In a recent survey, homeowners said that AC & Heating Connect is a key source of information about air conditioning and heating equipment, second only to friends and family. Maybe your old central air conditioner has quit working, and you think you need a replacement.  Maybe you want to upgrade to a more energy-efficient or environmentally-friendly system. Maybe you’re not sure what to do. Whatever the reason you’re considering a new air conditioner or furnace, you’ll want to go through this handy checklist to make sure you are shopping for the right equipment and asking contractors the right questions. 1.  How much time do I really have to replace my system? Click here to learn how to put time on your side to get the right equipment for your needs. 2.  Do I really need to replace my entire system or can it be repaired? Click here to see the many factors facing the repair vs. replace decision. 3.  How much space am I trying to cool (and has it changed since the old AC was installed)?

Click here to learn how you might need more or less cooling and heating power based on changes in your home or workspace.life of central ac unit 4.  Do I want something more than “just cold air”?prices of new ac units Click here to read about how improvements in comfort, energy costs and the environment can make you feel better and save you money.the right size ac unit 5.   Do I really need to cool the whole house all the time? Click here to see how some common suggestions can actually lead to bigger problems. 6.  Is there really anything new in air conditioning? Click here for an overview of new technologies available today and what they mean to you. 7.  Are there unique needs in my region of the country? Click here to see how where you live might determine the type of equipment you should buy.

8.  Should I replace my furnace if I replace my air conditioner? Click here to learn how your air conditioner and furnace work together… and apart. 9.  Should I invest in a programmable thermostat? Click here to see how you can save 20-30% on your energy bill without changing your routine. 10.  How do I know which contractor to hire? Click here for insights into how to ask the right questions and select the best contractor for your situation.If you're looking to install an A/C unit to improve your home, it can be a costly process. Since temperature control is a necessity, however, you may qualify for a government rebate. If you purchase an Energy Star air conditioner, you may qualify for a tax credit from the federal government that could be worth as much as $500. To determine the cost of the actual unit, you need to measure its strength. This will hinge on the size of the space you need to cool. Once you are ready to install, ImproveNet can connect you with an A/C professional in your area for free!

Install an A/C Unit Costs Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by ImproveNet members. We are still gathering data for this location.Try changing location below or Most homeowners spent between:$3,886To$5,427 Number of Cost Profiles Most homeowners spent between: We are still gathering data for this location.   See specific cost in your area Enter your zip code to get started Air conditioner strength is measured in "tons," a measurement that refers to the amount of heat your A/C unit can remove in an hour. Each ton corresponds to 12,000 British thermal units (BTUs). Be careful when calculating this, because bigger isn't necessarily better. If your unit is too large for the space of your home, it will switch on and off repeatedly, wasting energy and costing you money. If your home is 1,600 square feet, a 2.5 ton air conditioner will cool it well. This will cost between $3,000 and $5,000. There are platinum models that could potentially cost $10,000, but these are rarely necessary.

If you're looking to install central air rather than a window unit, it may be cost effective to install central heating at the same time, as both usually utilize the blower from the furnace. If you already have central heat, you can use the existing fans and duct system when installing central air. Another factor that will affect the cost of central air installation is whether your home needs duct work. Older homes don't possess the ducts and vents that go along with a newer heating system. They have convection heating systems or baseboard heat, and all the ducts and vents will need to be installed. This is costly, so think about window units or a ductless split system instead. Most people who install an air conditioner agree that spending between $300 and $400 on labor to hire a contractor is worth the extra expense just to make sure that the unit is installed properly. You'll want to hire a licensed contractor that you can trust if you truly want to improve your home. The cost of materials, supplies and equipment allowance will run you another $50 to $100.

Altogether, expect to spend between $3,350 and $5,500 to install an air conditioning unit, possibly as much as $8,000-$10,000 if you need duct work. Last updated on Jul 22, 2016 Top Articles on Install an A/C Unit 5 Air Conditioning Tips To Beat The Heat This Summer Air conditioners that are not serviced properly contribute to high energy costs and less efficient home cooling. To stay cool indoors this summer, maintain your air conditioner with these tips. Video: How To Change A Furnace Filter Furnace filters ensure that your furnace is running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Unfortunately, you have to replace your furnace filter every few months, but even more so in the winter. How To Install A Heat Pump Heat pump installation is no easy task, but some homeowners are up for the challenge. Below, I will show you all the steps and tools needed to install a heat pump without a professional. Often, an air conditioner can begin to work slowly or improperly due to being out of coolant and needing a Freon refill.

Unfortunately, recharging your AC with Freon gas is not something which can be done by the ordinary do-it-yourselfer. Not only do many local and state governments require permits and special licensing to work with refrigerant, but the machinery to do it is exceptionally expensive. Also, complicating matters, Freon gas is dangerous when it enters the atmosphere so recovery of the old gas is important. For these reasons, it is necessary to have a professional recharge the air conditioner, but professionals mean spending money. So what is the average amount to expect to spend on refilling your refrigerant? The cost is luckily not extreme, nor should your Freon need to be replaced on a regular basis. For between $100 and $150, you can get a refill which should last for many years. Usually when a professional refills the Freon, he will also check to make sure the system is functioning properly. However, if the Freon needs to be refilled again in less than three years, you may have a leak within the hoses or valves which will need to be sealed.

To get the best price on a Freon refill, check for sales during the cooler months when demand is not as high. There are some factors to consider that can either raise or lower the cost of a normal recharge. Companies charge by the pound for a Freon replacement, so the size of your unit and the level of your current refrigerant can skew this average up or down. For a small home, a large AC unit is unnecessary, and the smaller the unit, the less Freon it will need. But, on the other hand, with a large house comes a large air conditioning unit, and this will cost more to refill when it inevitably runs low. If your technician suspects a Freon leak, your costs will also have to go up; since refrigerant is a regulated substance than can be harmful to the atmosphere, the EPA demands that a leak check be performed and any repairs made before the Freon can be refilled. Refrigerant recharges can also sometimes vary just based on location and time of year, but these factors shouldn’t too dramatically affect the average cost.