Rent to Own AC Units

The concept of rent-to-own AC units comes as a solution for people torn between renting and buying. But while it may bring several advantages, there are also a few drawbacks that you need to anticipate before deciding to buy one.

How Does It Work?

The procedure is quite simple. A client (property owner) agrees with a supplier (company) that the client will get an AC unit from the supplier. The client pays an initial and monthly cost until one specific point where the client  decides to either stop  renting, or buy the unit.

When the client decides to purchase it, they can pay the remaining cost to gain ownership of the unit. Both the initial and monthly costs will be considered as down payments. On the other hand, if they choose not to use the AC anymore, they can return the unit to the supplier and all the costs paid will be considered as rent.

Pros

For property owners, choosing a rent-to-own AC unit may allow them to afford things that they couldn’t at the moment. The initial cost for this contract is significantly lower than the whole price of the unit, which they have to spend if they choose to buy right away. Also, clients can pay the remaining costs in monthly installments.

The contract also binds the price of the unit. Thus, when the clients choose to purchase, they will pay based on the price agreed at the beginning of the contract. It is beneficial considering the AC prices may rise significantly in just a few months.

Furthermore, clients also get a test drive to see whether the unit they choose is suitable for their unique condition and expectations or not. During the renting period, clients can also learn from their suppliers how to treat, maintain, and service their system.

Cons

Despite the ease of payment, rent-to-own generally is more expensive than  buying the unit at the beginning. And this scheme will hurt even more if the market price of the same unit decreases down the road. Not to mention that you will also have to face the risks of paying your rent late.

Rent-to-own systems are also more expensive than regular renting. Thus, if a client decides to back off, they will lose all the payments they have issued. And then they will still have to prepare the money to finance the next AC unit they plan to use.

Another drawback is that the property owners have no control regarding what to do with the AC during the renting period. If the unit breaks, it is the supplier who gets to decide whether to repair or replace the parts.

When Is It Worth It to Rent-to-Buy AC Units?

If you are certain that you will most likely buy the unit at the end of the contract, then a rent-to-own system is ideal. To make your decision worthwhile, choose a unit with high durability and efficiency. This way, you can take the contract as an investment to save money in the long run.

While the idea of rent to own AC units may sound good, you still need to be informed about other financing options for your HVAC. It is also helpful to calculate the cost estimation in detail to determine which option is the most valuable to you.

 

ECM Air Conditioning, with its headquarters located in Boynton Beach, FL, provides air conditioning services within Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If you’re looking to have a new HVAC system installed, we’re on-call and ready to assist you. So if you’re in need of an HVAC installation, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an inspection! Our HVAC installation experts will check your ductwork, measure, check wire sizes, and more before making recommendations to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort. Call us at 561-295-1763 or contact our HVAC installation team online by clicking here.