Does Central Air Increase Home Value Is Central Air Worth It
Installing central air conditioning increases a home’s resale value by 2% to 10%, depending on the location. Central air is a good investment in warm climates but provides less value in regions with mild summer weather. Replacing an existing central air system maintains but does not increase the home’s value.
70% to 85%
Price Breakdown Of A Replacement Ac Unit Cost
The list of items below represents the parts and supplies cost to replace a home ac unit. The price list is broken into two separate tables. The first table shows the components most often required to replace a home ac unit. The second table shows parts that are often changed, though not required if they are not needed, or not part of the overall change-out.
Install Ductwork For Central Air
The average cost to install ductwork for central air is $2,400 to $6,600 to retrofit a home without existing ducts. Replacing HVAC ductwork costs $1,400 to $5,600, depending on the home’s size.
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Central Air Conditioner Prices
While air conditioners generally last quite a few years, most homeowners like you will eventually decide that its time for a new air conditioning unit. And when that time comes, there are typically a number of new technologies and overall quality and performance improvements that have been made since the previous central air conditioner had been installed. Naturally, average costs for a new air conditioner will be one of your first questions. We will break down the factors that influence central air conditioner prices, the differences between other AC unit costs and installation prices to help you make the best informed decisions with Carrier.
Installation And Location Of Air Conditioners
If your air conditioner is installed correctly, or if major installation problems are found and fixed, it should perform efficiently for years with only minor routine maintenance. However, many air conditioners are not installed correctly. As an unfortunate result, modern energy-efficient air conditioners can perform almost as poorly as older inefficient models.
When installing a new central air conditioning system, be sure that your contractor:
- Allows adequate indoor space for the installation, maintenance, and repair of the new system
- Uses a duct-sizing methodology such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America Manual D
- Ensures there are enough supply registers to deliver cool air and enough return air registers to carry warm house air back to the air conditioner
- Installs duct work within the conditioned space, not in the attic, wherever possible
- Seals all ducts with duct mastic and heavily insulates ducts
- Locates the condensing unit where its noise will not keep you or your neighbors awake at night, if possible
- Locates the condensing unit where no nearby objects will block airflow to it
- Verifies that the newly installed air conditioner has the exact refrigerant charge and airflow rate specified by the manufacturer
- Locates the thermostat away from heat sources, such as windows or supply registers.
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Central Air Conditioner By Brand
Currently, the least expensive central air conditioning unit brand on the market is Payne, with an average price of $1,400. The most expensive AC unit brand is Lennox, coming in at around $3,400. The table below provides general price estimates for the most popular AC brands.
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Air Conditioning Service Price
The cost to have your air conditioning serviced varies greatly, depending on several factors. The first is the air conditioner type. Having a window unit serviced has different costs than having central air conditioning serviced. The second is how often you have the service performed. Yearly maintenance contracts cost less per visit than if you have someone out infrequently. Finally, the service type needed also impacts your cost. For example, charging the refrigerant costs more than cleaning dirty coils. The average service price is between $50 and $500, depending on the air conditioner type and the amount of service needed. Costs can be higher if you need repair work.
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Cost Of An Air Conditioner Replacement
The cost of replacement for an air conditioner in a residential home can range between $4,350-$12,095. This includes labor and permit fees.
This range also covers a variety of system sizes and levels of sophistication, including variable-speed AC systems.
The factors that can affect the price of your air conditioner replacement include:
- Capacity/power of the system
- The HVAC equipment youre not replacing
- Modifications to your existing system
- Line set protection
- Installation costs
- Tax credits and rebates
The article below goes into more detail, including more precise ranges for entry-level, mid-range, and high-end air conditioners.
The decision to replace your air conditioner can be on par with the decision to renovate your home or buy a car.
But many homeowners go into the process with no idea what the overall cost will be or how those costs are broken down.
When you have to make a major decision and invest a significant amount of money, you need this information.
As a sales professional with over 40 years in HVAC, Ive helped customers understand what factors affect the final price tag on an air conditioning unit.
While specific prices will vary depending on your home, there are common factors that can affect the final price tag on your replacement system.
In this article, we’ll take you through the factors that can affect the price of an air conditioning system. By the end, you’ll be prepared to make the best decision for you and your home.
Variable Capacity Air Conditioner Installation Cost
Installing a variable-capacity air conditioner costs $1,400 to $3,500 for labor. A variable capacity air conditioner is a central air conditioner. It can adjust as needed rather than having a single or two-stage motor. This makes it more efficient than other models. While the unit costs more, it is installed like other central air conditioning units. That means it has the same labor costs as a less-efficient model.
