties can use the manufacturer’s National Account Services program for preventive maintenance, repairs and replacements. All products come with a basic five-year warranty. However, you can also choose the extended warranty for another five years of coverage.
Key Features
- NATE-certified dealers with over 40 hours of factory training
- SilentComfort technology for quiet operation
- Five-year basic warranty and extended warranty options
6. Carrier
Carrier has raised the bar in HVAC innovations by improving indoor comfort with climate solutions and building automation. Authorized dealers are experts in local weather patterns and brand inventory, helping you decide the best products for your property. Its online system recommendation tool suggests several options that would work best for you.
With Carrier, you can benefit from more balanced humidity and moisture management. The Ideal Humidity System technology removes up to 400% more air moisture than similar systems. Its product designs include compressor sound blankets and rubber compressor isolation grommets for 50% quieter operation.
This manufacturer tests each product rigorously under extreme conditions to ensure long-lasting performance and durability, including salt spray, high humidity, and significantly high and low temperatures. Carrier offers a 10-year parts replacement warranty on registered products to further guarantee their quality.
Key Features
- Removes up to 400% humidity and moisture
- 50% quieter operation than standard models
- 10-year parts replacement warranty
7. American Standard
American Standard has an extensive inventory of heating and cooling equipment, ductless systems and packaged systems to ensure optimal air quality and comfort at your rental property. This brand stands out for installing over 5 million units and rigorously testing products at its Systems Extreme Environmental Testing laboratory.
Search for one of its expert dealers — there are over 6,000 in the U.S. Many of its products are eligible for energy efficiency federal and state rebates. Additionally, you can finance your equipment at 0% APR for 60 months through the end of the year.
American Standard also offers three warranty options. All products come with a five-year base limited warranty for replacement parts, while registered limited warranties — for products registered within 60 days of installation — last for 10 years. You can also opt for an extended warranty by speaking to your dealer.
Key Features
- 5 million units installed
- Five-year base limited warranty, registered limited warranty and extended warranty
- 0% APR financing
8. HVAC Direct
HVAC Direct is a wholesale distributor of affordable HVAC systems for rental properties. It offers free shipping and a 110% lowest-price guarantee for high-quality products, including those from Goodman, MrCool, Mitsubishi, York, Bosch and Amana. If you find a lower price for an identical item from a competitor, you can submit the details on its website to discover if you qualify for a discount.
Call your local contractor for an accurate size estimate, or use the helpful sizing guide through HVAC Direct. Like other wholesale retailers, this company is more concerned with giving you the best price than providing additional services. However, you can still receive expert customer support and purchasing assistance when you call a representative.
All HVAC systems come with a manufacturer’s warranty once you register the product within 30 to 60 days of installation. Be sure to check the individual terms and conditions about specific requirements.
Key Features
- 110% lowest-price guarantee
- Carries several reputable brands, including Amana, MrCool and Goodman
- Manufacturer’s warranty with product registration
Choosing an HVAC System for Rental Properties
There is much to consider when buying an HVAC system for your rental property. Although cost is crucial, other factors include your local climate, property size and tenant-paid utilities.
| Property Necessities | Conduct a load calculation and consider your region’s climate to select the correct unit size and type. |
| Durability and Reliability | Opt for robust systems capable of frequent use with readily available components and ease of maintenance. |
| Easy-to-Use Features | Ensure units come with tenant-friendly, intuitive controls, ductless systems and straightforward interfaces. |
| Warranties | Review the warranty coverage and ensure local technicians are available to perform repairs and replacements. |
| Customer Support | Decide whether a manufacturer or supplier delivers superior customer service and expertise throughout every transaction stage, including after-sales assistance. |
An HVAC system is a significant investment. Avoid guesswork by hiring a professional energy audit specialist to determine the best system size for your property. You can then consult a reputable contractor to guarantee maximum efficiency and long-term savings.
Can You Write HVAC Systems Off on Your Taxes?
Typically, you cannot immediately write off a new HVAC system for a rental property on your taxes. The Internal Revenue Service views it as a capital improvement instead of a repair.
Starting upon installation, you must depreciate the cost over 27.5 years for smaller, annual deductions. The depreciation includes the unit, installation fees, permits and other expenses. For example, if the new HVAC system costs you $9,000, you would deduct about $327.27 annually for 27.5 years.
Conversely, you can write off a system repair on your taxes the year they occur, as long as they do not improve the overall property. This type of maintenance should keep the equipment in proper working order.
Is an HVAC System Eligible for Rebates and Incentives?
Landlords may be eligible for rebates through HVAC system manufacturers or utility companies. You might also claim a tax deduction for energy-efficient commercial property improvements, including HVAC, interior lighting, water heaters and envelope retrofits. The amount depends on the installation costs and the square footage of your rental property.
Look for state and local program information regarding utility-specific rebates and incentives to help pay for a new system. You should also consult with a tax professional to understand whether you can leverage existing federal incentives.
How Can You Reduce Installation Costs?
Although you might be looking for the most affordable HVAC system for your rental properties, the lowest bidder may not always be the best choice. Sacrificing quality for a reduced price tag may lead to spending more on repairs over time.
Seek multiple quotes from several brands and licensed contractors in your area. The best way to compare details and make a sound decision is to create a chart with the manufacturer, product name, cost, warranty information, Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating and labor fees.
Some distributors also offer better deals during holidays or off-peak seasons. Installing multiple units simultaneously might save you money on labor.
How Often Should You Maintain the HVAC System?
Experts recommend having a professional inspector service your HVAC system twice annually, before the summer and winter seasons. This will ensure the unit performs efficiently and that its components do not show signs of corrosion or mold growth. Moisture, dust, dirt and germs are common during regular operation and can cause issues if you do not maintain the equipment properly.
The U.S. Department of Energy also recommends changing dirty air filters every one to two months, especially in warmer weather when you run the air conditioner regularly. Tenants with pets may need their filters replaced more frequently.
An experienced technician can check the refrigerant charge, test for air leaks, measure airflow, inspect the electrical terminals, and adjust oil motors and belts if they are loose or worn.
Maintain Your Rental Property With an Affordable HVAC System
Heating and cooling systems are critical to every rental property and key to guaranteeing indoor comfort for all tenants. Reputable brands offer several affordable units that deliver maximum durability, easy maintenance and straightforward interfaces for long-lasting use.
