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:$2,866To$4,885 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.hvac units on saleThese are the most common types of portable air conditioners, and are made for windows that slide up and down. air conditioning window unit coversThe AC sits on your window sill and vents hot air outside. can an ac unit run without a filter

Moisture pulled from the air in your room is also released outside. The AC may be installed permanently, or in a way that makes it easy to remove for the winter. Additional accessories can also be purchased to assist in ensuring a perfect fit for any window. Shop Window Air Conditioners A casement air conditioning unit is designed specifically for windows that swing out to the side (usually with a hand crank) or slide open sideways. Shop Casement Air Conditioners Intended for rooms with windows that cannot accommodate mounting a full AC unit, or for those who want the ability to move the AC unit from room to room. A portable air conditioner is placed on the floor and uses a flexible hose to vent hot air outside. The venting hose can usually fit through a small space, such as the center vent often found in basement glass-block windows. Shop Portable Air Conditioners These are installed through the wall of a building in a designated opening. Wall Air Conditioners require a sleeve in order to be properly installed.

Shop Wall Air Conditioners Central Air Conditioning Systems consist of one main unit that pumps cool air through ducting that runs throughout a building, eliminating the need for separate AC units in each room. If you are looking to do away with portable or window air conditioners, Abt is licensed to install central air systems. This service is only for our Chicagoland customers. Individual homes will need to be estimated before choosing and installing a central air conditioning system. Shop Central Air Conditioning Systems Choosing an HVAC System Buy the right HVAC system to properly heat and cool your home. If you’re considering a new system for your home, talk first to your architect or designer. Conversations with HVAC contractors will probably follow, although you or your designer may also want to consult a specialist – a heating engineer – in the event your building project presents unusual demands. Talk through in detail exactly what your needs are.

If your budget is tight, you’ll need to identify essentials. If you can afford to think more broadly, consider the added comfort of, say, radiant floor heating. If you’re unhappy with your present system or would like to add humidification or a filtration system, get bids for those costs. In most cases, extending your existing system or adding a smaller area heater will be the least expensive option. Here are a few other considerations:As a rule of thumb, if local temperatures rarely rise above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, you probably don’t need central air-conditioning. On the other hand, central air is often regarded by realtors as a valuable selling point, so if there’s a chance you’ll be transferred to another region or are likely to put your home on the market for any reason in the near future, central air-conditioning may be a good investment. Top-of-the-market houses get top-of-the-market prices because they have all the bells and whistles. For people with asthma and other allergy problems, central air with its ability to filter and “condition” household air can also have health benefits.

Beware of Oversize Systems. Strange though it may sound, too much heating capacity will make a system less efficient. It will cause the system to cycle on and off frequently, producing excess wear and tear on the components. The system may never reach peak operating temperatures. To be sure your system is suited to your home, ask your HVAC contractor, heating engineer, or whoever designed the system to walk you through the calculation. The process consists of determining what the heating load is (based on an arithmetical formula that factors in the size of your home, its insulation, and the local climate). The system capacity should be no more than 25 percent greater than the calculated heating load. Simple Is Usually Less Expensive. Staying with your existing system is almost certainly the cheapest route. If your system has enough capacity that it can be extended to heat (or cool) new spaces, that approach will probably be less expensive than installing an all-new system.