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Decoding HVAC Offers: What’s Real and What’s Hype?

When it’s time for a new furnace, air‑conditioner, or heat pump, you’ll see ads promising free gear, zero‑interest loans, or lifetime coverage. Some deals are genuine money‑savers; others are laden with fine print that drives up long‑term costs. At Genuine Heating & Cooling, we believe transparency beats gimmicks every time. Use this guide to spot the difference between honest value and marketing bait.

The Truth About Financing

What you’ll see elsewhere

  • “No payments for 12 months, then low monthly cost.”
  • “0 % interest, easy approval.”

Where the catch hides
Most deferred‑interest plans flip to 20 %–29 % APR if a balance remains on day 366. Some dealers roll origination fees into the equipment price so the system looks cheaper up front.

How we do it
Genuine Heating & Cooling partners with local credit unions to offer simple, fixed‑rate loans—no teaser rates, no balloon clauses. You see the full amortization schedule before signing, and you can pay off early without penalty.

Free Furnace or AC? Read the Spec Sheet

What you’ll see elsewhere
“Buy a 16 SEER2 air conditioner, get a furnace free.”

Where the catch hides
The “free” furnace is often an 80 AFUE base model that fails to qualify for NJ Clean Energy rebates. Upgrading to the high‑efficiency model you really want adds thousands back onto the invoice.

How we do it
When we bundle equipment, we list every model number, efficiency rating, and warranty term. You choose between standard and high‑efficiency gear, and any rebate estimates are written into the contract so you know they’re real.

Maintenance Included—Or Is It?

What you’ll see elsewhere
“Two years of free maintenance with your install.”

Where the catch hides
Coverage may be limited to a cursory visual inspection and a single 1‑inch filter. Coil cleaning, refrigerant, and emergency service still command full labor rates.

How we do it
Our Maintenance plans—free for the first year on every new system—includes:

  • Spring cooling tune‑up (coil wash, refrigerant check, static‑pressure test)
  • Fall heating tune‑up (combustion analysis or heat‑pump performance test)
  • One 4‑inch MERV‑11 media filter each visit
  • 10 % parts and labor discount on any repair
  • Priority scheduling within 24 hours

True Cost Checklist

Before signing any HVAC contract—ours included—review these line items:

ItemWhat to VerifyWhy It Matters
Equipment Model NumbersMatch brochure specsConfirms efficiency ratings qualify for rebates
Scope of Duct & Electrical WorkItemized labor hours and materialsPrevents surprise add‑ons during install
Financing APR & TermFixed rate, no retroactive interestShows total cost of borrowing
Included MaintenanceParts, filters, coil cleaning spelled outEnsures free plan isn’t just a coupon
Warranty TransferabilityWritten in contractAdds resale value if you sell the home

Lifetime Warranties Versus Real‑World Coverage

What you’ll see elsewhere
“Never pay for repairs again.”

Where the catch hides
Warranty remains valid only if the original homeowner keeps a subscription maintenance plan—often at $30–$40 per month. Miss a single visit, and lifetime coverage disappears.

How we do it
Genuine Heating & Cooling registers every system for the full manufacturer parts warranty (up to 12 years) and adds a five‑year labor warranty at no cost. If you move, the warranty transfers once for free. No mandatory subscription, just proof of annual service—whether by us or any licensed NJ contractor.

Offers Genuine Heating & Cooling Stands Behind

OfferWhat You GetWhy It Helps
Fixed‑Rate Financing No origination fee, no pre‑pay penaltySpreads project over 10 years without teaser APR traps
First‑Year Comfort Club IncludedTwo seasonal tune‑ups, media filter, priority serviceProtects warranty and system efficiency from day one
Up to $2,000 NJ Clean Energy Rebate HandlingWe file paperwork and deduct rebate from invoiceLowers out‑of‑pocket cost immediately
5‑Year Labor WarrantyCovers parts AND labor on manufacturer‑approved repairsRemoves surprise bills during payback window
Free Wi‑Fi Smart ThermostatEnergy Star, set up and programmed by our techsSaves 8 %–10 % on energy without extra hardware

Trust Transparency Over Flashy Ads

A reliable HVAC system should serve you for 15 years or more. Flashy coupons mean little if the fine print undercuts efficiency, comfort, or your budget. At Genuine Heating & Cooling we publish every term in writing, encourage second opinions, and price our work so you can compare apples to apples. When you see an offer that looks too good to be true, call us—we’ll explain where the numbers come from and whether it’s really a deal.

Ready for an honest quote? Contact our team today for a no‑surprise proposal, complete with clear financing terms, real rebates, and service you can count on.