The Cost to Install Central Air and 3 Ways to Save
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Summer heats up fast when all you have is a fan to cool you down. Central air conditioning could solve all your sweaty problems, but the price may knock you out cold.
The cost to install central air conditioning, including the unit, ranges from around $3,000 to over $7,000 on average, according to home services company HomeAdvisor. But the price tag varies widely depending on where you live, the type of system you need and the condition of your existing air ducts.
Here's more information about what goes into the cost and tips to help you save.
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What factors affect the cost to install central air
The price of an air conditioning unit is only one piece of the total cost to install central air. You’ll also need to pay for a pre-installation evaluation, possible air duct installation or modification, and a qualified professional in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, to do the work.
Pre-installation evaluation
A Manual J load calculation is the first step in proper installation, says Rob Minnick, CEO and president of Minnick’s Inc., an HVAC company in Laurel, Maryland. This calculation tells contractors how much heat your house gains throughout the day and what size air conditioner will keep it cool.
“An energy audit can cost several hundred dollars, but your utility company may offer discounts or rebates.”
Ideally, the load calculation would be part of a home energy audit. This assessment identifies air leaks and other issues that increase the cost to run an air conditioner. An energy audit can cost several hundred dollars, but your utility company may offer discounts or rebates.
Ductwork and design
After the Manual J load calculation, your contractor should check the systems an air conditioner relies on, especially ductwork, and ensure they can handle central air.
Existing ducts often can’t handle the airflow of a modern air conditioner, says Louis Fuentes, president of Air Conditioning Guys Inc., in El Centro, California. Your home may also lack space to run a refrigerant line to the exterior, or room for an air conditioner coil or properly-sized vents.
Any upgrades or modifications to accommodate the new system will likely increase the total cost to install central air conditioning, but they can help you avoid high energy bills and hot rooms.
The central air unit
After home performance and support systems are evaluated, it’s time to select an air conditioning unit. Depending on the size and structure of your home, you’ll choose from the following types:
In addition to type, the cost of a central air unit varies by size. An air conditioner’s capacity to cool the air is measured in tons; residential systems are generally available in 1.5- to 5-ton capacities. Bigger isn’t always better; your air conditioner’s size should be determined by the load calculation mentioned above.
Don’t choose an air conditioning unit just for its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER rating, either. An air conditioner with a high SEER rating costs more but will still waste energy if it's improperly installed or your home is full of leaks, Minnick says. So make sure your contractor evaluates the home’s performance before recommending a unit.
Installation and labor
An HVAC contractor’s business size and location affect the cost to install central air conditioning, says Todd Washam, director of industry and external relations at the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, or ACCA. But don’t get too hung up on finding the lowest bid.
“Almost half of all HVAC systems are installed incorrectly, reducing their efficiency by up to 30%, according to the EPA.”
“If it's good and cheap, it won't be fast. And if it's fast and cheap, it won't be good,” Washam says.
Almost half of all HVAC systems are installed incorrectly, reducing their efficiency by up to 30%, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star website. So finding an HVAC pro who does it right is worth the time and expense.
To find a high-quality HVAC contractor:
Read online reviews and ask friends for referrals
Search for contractors on the ACCA website (and use this handy checklist to guide the conversations)
Compare estimates from at least three different companies
Ask lots of questions about their qualifications and standards
3 tips to control central air conditioning installation costs
1. Examine your cooling needs
If you’re an empty nester or only home at night, consider a ductless mini-split air conditioning system. These systems combine an outdoor compressor and condenser with indoor blower vents that can be installed on just about any exterior wall.
While not technically central air, ductless systems can be an efficient way to cool small zones within a larger home, like a TV room or bedroom, Fuentes says.
2. Time it right
HVAC contractors are always busy during the hottest and coldest months, Washam says. Scheduling installation in the off-seasons — spring and fall — may yield a lower price or faster turnaround time because workers aren’t as busy.
3. Look for equipment rebates and tax credits
Local governments, as well as utility companies and manufacturers, promote the use of high-efficiency air conditioners through financial incentives. Use the Energy Star rebate finder to find money-saving opportunities in your ZIP code.
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