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Pros & Cons | Rent or Buy Your Furnace & A/C unit?

By
Real Estate Sales Representative with Keller Williams Realty Inc.

Thinking about renting your furnace or your air conditioner?

Before you sign that rental agreement, watch this video! We're breaking down the real pros and cons of renting vs. buying these essential home systems—so you can make the smartest choice for your home and your wallet.

Whether you’re facing an unexpected breakdown or moving into a new home, this is a decision that could cost you thousands over time.

In this video, we cover:

✅ What “renting” actually means

✅ Benefits like no upfront costs, maintenance coverage, and energy efficiency

✅ Hidden downsides like long-term costs, contract traps, and issues when selling your home

✅ Why more builders are offering rental options—and what that means for you

✅ When buying might be the smarter move

 

In the long run 💰 Renting may seem budget-friendly now, but is it really the best financial decision? Watch to learn the truth about rental agreements, hidden fees, and what happens when you try to sell a home with rented equipment.

Comments(4)

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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Jean... an interesting topic and not one I'd heard previously discussed. I've never heard of an option to rent an HVAC system and I suspect it would negatively impact a home's value in a sale.

Apr 17, 2025 04:56 AM
Jean Richer

That's correct Nina Hollander, Broker - we have people going door to door to give that option, but these are usually NOT a good idea as they come with a very high penalty & buyout option. I will never recommend to rent a furnace or A/C unit. 

Apr 17, 2025 05:26 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Jean. Never heard of the renting a furnace option. Nina Hollander, Broker pointed out the drawbacks. Concerned over the maintenance? Get a service contract. Enjoy your day.

Apr 17, 2025 05:13 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Wayne Martin and if concerned about replacement cost, get a home warranty!

Apr 17, 2025 05:14 AM
Jean Richer
Keller Williams Realty Inc. - Orléans, ON
Straight Talk on Real Estate

This is exactly my point Wayne Martin - builders are currently doing this to reduce the asking price in order to make it more attractive. I've seen a few buyers being very surprised that they are renting these items. Maybe they didn't read or understand the contract. 

One question I have is .... do builders get a kickback? 

Apr 17, 2025 05:28 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Jean Richer hi Jean... I've not seen builders do that here in the Greater Charlotte area... but will certainly keep my eyes and ears open.

Apr 17, 2025 05:31 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Jean - like Nina Hollander, Broker and Wayne Martin this is a new topic that I don't recall ever being discussed.  Not on ActiveRain or in real life.  Interesting.  

Apr 17, 2025 06:02 AM