If you’re constantly messing with the thermostat, wrapping up in blankets in one room while another
feels like a sauna, you’re not alone. A lot of homeowners we talk to feel like their HVAC system is “working”—but never actually working well.
Whether it’s inconsistent temperatures, rising energy bills, or air that just feels stale no matter how much you clean, it’s frustrating.
We get it—at A&E Plumbing, Heating and Air, we’ve spent over 16 years helping families across the Gresham-Portland Metro and throughout the Columbia River Gorge finally enjoy real, reliable comfort.
In this article, we’ll break down what a “set it and forget it” heating and cooling system really costs, which upgrades are worth it, and how to create a home that feels good every day—not just when the weather cooperates.
What Is a “Set It and Forget It” Luxury HVAC System?
It’s not a gimmick. It’s not a robot butler. It’s a smart, quiet, efficient system designed to make your home feel the way it should—consistently comfortable, clean-smelling, and easy to live in.
Here’s what these systems usually include:
- Zoned comfort control – So you can stop fighting over the thermostat
- Humidity balancing – No more waking up with dry throats or damp walls
- Smart thermostats – That learn your habits and adjust automatically
- Active air purification – Filters out allergens, dust, and mystery smells
- Ductless add-ons – For sunrooms, finished garages, or that freezing craft room
It’s not just about temperature. It’s about making your house feel like yours.
The Real Cost of a Luxury HVAC System — Broken Down for Real Life
Let’s talk dollars—because when most people start looking into a high-comfort HVAC system, the first question is: “Okay, but how much is this actually going to cost me?”
We get it. Dropping thousands of dollars on something you can’t even see once it’s installed? It feels like a big leap. But the truth is: you’re not just buying equipment—you’re buying long-term comfort, fewer breakdowns, and monthly utility savings.
Here’s what we typically see homeowners spending, depending on their home’s size, age, layout, and comfort goals:
1. Entry-Level Smart Comfort System
Estimated Cost: $12,000–$18,000+
Best for: Homeowners looking for a solid efficiency upgrade without going all-in on accessories.
This is for the homeowner who’s tired of sweating through the summer and freezing in winter—even though their system is technically “working.” Maybe it’s more than 10 years old. Maybe it’s noisy. Maybe you’ve had one too many repairs.
The Pros of Entry-Level Smart Comfort Systems
- A high-efficiency furnace or heat pump (quieter, uses less energy)
- Smart thermostat (controls from your phone + learns your routine)
- Optional basic zoning (for two zones like upstairs/downstairs)
Popular Systems for This Comfort Tier
- Trane XR15 Heat Pump – Reliable, affordable performance with Energy Star certification
- Lennox ML14XC1 Air Conditioner + ML193 Furnace – A popular, quiet starter combo
- Carrier Comfort 15 Series – Ideal for small-to-medium homes needing a budget-friendly refresh
- Mitsubishi GL-Series Single-Zone Mini Split – Great for retrofits or bonus rooms
Good fit for: Ranch-style homes, newer builds, or homes with decent ductwork. Think of it as upgrading from a basic sedan to a fully loaded SUV—it drives smoother, costs less to run, and keeps you comfortable on every trip.
2. Mid-Tier Whole-Home Comfort Upgrade
Estimated Cost: $18,000–$28,000+
Best for: Families who want more control, cleaner air, and to solve long-standing hot/cold room battles.
If you’ve ever taped cardboard over a vent or used a box fan to “push” cool air down the hall, this tier is for you. These homeowners usually have a growing family, work from home, or are caring for someone with health concerns (like asthma or allergies).