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When To Replace Your Air Conditioner
- Your AC equipment is 15+ years old
- After turning on your AC unit, it takes too long for your house to cool down
- Any part of the air conditioning system is loud or making unusual noises, like bangs, squeaks and scrapes
- Youve had previous equipment breakdowns or the outdoor unit is showing signs of deterioration
- You are concerned with high energy consumption with an older AC unit
Central Ac Unit Pricing By Size
Central air conditioner units are manufactured in very specific sizes ranging from 1.5 5 tons of cooling capacity for home use. An HVAC contractor can perform a load calculation on your home to tell you the exact size for your house. Many states now require a load calculation for both new and replacement ac units, to have the system permit and inspection completed. If the AC Contractor does not pull a load calculation, use a different contractor!
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Space Requirements And Ease Of Maintenance
The ease of maintenance of your air conditioning unit is the most important part if you wish to prolong its life for the years ahead. Similarly, always buy an air conditioner that is best suited for your homes space.
There are many types and brands available in the market. Your decision to choose one depends upon your space requirement, the budget allocated, and ease of use along with ease of maintenance.
Your Guide To Buying A New A/c Unit
Need a new A/C unit for your home to help you beat the heat? Use this guide to make sure you’re covering everything you need to know to buy an A/C unit.
Buying a new air conditioner might not be as fun as shopping for a new sofa or piece of artwork, but some common HVAC problem signs mean that replacing, rather than repairing, is the right way to spend your money. New air conditioners might be expensive, but they are also quiet and efficient. And, as with anything else, you get what you pay for, so you dont want to skimp on this major purchase.
How can you choose the right home air conditioning unit? An efficient new model is the answer if you want to run your central air conditioning without paying huge energy bills. Make sure you get the right size unit and know what new A/C units cost in your area. Get quotes from some different contractors to get the best deal, but be wary of offers that are seemingly too good to be true by being significantly lower than all the others.
Here are some other things to look out for when youre on the hunt for the best air conditioning units.
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Know The Cost To Install A New A/c Unit
A/C unit installation cost can run between $3,800 and $7,400, depending on local market factors, the type and size of the unit, whether or not you require ducted air conditioning, whether you have a new furnace put in at the same time, and other considerations. Do some research ahead of time to get a ballpark idea of what a new A/C unit installation costs in your area. Compare A/C units to understand what are considered the best air conditioning units and affordable air conditioning options to find the best solution for your home and budget.
In some cases, a ductless air conditioner may make the most sense for your home some types have lower installation costs. For instance, installing a window air conditioner will be cheaper than central air conditioning installation.
If youre considering an air conditioning replacement in the future, ask the technician during your next HVAC tune-up what a new air conditioning install would cost. You can also talk to friends and neighbors who may have had a new HVAC installed recently.
If you do decide to purchase a new air conditioner, protect your A/C unit with an American Home Shield® home warranty, which can help cover the costs of repairs for future breakdowns. We help protect major components of your systems and appliances no matter their age, and we don’t require inspection or maintenance records. Think thats too good to be true? Learn more about our coverage plans and pricing to see for yourself.
Goodman: Best Value Central Air Conditioner Brand
For a budget-friendly yet efficient central air conditioner, Goodman is the best brand. Offering five central air conditioning models, prices for a unit alone can start from as little as $985, although installation costs are not significantly cheaper than elsewhere.
While Goodman appears to get generally negative installer opinions, these are down to poor installations, as many point out that Goodman sells its equipment to anyone and this tends to result in more poor installations. Generally, users are pleased with the experience and price. One customer mentioned they saved $2,000 and were happy with the quality and output of the unit, while another said their electric bill had been reduced by over 50%. The GSXC18 and 16 models are rated highly.
Despite its low costs, the company does not compromise on quality, and units are equipped with several handy features. An example would be the convenient onboard diagnostics that help with the maintenance and upkeep of the units.
Users can store up to six fault codes which will notify them in the event of a developing problem. Goodman air conditioners are also quiet, ranging from 40 decibels normally, up to 70 decibels at the most.
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How Much Do Air Conditioners Cost: Features
Features are one of the elements that set different air conditioner models apart from one another. Features also play a role in the how much do air conditioners cost question. In general, a basic model without enhanced features costs less than one with all the bells and whistles.
So, why would a homeowner want to pay more for an air conditioner with enhanced features? The features an air conditioner manufacturer puts in their equipment arent worthless most features are designed to produce a better experience for users or to enhance a units energy efficiency.
Some popular air conditioner features that add to air conditioner unit price include:
- Sound ratings: Air conditioners make a bit of noise when they run some find this a bother while other homeowners dont notice the sound. Units with lower decibel sound ratings use components such as compressor technology and insulation to lessen operating noise.
