Replacing or upgrading your home’s HVAC shouldn’t feel like decoding a parts list. Our Bronze / Silver / Gold packages give you clear, side-by-side options with consistent pricing and exactly what’s included. It also lets our team build quotes quickly and consistently in the field—so you can compare apples to apples and make a confident choice.
What’s Included in Each Package
Bronze — Solid, Budget-Smart
A professional, code-compliant split-system install with the fundamentals done right.
Includes:
- Safe removal and haul-away of old equipment
- EPA-compliant refrigerant recovery & RX-11 flush of lineset
- Electrical corrections & gas piping updates (as required)
- Condensate rework with float safety and proper drainage
- Custom sheet-metal transitions for correct airflow
- Brazed copper connections, nitrogen purge
- New pad/secure condenser set & thermostat install
- Full system commissioning (cooling & heating)
- City/County permit coordination and final inspection
- HERS (Title 24) testing to verify airflow, charge, and duct leakage
Best for: Homeowners who want a dependable, by-the-book install without extra accessories.
Silver — Smart Efficiency Upgrade
Everything in Bronze plus efficiency, protection, and convenience features.
Adds:
- 16 SEER class equipment (or current efficiency equivalent)
- Surge protection to safeguard electronics
- Wi-Fi smart thermostat with scheduling & remote control
- UV light at the coil to help keep it cleaner
- Electrical upgrades (breaker/fuse sizing as needed)
- Improved condensate routing & secondary protections
- Gas sediment trap (where applicable)
- Tailored duct transitions for quieter airflow
- HERS (Title 24) testing & final inspection handled by us
Best for: Owners who want better efficiency, smarter controls, and added protection—without going all-in on every premium add-on.
Gold — Premium Comfort
Our top tier for maximum comfort, efficiency, and indoor air quality.
Upgrades:
- High-efficiency variable-speed systems (often 18–20 SEER equivalent)
- Premium install materials and accessories bundled in
- Wi-Fi thermostat, surge protection, UV, and IAQ upgrades included
- Ideal for pairing with zoning or advanced filtration
- Designed to meet strict code & performance targets
Best for: Long-term homeowners who want best-in-class comfort, energy savings, and the strongest warranty coverage.
Permits, HERS (Title 24) & Why It Matters
In California, proper HVAC replacement isn’t just “swap the box.” You need permits, HERS performance testing under Title 24, and a final inspection. HERS verifies duct leakage, airflow, and refrigerant charge so your system performs as designed—and helps preserve warranty and incentive eligibility. We handle load calculations, documentation, scheduling the rater, and sign-off. (If you’ve heard “Title 22,” HVAC performance testing for residential falls under Title 24.)
Transparent Pricing (Typical Ranges)
- Bronze: ~$12,000 (typical 13.5 SEER replacement)
- Silver: ~$15,000–$16,000 (16 SEER class with protections & smart controls)
- Gold: ~$18,000–$19,000 (high-efficiency/variable-speed with premium IAQ & protections)
Exact price depends on tonnage, scope, and site conditions. Showing all three tiers side-by-side keeps things clear and avoids surprise add-ons.
Financing (Choose the Right Package, Not Just the Cheapest)
Higher-efficiency equipment can pay off in comfort and utility savings. We offer flexible financing through GoodLeap (preferred) and Synchrony—often low or $0 down with a range of terms. Many homeowners use financing to step from Bronze to Silver or Gold when the home would benefit from better efficiency, comfort features, or IAQ.
Recommended Add-Ons (Available À La Carte)
- Wi-Fi Thermostats: Remote control, energy reports, smart schedules. (Included in Silver & Gold.)
- Zoning Systems: Send air where you need it most—great for two-story or spread-out floor plans.
- Load Calculations (Manual J/S/D): Right-size your system and balance airflow room-to-room.
- Surge Protection: Protect today’s sensitive high-efficiency electronics. (Included in Silver & Gold.)
- UV/IAQ Upgrades: Help keep coils cleaner and reduce microbial growth. (Included in Gold; optional on Silver.)
Why Our Packages Beat One-Off Quotes
- Clarity: Each tier lists equipment, materials, protections, testing, and permits—so you know where every dollar goes.
- Consistency: Our techs use a pre-built price book; every customer gets the same documented process—not a napkin sketch.
- Performance: HERS testing, commissioning, and inspections are baked in—so you get real-world results, not just nameplate ratings.
- Protection: Float safeties, drip pans, UV, surge protection—fewer surprises and longer equipment life.
- Documentation: Photo-rich reports, permits, and inspection records that support warranties and resale value.
Why We’re Not the Cheapest (or the Most Expensive)
We aim for the sweet spot: top-tier workmanship and quality equipment at a fair, transparent price. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t pad bids with mystery “extras.” Your estimate shows the package price (labor, materials, equipment, accessories) plus the building science behind it: load calcs, airflow targets, HERS tests, and commissioning. That’s how we deliver reliable comfort, lower operating costs, and long equipment life—without overcharging.
How We Present Your Options
At the visit, our technician confirms system type and size, then shows you Bronze / Silver / Gold for the correct tonnage on one clean estimate—fast. You pick your tier; we pull permits, schedule the install, coordinate HERS, and handle the final inspection. Simple.
Quick FAQs
Do I need HERS testing?
Yes. California requires performance verification with permitted replacements. We schedule it for you.
Is a Wi-Fi thermostat included?
Included in Silver and Gold; it can be added to Bronze.
Can I add UV or surge protection to Bronze?
Absolutely. Those protections are standard in higher tiers but can be added à la carte.
Are there rebates or tax credits?
Many 16 SEER+ systems qualify. We’ll help with paperwork; confirm eligibility with your tax advisor.
About Caledonian Mechanical (Why Homeowners Choose Us)
- Local & trusted: Central Valley team with 30+ years combined experience
- Reputation: 4.9★ Google—built on clean workmanship and clear communication
- Warranty: One-year workmanship on installs and repairs + full manufacturer coverage
- Property-manager friendly: Clear estimates, photo-rich reports, and reliable scheduling
Ready for a side-by-side estimate?
We’ll bring all three packages (sized for your home) and walk you through features, financing, and scheduling in one visit. Comfort, compliance, and clear choices—that’s the Caledonian way.