> This is mostly down to people being afraid of anything even remotely trades-like. Learn to do some basic home repair, it will save you thousands.

Installing a new HVAC system is not "basic home repair".

Yes, there are HVAC-related repairs that qualify as basic, but we're also talking about the big things.

And while yes, many homeowners could learn how to install a new heat pump, run refrigerant lines, make sure every connection is torqued properly, etc., most would not want to or have the time to do so, and that's fine, normal, and expected.