A question that we often hear from our customers, the desire to learn what a new AC costs can be a difficult answer to provide without learning more about the specific consumer wants and needs.
FOR INSTANCE: Consider the same question applied to purchasing a vehicle. The average cost of buying a car is difficult to pinpoint. What kind of car are you looking for? Small and compact or large and roomy? Great gas mileage or just something to get you from point A to point B? The price range can vary heavily, and only you as the buyer can answer these questions about what is most important to you. Without knowing these variables, providing an ‘average price’ is not overly helpful.
Now back to HVAC. The ‘average price of an air conditioner’ can be answered in a broad way, but it may not give you a true idea of what packaged ac system is best for your home. When it comes to getting AC installation pricing, you are best off getting an in-home HVAC quote from a professional.
Read on to learn the main factors that determine central ac unit costs, and why you can benefit more from an in-home estimate, rather than a ‘ballpark price’.
Heating And Cooling Equipment Brand
There are many good HVAC manufacturers out there, but not all equipment is created equally. Therefore, the quality and reliability of the products can vary depending on the manufacturer that makes the equipment. When replacing your air conditioner, consider choosing a brand that has a great reputation for durability and customer satisfaction.
When choosing an HVAC manufacturer, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Reputation: Do some research to see what other people are saying about the manufacturer’s products and customer service. Look for brands with a good reputation for durability and customer satisfaction.
- Product offerings: Consider the specific features and benefits that you’re looking for in an HVAC system. Some manufacturers offer more energy-efficient models, while others have a wider range of sizes and capacities to choose from.
- Warranty: Make sure to read the warranty carefully before you make a purchase. A good warranty will cover you in case your system needs repairs or replacements down the road.
- Price: HVAC systems can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend.
Air Conditioner Tonnage
What size air conditioner do you need? Will your home require a 2-ton, 3-ton, 4-ton, or something in between? While it’s likely that your old AC was properly sized, it’s not uncommon to learn that the size of your air conditioner needs to be adjusted due to improper sizing, room additions, newly finished spaces, or more.
The size of air conditioner you need depends on a number of factors, including:
- The square footage of your home. The larger your home, the more capacity you will need in your air conditioning equipment.
- The climate you live in. If you live in a hot climate, you may need an air conditioner with more capacity than if you live in a mild climate.
- The insulation in your home. A well-insulated home may require a smaller air conditioner than a poorly insulated home.
- The number of people who live in your home. The more people who live in your home, the larger the air conditioner you may need to properly cool all living spaces.
- The layout and number of windows in your home. The more windows you have, and whether or not you have vaulted ceilings or two stories, the larger the air conditioner you may require.
There are a few ways to determine the size of air conditioner you need. One way is to use a tonnage calculator. A tonnage calculator is a tool that will ask you a few questions about your home and climate and then recommend a size of air conditioner for you. You could also take a look at an AC tonnage chart. Another way to determine the size of air conditioner you need is to call an HVAC professional. An HVAC professional can come to your home and perform a load calculation. A load calculation is a more accurate way to determine the size of air conditioner you need.
Once you know the size of air conditioner you need, you can start shopping for a new unit. When shopping for an air conditioner, be sure to compare prices from several different retailers. You should also consider the energy efficiency of the unit. More energy-efficient units will save you money on your energy bills.
Cooling Efficiency Options
When it comes to ac replacement costs, SEER (system energy efficiency rating) plays a significant role. Much like a car and the ‘miles per gallon’ rating, the higher efficiency rating of your HVAC system, the more you will expect to save on your utility usage. A high efficiency air conditioner will come at a higher upfront cost than a baseline model, but you’ll be able to recoup the savings in energy (and then some!) in the upcoming years. Always be sure to consider the utility usage saved and comfort gained with equipment with higher AFUE and SEER ratings when comparing ac quotes.
Seasonal Promotions
Depending on the time of year, manufacturers, companies like Logan Services, and even utility companies will offer a variety of seasonal HVAC rebates that can help to save you money when you purchase an air conditioner. Some of the best deals are extended to homeowners in the ‘non-peak seasons’, which may include the winter, early spring, and early fall. Consider also any air conditioner financing promotions that are offered; when paired with 0% APR financing, a new central air conditioning system can be purchased at an affordable monthly price to fit your budget.
Economic Factors
Whether due to inflation, labor shortage, equipment availability, impacts in supply chain, etc., there are numerous factors that can impact the average price of ac replacement. In our experience, we’ve seen price increases become more frequent due to these recent economic factors. The price of an air conditioner can fluctuate depending on the current state of the economy, both locally and nationwide.
After reading this, you may now understand our hesitancy to answer the question: Can I get a ballpark estimate on a new AC? At Logan Services, we are happy to have a conversation tailored to you and your home, as well as your comfort needs.
HVAC Installation Company
One of the MOST IMPORTANT variables in any heating and cooling replacement project is choosing the company who installs the equipment. The best HVAC equipment in the world won’t operate properly if it’s not installed correctly. Remember to choose a reliable and reputable HVAC installation company who comes highly recommended to replace your air conditioner; the installation cost might be higher, but the peace of mind you’ll receive by selecting a quality company will far outweigh any potential headaches you receive with a poorly done install.
