Keep reading for information on the five most popular air conditioners and their average prices. If you still need help figuring out what is best for your house, enter your ZIP code below and connect with a local professional:.
Central AC units are the most popular air conditioners and are found in millions of homes throughout the country. They extract air from the inside of the house, then compress it with refrigerant in the outdoor condensing unit. The remaining gas is then sent through the condenser coils to be turned into a hot liquid.
The new fluid travels to the evaporator coils on the indoor furnace unit and transforms into a cool evaporated gas. Fans and centralized ductwork distribute the air throughout your home. Purchasing a central air conditioner may be your best option if you already have ductwork installed throughout the house. The process of cooling air in a window air conditioner is similar to a centralized one, but on a much smaller scale. They feature fans that blow the cool air throughout the room, and they expel the hot air outside through the window.
You simply purchase it and set it up in your window within minutes. Here are some examples of power levels in British thermal units BTUs and their associated square footage:. It allows you to control temperatures in each zone of your home. Pricing for these air conditioners can vary depending on how many zones you need to condition.
Geothermal heat pumps are HVAC systems that offer both heat and air conditioning throughout your home via ground-sourced temperatures. It uses water and antifreeze solution in tubing about 4 feet in the ground to capture heat and transfer it into the compressor of the unit.
Then, the air is compressed, sent to evaporator coils, heated or cooled to desired temperatures, and blown through the home through centralized ducts and vents. It can also extract hot air from your house during cooling and send it back into the ground.
Geothermal heat pumps require extensive labor for installation, including digging trenches and laying piping. As such, this is one of the most expensive air conditioner options. It could definitely pay off in the long run. Adding new rooms will require an update to ductwork and potentially a new AC unit. If the cooling system is too small to handle the addition, it will run more frequently, reducing its lifespan and increasing your energy bill. Only trained and licensed technicians are allowed to handle this chemical.
Professional installers can adequately measure your home to determine the best ductwork layout and unit size to cool your house to a comfortable temperature. Central AC unit costs can feel overwhelming. The cost to install a central AC unit in a new house is less daunting since central AC unit costs are typically built into the project in most areas.
No matter which situation applies, here are some ways to save money on AC unit installation costs. An in-person consultation will help the technician understand your needs and map out the best system. To feel more comfortable discussing your project, consider asking any of these pertinent questions about central AC unit costs. Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. EER Energy Efficiency Ratio is the standard measurement of energy efficiency for cooling systems throughout the year.
The cooling output is divided by the electric input to determine the rating. A higher rating is more efficient, and a minimum rating of 13 has been required on all models since Central air units that operate at a 13 SEER can boost efficiency by up to 30 percent. A 3-ton AC unit is a common size for most homes. Be sure to replace the air filters every few months to prevent the system from overworking to draw in enough air to operate correctly. Cover the outdoor AC compressors during the winter.
Open the units and clear away any debris before turning on the AC in the spring or summer. Gently spray or clean off the fans and inner fins to ensure they can operate smoothly with all the airflow they need.
Settling soil or tree roots can tilt the compressor and affect its ability to operate correctly. The size and scope of a project dramatically affect how long it will take to install a central air conditioner. On average, it takes 1 to 5 days.
Replacing a unit will take less time than replacing or repairing ductwork. It may take longer to install or upgrade an AC unit during a home addition if the ductwork is extensive or if a new unit and controllers also have to be installed. Disclosure: BobVila. You agree that BobVila. All rights reserved.
Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Need a new AC installed? Call a pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from experts near you. Find a Pro. Stay cool in the summer. A pro can install a new AC unit for you. Top-rated pros can help you choose a new AC. Find trusted local pros for any home project. Find Pros Now. Only a licensed HVAC professional can perform this work. The contractor will use an industry-standard practice called a load audit to determine your home cooling needs.
The calculations will help them to figure out how hot your home gets and what size AC unit you need to stay cool. However, your utility company may offer a rebate that may pay for part or all of the audit. Ideally, a load audit is a part of the service. An energy audit helps to identify air leaks and other problems that can result in a decrease in energy efficiency.
The cost of your installation also depends on the type of system that you choose. You may pay toward the lowest end of the cost spectrum if you already have sufficient ductwork and the contractor only needs to install a new central AC unit.
The central AC unit is only a part of the total cost of installation. Along with the other expenses of installation, the price for the project can add up quickly. Also, you may want to ask your HVAC contractor if there any other features that they can install to benefit your home during the installation. Extra features may cost a little more, but it may prove worth the investment for added comfort and efficiency. For instance, a ceiling fan can make it easier to cool rooms and help cut down on utility costs.
This kind of air conditioning works with an outdoor air compressor and condenser. The contractor will also install a blower vent that funnels cool air into your home. They can install this kind of system through almost any exterior wall. However, this kind of ductless system is an efficient way to cool specific rooms, such as your bedroom or living room. In some cases, this kind of system may meet your needs.
During the coldest and hottest months of the year, HVAC contractors are extremely busy. Instead, schedule the installation for the spring or fall if possible. By scheduling the installation during the off-season, you may pay less for installation and the contractor may finish the job faster. Also, try to find equipment rebates and tax credits that will help offset the cost of installation. For example, local municipalities, utility companies, and manufacturers offer incentives to promote the installation of high-efficiency air conditioners.
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