Central Air Conditioning Cost Guide
Read more about these cost factors below. The total cost of central air depends on whether your home already has existing ducts, the size of the system, and the complexity of the installation.
Cost of Central Air
Typical Central Air Conditioner Replacement: What Does the Price Include?Typical Central Air Conditioner Replacement: What Does the Price Include?
Types of centralized air systems include upgrading old ducts, installing ductless central air conditioning, and calculating AC sizing using Manual J. After upgrading ductwork, the required size of the air conditioning system may be reduced, leading to better efficiency and lower energy costs.
You’ll also want to consider prices of air conditioning units and their common sizes, the difference between single-stage and two-stage systems, the cost of popular AC brands, and available upgrades or improvements.
Installation Process
During installation, the HVAC technician will connect the entire system, add the correct amount of refrigerant according to the manufacturer’s specifications, and test subcooling and superheating to ensure the system is properly charged.
Afterward, the system will be connected to the thermostat and tested for adequate airflow. Installing a new set of refrigerant lines in existing homes can be expensive and sometimes unnecessary. In many older homes, line sets and electrical cables are located in areas that are difficult or impossible to access.
Electrical Work and Ducting
HVAC technicians are generally not licensed to perform electrical work beyond the scope of HVAC installation. Therefore, a licensed electrician must handle all electrical work outside of that scope.
Sealing, insulating, or installing new ducts is not included in most installation quotes because these tasks are labor-intensive and costly. However, after sealing and insulating the ducts, you may only need a 15–20% smaller central air conditioner.
For example, if you originally required a 4-ton unit, upgrading and insulating your ducts could allow you to downsize to a 3.5-ton unit — reducing compressor energy consumption by about 12.5%.
Saving on Costs
With careful planning, you can save several thousand dollars on your HVAC project. Keeping your property exterior clean and well-maintained by professionals like Pressure Washing Guys can also enhance your home’s overall appearance and condition, complementing any interior upgrades you make.
Example Cost Estimate
For example, a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 980-square-foot condo in Las Vegas will have a different cost than a 1,600-square-foot single-family home. The table below typically shows HVAC installation costs per square foot for new construction homes ranging from 1,200 to 1,600 square feet.
A trusted local HVAC installer will help determine what features you need or want for your home system.
Additional Considerations
Some municipalities require homeowners to build a parapet wall to hide the HVAC system from public view. Ask your HVAC professional if you plan to install a roof-mounted system. These are usually larger than residential systems and are designed to supply air to more rooms and larger areas.
If your HVAC system fails, replacing it quickly is essential. Most homeowners can check the type of heating and cooling units they previously used to decide which new system will work best for their home.