The Pros of Mid-Tier Whole-Home Comfort Upgrade
- High-efficiency multi-stage or variable-speed HVAC system
- Smart zoning (individual control over key areas)
- Enhanced air filtration or purification
- Duct sealing or redesign to improve airflow
- Often includes noise reduction upgrades
Popular Systems for This Comfort Tier
- Trane XV18 Variable-Speed Heat Pump + CleanEffects® Filter – Quiet, efficient, and great for allergy-prone homes
- Carrier Infinity® 18VS with Greenspeed® Intelligence – Great humidity control and zoning capabilities
- Lennox EL18XCV Air Conditioner + iComfort Thermostat – Balances tech and value beautifully
- Daikin FIT Inverter System – A compact, side-discharge unit that’s ideal for tighter outdoor spaces
- Mitsubishi P-Series Ductless Multi-Zone System – Ideal for homes with layout challenges or ductwork limitations
Good fit for: Two-story homes, mid-size houses with older ductwork, or households where people have very different comfort needs (like the always-cold partner vs. the fan-on-in-winter person).
3. Full Luxury HVAC System
Estimated Cost: $30,000 and up
Best for: Homeowners who are renovating, aging in place, or just done settling for “okay” comfort.
This is for folks who’ve decided that their home is their forever home—or at least want it to feel like one. If you’ve ever said, “I just want it to work without thinking about it,” this is your tier. These systems feel effortless. Quiet. Balanced. And incredibly customizable.
The Pros of Full Luxury HVAC Systems
Everything from the mid-tier package, plus:
- Full-home zoning (control each room independently)
- Humidity control (integrated humidifier/dehumidifier)
- Air balancing diagnostics (techs test and fine-tune every room’s airflow)
- Ductless add-ons for hard-to-reach or remodeled spaces
- Smart home integration (voice control, geofencing, app-based scheduling)
- Optional radiant heating or energy recovery ventilation (ERV)
Popular Systems for This Comfort Tier
- Trane XV20i with ComfortLink™ II Thermostat – Fully modulating, learns your home over time
- Mitsubishi CITY MULTI® VRF System – Commercial-grade zoning and silent operation for large homes
- Lennox SL28XCV with iHarmony® Zoning – Lennox’s quietest, most advanced variable-speed AC
- Carrier Infinity® Greenspeed Intelligence System – Ultimate humidity control and ultra-quiet
- Bosch IDS 2.0 Inverter Heat Pump System – Known for efficiency, near-silent operation, and flexible installation
Good fit for: Larger homes, historic homes with ductwork challenges, or homeowners who are upgrading multiple systems at once (like plumbing + HVAC during a remodel). Yes, the price tag is higher—but you’re getting a tailored comfort experience from the ground up.
How Are People Affording These HVAC Upgrades?
Here’s the thing most people don’t realize: very few homeowners write a check for their HVAC system
on day one. Most of them choose monthly financing, and many combine it with utility rebates, federal tax credits, or a maintenance plan to make it all more manageable.
One homeowner we worked with said they’d been holding off on replacing their 20-year-old system because they assumed anything high-efficiency or “smart” was out of reach. But once they saw the financing breakdown and applied a rebate from their energy provider, the cost made a lot more sense.
That story is more common than you might think. Whether it’s low-interest financing, a rebate program in your area, or taking advantage of federal energy tax credits, most people are surprised by how doable it becomes once they sit down and see the full picture.
Pairing a new system with an HVAC maintenance plan can also help extend its life and prevent costly surprises down the road—something more homeowners are building into their comfort strategy from day one.
You don’t have to be rolling in renovation money to have a house that just works. You just need the right options, and someone who can walk you through them.
Not Just a New HVAC System—A Smarter Way to Live
When you first started reading, maybe you were feeling frustrated with uneven temperatures, rising
energy bills, or just plain confused about what “high-end comfort” even means. Maybe you’ve been wondering if all the bells and whistles of a modern HVAC system are worth the price—or if it’s just marketing fluff.
Whether you're ready to upgrade or just starting to explore your options, you deserve a home that’s comfortable, quiet, and easy to live in—every single day. With over 16 years of experience helping families across Gresham and the surrounding areas, we've seen how the right HVAC system can truly change how a home feels. And while we’re always here to guide you through the process, this decision is ultimately about you—your comfort, your priorities, and finding a solution that actually fits your life.
Ready to see what comfort could actually feel like in your home? Schedule a service or request a custom quote today—and take the first step toward a home that finally feels just right.
