Factor inspection and installation fees into the cost of replacing your central air conditioning. Noisy equipment, excessive humidity within the home and a unit older than 10 years are among the top reasons to replace your central air conditioning, according to Energy Star, a U.S. government program promoting energy efficiency. The cost to replace your central air depends greatly on home specifications and can vary by thousands of dollars. Manufacturing, efficiency, installation fees, size of your home and whether you purchase an extended warranty all influence the cost. Month-to-month energy bills and special requirements of your family, such as a need for allergy filtration, should also be factored into the final price tag. An accredited contractor can work with you to determine the best central air conditioning system for your home. Check with the Air Conditioning Contractors of America for an accredited contractor near you. Specifications Perhaps the first step to determining the cost of replacing a central air conditioning unit is evaluating the specifications necessary for the size and dimensions of your home.

Decide if your current unit adequately cools your entire home or if you require a larger unit. Your air conditioning unit should be sized according to the square footage and layout of your home. For example, at the time of publication, the Central Air Conditioning Prices website rates a 1.5-ton, 18,000 Btu air conditioning unit and coil at $710, while a 5-ton, 60,000 Btu unit and coil is listed at $1,640, excluding installation. 3 ton ac energy usageA unit that is too small will run constantly to keep a home cool, thus increasing your monthly energy bill. what does 4 ton ac unit meanNorthern AC provides a free central air conditioning conversion calculator on its website to help you determine the central air conditioning unit that best meets your needs. average cost replace outside ac unit

Manufacturer Central air conditioners range from the most basic to high-efficiency units, which have a higher price tag. A basic central air conditioner may be less expensive upfront, but you could pay more in the long run through higher monthly energy bills, whereas an energy-efficient unit may cost more on the outset, but your monthly bills will be lower. Research brands, get several estimates and work with a contractor to make an informed decision on a purchase. Installation and labor Most states require that central air conditioning units be installed by licensed contractors, meaning the cost to replace your unit may include installation and labor fees. If installation and labor fees are included in the price, expect to pay anywhere from $2,650 to $15,600 for installation of a central air conditioning system as of 2013. Warranty Most central air conditioning units come with two- to five-year warranties. Extended warranties can be purchased for an additional price -- usually for several hundred dollars -- and the longer the warranty, the higher the price.

Ask your contractor how long you have to make a decision on purchasing an extended warranty. Some manufacturers sell extended warranties within 30 to 90 days of installation, and then the option expires. Efficiency The U.S. government encourages homeowners to install high-efficiency central air conditioning systems and offers incentives that include rebates and tax credits for the purchase of qualified products. Americans can cut their monthly energy bills by a third by installing energy efficient appliances, including central air conditioning units. References Energy Star: When is it time to replace?Central Air Conditioner Prices: Average AC Unit Prices by Size or CapacityPopular Mechanics: Buying a Central Air Conditioning SystemFixr: Central Air Conditioning Installation CostEnergy Star: About Energy Star Photo Credits Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionCentral Air Conditioning Costs Central air conditioning (A/C) units have their hot air output exterior to the building, and their cooling air ducted to interior climate zones.

Refrigeration tubing and electrical circuitry will pass through the building envelope.You will find that the cost of average central A/C varies by type of unit, its cooling capacity and efficiency rating, preparation and special needs, and the labor rate.Central A/C: central unit added to existing furnace ducts to cool 1,000 sq.ft.; ItemUnit CostA/C unit: 24000 BTU (2 ton) cooling only, 230 VAC, pad mount; include plenum, piping, pad, and connections; with all trim, weather stripping, hardware, and touch-up.$2,990each1$2,990Upgrade: install new circuit; 30 feet of #10/3 wire in EMT exterior conduit; wired into unit box.$2.16per foot32$68Material Cost$3,058each1$3,058+ Labor Cost (install AC unit)$38per hour16$608+ Labor Cost (upgrade circuit)$42per hour5$210Total Cost$3,876$3,876Central A/C: central unit added to existing furnace ducts to cool more than 2,000 sq.ft.; ItemUnit CostA/C unit: 60000 BTU (5 ton) cooling only, 230 VAC, pad mount; with all trim, weather stripping, hardware, and touch-up.$5,647each1$5,647Upgrade: install new circuit;

wired into unit box.$3.07per foot32$97Material Cost$5,744each1$5,744+ Labor Cost (install AC unit)$38per hour12$456+ Labor Cost (upgrade circuit)$42per hour3$126Total Cost$6,326$6,326Other considerations and costsTaxes and permit fees are not included.DIY considerationsThis project is not highly suitable for DIY requiring special tools and skills. Cost to install central air conditioning in my city Cost to install central air conditioning varies greatly by region. How much do the best 5-ton air conditioners cost? Average prices for the Goodman DSXC18 series air conditioner are approximately $2,109 not including installation as of 2014, as reported by review website Furnace Compare. The DSXC is available in a five-ton version and is considered the top air conditioner of its class by Furnace Compare. What are the ratings for Goodman HVACs? Is Goodman AC a reliable air conditioner? What Dandy air conditioners are energy star qualified? Wholesale costs for 5-ton air conditioning units are considerably lower than costs including installation.

For comparison, Furnace Compare lists the average cost of another top-rated air conditioner, the Trane XR15, as $6,462 including installation. Costs for installation can quickly reach several times the price of the air conditioner itself, especially if adding extensive ductwork is required in the home where the air conditioner is installed. What are some 3.5-ton air conditioner models? The Rheem 14-SEER Classic Series Air Conditioner Condenser and the Goodman 13-SEER model R410A are two examples of 3.5-ton air conditioners. What are customer reviews on Goodman air conditioners? are negative, but some mixed and positive reviews exist, as of 2015. Many complain that th... Where can you buy Goodman air conditioner parts?Parts can also be found on... How much is a Goodman air handler? Prices for Goodman air handlers vary widely depending on the model and size of the unit, with prices ranging between $400 to $1000 dollars for most units, ... Where can you buy filters for an Electrolux Guardian?