Average Rent in Los Angeles, CA and Rent Price Trends

Table Of Content

• Factors That Impact How Big Of An AC Unit You Need
• The Best AC Installation Companies
• Packaged AC Unit

Here are the two most common types of split systems that deliver AC and heat. But a 1600 square foot home could require a 2.5, 3.0 or 3.5 ton AC – a wider range of possibilities, so a wider cost range. The cost is also determined by the brand quality, efficiency and performance of the AC – whether it is 1-stage, 2-stage or variable capacity (all explained below).

Factors That Impact How Big Of An AC Unit You Need

You can use heat pumps for heat - either all of the heat you may need for the occasional cold day in a hot climate or as supplemental heat in a cold climate. They have the same costs as mini-split installations at $3,625 to $10,800, depending on how many handlers you install and the system size. Below are the average costs of a heat pump and a central air conditioning system. If you do not have existing ductwork, it is still possible to have central air conditioning installed. The cost of retrofitting new ducts into an existing space is nearly three times the labor cost of simply replacing existing ducts or installing them in new construction. Retrofits are more labor intensive because the ducts must be put into areas not designed for them, which may include closets, beneath stairs, and tight spaces.

The Best AC Installation Companies

Installing or replacing an electric furnace is a simpler (and thus cheaper) process with a gas one since they don’t have to be vented. Average costs to buy and install an electric furnace range from $767 to $3,523. Our guide to electric furnace costs covers this furnace type in more detail. As we noted above, our average estimates assume you are replacing the most common system type, which is an AC unit with a gas furnace. Let’s take a look at HVAC replacement costs for each unit type, and then we will walk through what each does.

Packaged AC Unit

Removing and upgrading ductwork will increase the price since it could be a time-intensive task. For larger homes, a multiple-zone air-conditioning unit might be the best choice to control uneven heat distribution adequately. Some rooms or areas of the house may collect and retain extra heat if exposed to more sun. Cooling only these areas more frequently using a zone system helps prevent other rooms from receiving arctic blasts of air too often. Adding more zones and controls will increase the price but may make the house more comfortable overall. Here are the square feet for the house and AC size needed based on factors mentioned.

Typically, a homeowner will see a sudden spike from one month to the next. The motor and other parts may not operate at the same capacity as before, so the system runs more often to compensate. Removing an old unit is relatively easy, and some companies will remove it for free when they install the new system. Disposal fees typically average $25 to $200, depending on how old the system is.

Get a thermostat that learns your behaviors, turning up temperatures when you’re away from home and at night. You can also access the smart device with your smartphone to crank the AC shortly before arriving home so it’s nice and cool. Just remember that if you have pets at home, you’ll want the temperature to remain comfortable when you’re gone. Lesly Gregory has over 15 years of marketing experience, ranging from community management to blogging to creating marketing collateral for a variety of industries. She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband, two young children, three cats and assorted fish.

Unit Size

However, instead of using forced air the way a furnace does, a boiler uses either hot water or steam. That water/steam then travels through pipes that are connected to radiators throughout the home. Boilers start at around $4,000, and depending on the size and type you choose, can cost upwards of $11,000. Our guide to boiler costs and installation can tell you everything you need to know.

Getting HVAC system quotes

These operate like central air conditioners, but they pull air from outside, cool it, then blow it through fans into the room where the unit is placed. These units are smaller and weaker than central AC units but can cool up to around 1,500 square feet with the correct size. If you need to replace both your furnace and central air conditioner, you can often contract with one company. Depending on the company and project type, this may give you a better cost on the materials, labor, or both. If your ducts are in good condition, the cost of replacing the air conditioner is around $5,500 to $10,000, while the cost of replacing the furnace is around $2,000 to $11,000 on average.

In cooler climates and if the house is shaded/average and has average to good insulation, then yes. But if the house is in a hot zone or has poor insulation, then two central ACs are often used to cool each side or floor of the home. The size of the central air system needed is based on square feet, climate (how sunny it is) and home insulation. Unfortunately, central air costs you’ll find other places online are quite a bit low. Pick HVAC keeps track of the market, and our pricing is up to date.

As an added benefit, most ductless systems offer a heat pump option, which can also heat your home. The cost of installing central air in a mobile home is between $3,650 and $7,500. If your mobile home does not have ducts already installed, this project may not be possible. If you want air conditioning, consider ductless, mini-split, or window units.

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Weigh these factors against each other when deciding on whether or not to invest in this cooling solution for your 1200 square foot home. Even if you opt for professional installation, here are some ways to save money on your new air conditioner investment. Bigger companies with add an unsubstantiated premium of 30-50% on top of what a quality local “smaller” HVAC / Plumbing contractor would charge. We feel that mid-range price is the best combination of quality and cost. Installing central air is one of the most expensive whole house updates.

Even 10 years ago, a homeowner would have to live through demolition of certain walls and parts of the house in order to install the ductwork for a new central air conditioner. Keep in mind that opting for a more efficient, powerful system can be very expensive. The total will depend on the size of your home and the amount of power it takes to cool it. The total cost of central air depends on whether or not your house has existing ducts, desired system size and complexity of installation. Central air conditioners and ductless mini splits may carry up to 10 year warranties. Some are also covered by home warranties, and extended warranties or service contracts may be available through the manufacturer.

Therefore, you will need a licensed electrician to do all electric work that is outside the scope of installing your central AC system. However, an experienced HVAC pro can do a retrofit and hide the new ductwork with minimal disturbance to the structure of your house and very little mess. Adding ductwork is a labor intensive project that involves cutting into your ceilings, walls and floors. We rely on readers like you to share your HVAC system cost or quote.