» MORE: Find the best home improvement loan

What are HVAC loans?

HVAC loans are unsecured personal loans that you use to purchase or replace an HVAC system. Upon approval, you receive the loan in a lump sum and repay it in fixed monthly installments over a period of about two to seven years.

Qualifying for a personal loan primarily depends on your creditworthiness and finances. Borrowers with high credit scores, stable income and little debt receive the lowest rates and largest loan amounts.

Rates on personal loans typically range from 6% to 36%, and loan amounts are $1,000 to $100,000. Many online lenders allow you to pre-qualify and see your loan rate and term before formally applying. Pre-qualifying doesn't affect your credit score.

HVAC loan example

For an excellent-credit borrower, a $7,000 loan with a two-year repayment term and 11.10% annual percentage rate (APR) would require monthly payments of $327 and cost $7,838 including interest, according to NerdWallet’s home improvement loan calculator.

HVAC loan considerations

As with any home improvement purchase, it's a good idea to compare multiple financing options. Here are things to consider about personal loans.

Loan amount: Personal loans are best for large, one-time purchases. You may not find a personal loan small enough to cover a repair that costs a few hundred dollars. A personal loan, unlike a line of credit, distributes the funds all at once, so you won’t be able to borrow more from the same loan if sudden expenses come up.

APR and fees: APR, which is the loan's interest rate plus any fees the lender charges, is the best way to compare the total costs of different loans. The loan with the lowest APR is the cheapest. Some lenders charge origination fees from 1% to 10% of the loan amount and deduct the charge from your loan before depositing the money into your account.

Repayment term: A longer repayment term on a personal loan means lower monthly payments, but you’ll pay more overall interest. Factor monthly payments into your budget to determine what amount you can manage over the loan's term.

Funding time: Pre-qualifying for a personal loan with an online lender can take minutes, and some lenders will fund a loan the same day you’re approved or the following business day.

» MORE: Features to look for in a personal loan

How to get an HVAC loan

1. Get a firm cost estimate. Understanding the exact cost of your new HVAC system will help you determine how much you need to borrow and narrow down your lender options.

2. Check your credit. Your credit score plays an important role when qualifying for a loan. You can check your credit reports for free with NerdWallet or at AnnualCreditReport.com. 

3. Pre-qualify. Lenders have unique qualification requirements, so pre-qualifying with multiple lenders allows you to compare offers and choose one with the loan amount and rate that fits your expense and budget. 

4. Apply. Once you’ve chosen a lender, gather documents like your W-2s and bank statements and formally apply for an HVAC loan. Most lenders let you apply online, but some banks and credit unions may require submitting an application in-person. If approved, expect to receive funds within a week.

» MORE: Requirements for a personal loan

HVAC financing alternatives

Emergency fund: While not technically a financing option, your emergency savings is made for expenses like a new HVAC system. When there are extreme temperatures outside, a broken AC or heating unit constitutes an emergency.

HVAC company financing: Some companies that sell and install HVAC systems also offer financing through third-party lenders, like Greensky or Ally. Rates and terms vary across contractors. Rolling your installation and payment plan together can be a convenient option if it's also the most affordable one.

0% interest credit card: Consumers with good or excellent credit (690 or higher scores) may qualify for a credit card with a zero-interest promotional period. Be sure to pay off the balance during the interest-free term — usually 15 to 21 months — to avoid paying the card’s regular interest rate.

Government loans: You may qualify for an FHA Title 1 loan, which can be used to improve your home’s “basic livability and utility,” according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Another option is to finance HVAC repairs or a replacement with an FHA 203(k) loan. These programs each have their own requirements and may prolong your installation’s timeline, but they could save you money. Borrowers with low income may be eligible for federal assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

» MORE: Home improvement tax credits for energy-saving updates

How much does a new HVAC system cost

A new HVAC system can cost from $5,000 to $12,500, according to Angi, an online platform that connects homeowners with local home service professionals. Your overall costs can increase if you need a larger overhaul, such as replacing ductwork, or if you want premium features in the new system.