Cost to install central air conditioning?

Generally the cost to install central air will run from $4,500 on the low end to $20,000 or more on the upper end but there are several factors that will impact the overall cost.

The time of year you choose to install the system will definitely impact the price you’ll pay. Like it or not, if you wait until demand is at its peak, during those hot summer months, you’re going to pay more for the exact same job. If you’re able to plan the work and get the job done in the off season, it will often end up saving you a bundle.

Another thing which can greatly impact the price you’ll pay is the area of the country you live. For example, if your home’s in New York City as opposed to Huntsville, Alabama, you’re going to pay more for the exact same work and equipment because the cost of warehouse space and labor in each of those markets varies dramatically.

3 Main Factors Impacting the Average Cost to Replace Heating and Air conditioning

Older homes can present a variety of challenges when installing a Central Air Conditioning will require different approaches to achieve proper functionality.system and depending on the area of the country, type of construction, or style of home, the system installation

• Tonnage of AC system-The bigger the space needing to be cooled the more tonnage the AC unit you’ll need to condition that space. Bigger systems simply cost more. However, tonnage is not the only thing which can impact the price you’ll pay. Older homes with poor insulation or inadequate windows will all play into what size equipment is required to keep the space comfortable and able to maintain a consistent temperature. Other things which can have a big impact are the amount of tree cover or direct sunlight on your home.
• Time of Year- Just like most seasonally heavy types of work, installers of air conditioning systems are busier during the peak time of year, which is summer in this case. It is simply uncomfortable to live in a hot, humid environment when there’s no AC and demand for their servicing shoots up. Like any other product or service, when demand goes up, so will the price because the supply of people available to perform the work is harder to find. Therefore, getting this work done in the winter, fall, or spring can result in a 30-40% savings!
• What work needs to be done- The largest percentage of the cost to install a new central air conditioner is undoubtedly the labor. Materials typically range from 25-35% of the total cost so jobs requiring a lot of man hours to complete will drive up the overall cost of the project. For example, if your existing ductwork is substandard and needs replacing, this will require many man hours compared to the actual cost of the materials needed to complete the job.

It’s always a great idea to become well informed and educated prior to taking on any home improvement project. With prices ranging between $4,500 on the low end to $20,000 on the upper, it can literally save you thousands just by simply waiting until the off season to purchase your new AC system.

Can you install Central Air in any house?

The simple answer is yes. However, that does not mean all central air options are created equal and there are a few questions you’ll need to ask around ductwork to figure it out.

• Does my home have existing ductwork?
• Are my ducts in good shape?
• Do I need additional ductwork?

Some pre-existing ductwork can easily be modified to fit the new equipment. If the ductwork is in good shape and doesn’t need substantial repair work, your job will be at the lower end of the cost spectrum.

As opposed to retrofitting existing ductwork, if no ductwork currently exists, you may want to consider a ductless cooling system.

How much does it cost to install Central Air with existing ductwork?

A typical central air conditioning system installation in a home that already has good, well sized ductwork will cost between $5,000-$15,000 depending on the efficiency, features and tonnage of the system being replaced.

How much does it cost to install Central Air and ductwork?

The cost to install central air and ductwork will range between $8,500-$20,000 or more.

Keep in mind, it is not always solely about the price, as doing the project incorrectly can be extremely costly and may ultimately lead to a much more expensive total investment to properly condition your residential space.

If you live in the greater Atlanta Georgia area and have any questions about the direction of your next HVAC project.