how much does an ac unit replacement cost

Need a Central Air Conditioning Pro Near You? Find Local HVAC Experts & Get Free Central Air Conditioning Price Quotes. Home > Home Improvement > HVAC > Central Air Conditioning Cost How Much Does Central Air Cost? Central Air Installation Prices Window air conditioners are certainly better than no air conditioners at all on a hot summer day, but quieter, more efficient central air conditioning represents a major step up in household comfort. Often referred to as just central air, a whole-house central air conditioning system distributes cooled air through a home or office space via a duct system. Central air can be added to your existing forced-air heating system, although an existing HVAC network isn’t required. In this buying guide you’ll learn more about centralized air conditioning and the cost. Central Air Conditioning Considerations Below are some of the points you should keep in mind when shopping for a new central air conditioner. There are three main types of central air conditioning systems: a split system, a mini-split system, and a package system.

In a split system, the compressor (which cools the air) is located outdoors and the air handler unit (responsible for distributing the cooled air throughout the house) is placed indoors. Compare this to a package system, in which the compressor and air handler are placed together, usually on the ground or roof. A final option, and one that is relatively new, is the mini-split system, also known as a ductless mini split system. This type of system is technically not the same as central air, although installing several can serve the same function. It is ideally suited for older homes without ductwork and cooling additions of up to 1,200 square foot. Once you’ve decided on the type of central air conditioning system, it’s crucial to select a setup that is powerful enough to cool your entire home on hot days, but not so powerful that it doesn’t adequately remove humidity. The size of an air conditioner is expressed in tonnage or BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour. A cooling contractor can help you evaluate the size of the system you need by performing what’s known as a Manual J load calculation.

Although sizing for central air conditionings systems is determined formulaically, there is more leeway when choosing system efficiency.
how a ac unit worksThe seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) of an air conditioner expresses how much cooling unit provides relative to the amount of energy it uses.
how to size an ac unit for a homeThe higher a unit’s SEER rating, the more efficient—and less costly—it is to run.
top window ac unitsThe federal SEER minimum is 13, while 16 to 23 SEER is considered high efficiency. Central Air Average Costs The actual cost of central air installation depends on a number of factors, including the size of the home as well as the unit’s tonnage and SEER rating. In a 2,000 square foot home with existing ductwork, central air conditioning costs $3,000 to $5,000 installed.

If ductwork is additionally required, costs could reach $6,000 to $10,000 or more. Mini-split central air conditioner prices average $1,500 to $3,000 installed. Note that while a high efficiency unit could cost up to 30 to 40 percent more than one with the minimum 13 SEER rating, the extra costs should be recouped in energy savings over the lifetime of the system. Use Our Free Service and Find Central Air Conditioning Companies Near YouInterior temperature and air quality are important elements of a healthy and comfortable home, so repeated problems with an aging or malfunctioning HVAC system should be addressed. If the equipment needs frequent repairs, it may be less expensive in the long run to install a new unit. The life expectancy of an HVAC system varies by type and operating conditions. A heat pump or air conditioner that receives regular maintenance can be expected to last for at least 10 years; a boiler or furnace may reach 15 years of age or more before failing.

Average Cost of HVAC Unit Replacement The cost of HVAC units varies greatly; pricing depends on a number of factors such as the size and type of system and the energy efficiency rating. In addition to the equipment itself, buyers must also consider the cost of installation and any required modifications to the building like additional ductwork. Replacing an existing system costs less than a new installation if there is already functional ductwork in place. Here are the most common types of HVAC equipment types and their average costs. Split systems consist of both indoor and outdoor components. The outdoor unit is an air conditioner to provide cooling; the indoor unit is a furnace to produce heat. Split systems usually cost between $2,000 and $11,000; the average cost is $6,625. Costs will vary based on the type of units included. A central HVAC unit may cost as little as $1,000 or as much as $4,000 for a large unit; the average cost is $2,600. This system is an option for homes without existing ductwork.

Costs for a ductless system range from $2,000 to $7,000; the average cost is $4,500. A standalone gas furnace typically costs between $1,000 and $5,000; the average cost is $2,400. Regular efficiency boilers range in price from $2,500 to $4,000 with an average cost of $3,250. High-efficiency models cost between $5,000 and $9,000 with an average cost of $7,000. Most air handlers cost between $1,000 and $3,500; the average price is $1,700. Commercial HVAC systems are much larger, and pricing will depend on the square footage of the building and other factors. Most commercial systems will cost more than $15,000. The cost of installation is highly variable and depends on the type of system, the choice of contractor and the complexity of the required work. Installation charges for a typical home range from $3,000 to $6,000 with an average cost of about $4,700. Additional ductwork or repairs can increase the installation fees by several thousand dollars. In conclusion, the average homeowner can expect to pay between $5,000 and $11,000 for a completely installed HVAC system.

Variables Affecting HVAC Replacement Cost HVAC Capacity is measured in BTUs and tons. These refer to a unit’s heating and cooling abilities. The square footage of the home, the local climate and other variables determine what size HVAC unit is required. More powerful units are more expensive, but installing a unit that does not have a high enough capacity can cause early equipment failure and increased energy costs. Energy efficiency is another important variable that affects cost. Air conditioners are assigned a seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER). Alternative measurements for heat pump efficiency include the average fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) and the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). Higher ratings denote more efficient systems, and these generally cost more. However, they save homeowners money in the long run by using less energy. Each HVAC equipment retailer will have specific equipment and installation charges. Discounts and special offers may be available;

it is advisable to check several different retailers to find the best prices. Major national brands may be more expensive than lesser-known ones. Before purchasing, buyers should thoroughly research brand names, models and available features to get the best quality system for their money. Programmable thermostats, air purifiers, humidity control features and UV lamps are optional features that will increase cost. Used or refurbished equipment may be available at a discounted price. Some complex systems may only need individual components or units replaced; this decreases the cost of equipment and labor. Colder regions require more powerful systems to maintain desirable temperatures in winter. Units with higher BTU ranges are best for cold climates while systems in the lower BTU ranges are more appropriate for warmer areas. Whether replacing an old HVAC system or purchasing a new one, homeowners should obtain careful measurements of the entire house and record any technical information about existing HVAC equipment.