- Communicating technology: Some advanced air conditioning systems feature communicating technology, which offers a lot of different functionalities such as maintenance and performance alerts.
- Warranty: Warranty protection is important when you buy an air conditioner, as it gives you coverage in the event of certain types of system failures. Extended warranties are available for many models, which add cost to your purchase price.
How Much Does Central Air Conditioning Cost To Run
The cost to run central air conditioning is $80 to $200 per month on average, depending on the AC unit’s BTU size, SEER rating, and local utility rates.
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| $12 $120 |
*Running 8 hours per day.
- New AC units are 20% to 40% more energy-efficient than models more than 10 years old.
- Look for ENERGY STAR-certified units, which have the highest efficiency rating.
- Use a programmable thermostat to reduce energy costs.
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Diy Vs Hiring An Hvac Pro
For a skilled DIY-er, installing a central air conditioning system can be a large but doable project. You may need to crawl under your home, lift heavy parts, prepare an installation site, pour concrete, and climb onto the roof. It’ll also involve some paperwork since in most places, your local government may require a permit to replace or install large-scale appliances like HVAC systems.
If you hire a local air conditioner installation pro, your technician will complete the entire process for you. They may start with a load calculationknown as the Manual J methodologyto determine the proper unit size for your home. A pro will also look at your homes insulation, walls, floors, and windows to determine the best model for your needs, as well as examine any leaks, seals, and existing ducts or vents to make sure your AC works at its best. Lastly, pros may even help you get a discount on the unit itself and offer maintenance plans for any future repair work.
Hvac Replacement Central Heat And Air Unit
The cost for HVAC replacement depends on whether the home has a furnace or heat pump:
- Replacing an HVAC system costs$5,000 to $11,000, including a new central air conditioner unit and a new gas furnace.
- Furnace replacement costs$2,000 to $5,400 on average, depending on the system size, efficiency, brand, and fuel type.
- Installing a heat pump costs$3,800 to $8,200, depending on the type, size, brand, and efficiency rating.
- Geothermal heat pump installation costs$15,000 to $35,000, depending on the system size and loop type.
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Floor Mounted Air Conditioner
Floor mounted air conditioners are designed for convenience if you prefer a mini-split but lack the required space for a wall mounted unit. The indoor unit of floor-mounted AC rests on the floor, and the outer unit can be installed without major site preparation or any ductwork. This arrangement is also ideal for spaces with tilted walls such as attics or building constructed by fragile materials such as glass.
The unit can be installed up to 6 inches higher than the floor, and through a small hole in the wall it is connected to the outdoor unit.
An amazing benefit of the placement of this AC is that it allows you to very easily check the air filters!
Easy access to the air filters makes floor-mounted air conditioners ideal for individuals with respiratory issues or people who are keen on keeping their indoor air quality as clean as possible.
Floor mounted systems cool/heat the room quicker than any other mounting system as the fan blows the air directly at your level. On the contrary, units that are mounted high up on the wall can often face difficulties cooling the room uniformly and efficiently. Floor units need free space around them though to function efficiently and circulate the air adequately. Make sure the unit is not obstructed by furniture or walls.
Advantages of floor mounted ACs:
Perfect for elderly people living in the house due to accessibility
Can be installed easily
An excellent choice for difficult and small areas as they do not take much space
Energy Efficiency Of Ac Units For Small Houses
Up till now, we have only seen the upfront costs of 1,000 sq ft air conditioning systems:
- Central air costs more than $5,000.
- Mini splits cost between $2,000 and $5,000.
- Room AC units can cost as little as $1,000.
Of course, we can all note how much a unit costs. What is more difficult and overall more important to calculate are the running costs.
Here is an example to illustrate this: Lets say you are buying an air conditioner for a 1,000 sq ft house and you decide on a $5,000 unit. Cooling costs over the next 20 years, however, can surpass $10,000.
It is quite evident that it can pay off to decrease these $10,000 or more future electricity costs. You do that by choosing an energy efficient air conditioner.
The efficiency of air conditioners is measured by SEER rating. A higher SEER rating equals to lower running costs. As we have seen, a 20 SEER unit can lower the cooling costs by about 40% compared to a 14 SEER unit. That reduces that $10,000 bill to $6,000 a whooping $4,000 difference.
In general, it always pays off to invest in a high SEER unit for a 1,000 sq ft home. Yes, the upfront cost will be higher , but the cooling costs in the next 20 years will be lower.
Hopefully, now you have a full overview on how to go about choosing the best air conditioner for a 1,000 sq ft house. If you have any questions or would like advice on which AC units to choose, you can use the comment section below and well try to help you out as best we can.
Thank you.
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