The best HVAC equipment in the world won’t operate properly if it’s not installed correctly. This is because the installation process is critical to the performance of your HVAC system. If the unit is not installed properly, it may not cool your home effectively, or it may even damage your home.
A reliable and reputable HVAC installation company will have a team of experienced technicians who know how to install HVAC systems correctly. They will also use high-quality materials and follow all safety standards.
The installation cost might be higher, but the peace of mind you’ll receive by selecting a quality company will far outweigh any potential headaches you receive with a poorly done install.
A poorly done install can lead to a number of problems, including:
- Your HVAC system may not cool your home effectively.
- Your HVAC system may damage your home.
- Your HVAC system may not be covered by warranty.
- You may have to pay for unnecessary repairs or replacements.
To find a reliable HVAC installation company, ask your friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. You can also search online for reviews of local companies. Once you’ve found a few companies that you’re interested in, get quotes from each company and compare their services and prices.
When you’re interviewing HVAC installation companies, be sure to ask about their experience, their qualifications, and their warranty. You should also ask about their pricing and what is included in their estimates.
It’s important to choose an HVAC installation company that you feel comfortable with and that you trust. After all, you’re putting your home and your family’s comfort in their hands.
By following these tips, you can choose a reliable and reputable HVAC installation company that will install your new air conditioner correctly and provide you with peace of mind for years to come.
It’s our pleasure to educate you on the heating and cooling technology that is available for your home. Our free, in-home estimates take approximately 1 hour, and when we’ve properly assessed your best heating and cooling system choices, we’ll present that to you with a price at the kitchen table.
Ready to schedule your FREE ESTIMATE? Get a Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus AC quote from our team of professionals.Use our convenient online booking tool and start living more comfortably at home today!
FAQs
What are the factors that determine the cost of AC installation?
The cost of AC installation can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The size of the AC unit. The larger the AC unit, the more expensive it may be to install. This is because larger AC units may require more materials and labor to install.
- The type of AC unit. There are different types of AC units available, each with its own unique features and installation requirements. For example, ductless AC units are installed differently than central AC units, so the installation cost of the system could vary.
- The location of the AC unit. The location of the AC unit can also affect the cost of installation. For example, AC units that are installed in difficult-to-reach areas, such as attics or crawlspaces, may cost more to install.
- The complexity of the ac unit installation. The complexity of the installation can also affect the cost. For example, AC units that require new ductwork or electrical wiring will typically cost more to install than AC units that can be connected to existing ductwork and electrical wiring.
- The cost of labor. The cost of labor can vary depending on the location of the ac unit replacement, type of system, and the amount of time it takes to complete the installation.
What are the different types of AC units, and how do they affect the installation cost?
There are four main types of AC units:
- Central AC units. Central air conditioners are the most common type of AC unit. They are installed in the basement, attic, or crawlspace of a home and distribute cool air throughout the home via ductwork. Central air systems typically cost more to install than other types of AC units, but they can also cool a larger area.
- Ductless AC units. Ductless AC units are also known as ductless split systems. They consist of two units: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit via refrigerant lines. Single-room ductless AC units can be less expensive to install than central AC units, but they can only cool one room or zone in a home.
- Window AC units. Window AC units are the most affordable type of AC unit. They are installed in a window and cool the air in the room directly. Window AC units are not as efficient or effective as other types of AC units, and they can be noisy.
- Portable AC units. Portable AC units are similar to window AC units, but they have wheels so that they can be moved from room to room. Portable AC units are not as efficient as other types of AC units, and they can also be noisy.
The type of AC unit that you choose will affect the cost of installation and the price of the investment as a whole. Central AC units are the most expensive to install, but they can cool the largest area. Ductless AC units are less expensive to install than central AC units, but they can only cool a single room or zone. Window AC units are the most affordable type of AC unit, but they are not as effective or efficient as other types of AC units. Portable AC units are similar to window AC units, but they have wheels so that they can be moved from room to room.
Does the size of the AC unit affect the installation cost?
Not necessarily. The size of the AC unit could affect the installation cost, but this will be specifically determined by the HVAC installing company. Depending on the model of equipment and advanced technology it utilizes, the cost of system replacement, including installation, will vary.
In addition to the size of the AC unit, the complexity of the installation can also affect the overall cost of replacement. For example, AC units that require new ductwork or electrical wiring will typically cost more to install than AC units that can be connected to existing ductwork and electrical wiring.
If you are considering installing an AC unit, it is important to get a quote from a reputable contractor. This will help you to learn about your ac replacement options and provide you with the education you need to make a sound investment for your home and your family.
Here are some additional tips for getting a good deal on AC installation:
- Get quotes from reputable contractors.
- Ask about the replacement costs associated with the type of AC unit that you are interested in.
- Be aware of the different types of AC units and their features.
- Choose an AC unit that is the right size for your home.
- Get the installation done during the off-season to save money.
By following these tips, you can save money on AC installation and get the most out of your new system.
