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.
Contact A Carrier Hvac Dealer
When contacting a local HVAC dealer about central air unit prices, be wary of those who are willing to give a quick quote over the phone. Every home and every homeowner is different, so every job will have unique pricing based on the technicians expertise. Carrier has a nationwide network of highly qualified, independent dealers who can assess your homes requirements, discuss your comfort preferences and deliver options for installing central air conditioning. To contact a dealer near you, go to the Carrier HVAC Dealer Locator page.
Tax Credits Special Offers & Rebates
When purchasing a new Lennox central ac system, it never hurts to review all savings opportunities you may be eligible for. In addition to specific units qualifying for both federal and state tax credits, Lennox offers attractive financing and rebate offers on specific units. The links to each is listed below.
- SunSource Home Energy Systems purchased from Lennox may qualify for utility rebates or incentives.
- Lennox Financing Offer Lennox offers Flexible Financing Plans to fit most budgets.
- Solar Tax Credits are offered on specific high efficiency units from Lennox until 2021 in addition to other Federal Tax Credits until 2017.
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How Much Does A New Central Air Conditioner Cost
Has your central air unit been acting up? Did you tell yourself I will get a new one next year! all summer while suffering in the heat? Is it time to upgrade your old AC for a newer, more efficient model? Something that is likely to be the most important factor when searching for a new AC system, is price. If you are having a hard time figuring out just how much this new AC will cost you, we are here to help.
Because there are so many factors affecting the cost of an AC installation, any reputable HVAC company will require an in-home consultation before giving you an actual cost.
Our Pennsylvania customers in the Lehigh Valley and in and around Harrisburg, PA, Lancaster, PA and Reading, PA frequently ask for a ballpark figure on the cost of a central air system replacement. To help you know what to expect, we will attempt to answer the dreaded cost question here, and let you know which factors will affect your bottom line AC replacement cost.
How Do I Know When Its Time to Replace My Central Air Conditioning System?
Some of the common signs that it may be time to replace your central air system include:
What Factors Will Affect the Cost of a New Central Air Conditioner?
There are many factors that go into the price of an AC unit. Some of the biggest factors for a Pennsylvania homeowner to consider are:
Size of the central air unit and efficiency . This is often referred to as the Tonnage of the cooling system.
Central Air Options: Size of the Home
How Long Does It Take To Install Central Air Conditioning

It can take one to five or more days for a local HVAC installation pro to install central air conditioning. AC replacements take more time, as do projects with extensive ductwork repairs or installations. This extra time can range anywhere from an additional day to another week.
Have More Questions? Ask a Local AC Installer.
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Rheem Cost: $3900 $6400
Rheem Manufacturing is a US company, based in Atlanta, Georgia. Their primary focus is on producing water heaters and boilers, and they also have a big HVAC department that produces one of the best central air conditioners. Rheem has close to a 100-year tradition it was founded in 1925 and, in addition to the Rheem brand, also sells HVAC products under the Ruud brand.
They produce anything from 2 ton central AC units to bigger 5 ton units. Rheems best central AC line is the Prestige Series with a variable speed compressor . RA20 units are capable of achieving a 20+ SEER rating, are EcoNet enabled , and have a powdered coat paint system.
Cost-wise, they are cheaper than some of the best central AC unit brands. If you compare Trane vs Rheem central air conditioners, you can save up to several $1,000 by choosing a Rheem unit.
High Priced Bid Factors:
- Air conditioner replacements can vary drastically in price. These disparities could be due to the type of unithow quiet an air conditioning system is, for example. We encourage homeowners to research their desired AC system and make sure it is the best suited for their homes and needs.
- Air Conditioners can also vary in total cost depending on hardware other than the main units themselves. The increasingly popular smart thermostat is often paired with a new A/C unit, which could cost as little as $30 or as much as $300.
- High-end air conditioning contractors will likely have more equipment and overhead, which may be seen in your price quote.
- Air conditioning unit warranties will also impact your total quoted installation cost. Most AC installers offer manufacturers warranties that protect you from faulty unit equipment. Some might offer additional guarantees for the air conditioner installation as well, covering potential damage to your roof Be sure the quoted warranty is clear in what it coversand in what it doesnt.
- Research and be aware of potential hidden costs like permits and potential fines. Your quote should include a proper breakdown of how local or federal regulation applies to you and what your AC contractor will or will not do in that regard.
- For example, if your installed air conditioner systems Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating is lower than 13, the Department of Energy might flag your contractor for selling it.
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Ac Installation Cost And Time
There is no general rule-of-thumb pricing system in place with HVAC contractors. Some will use a flat-rate pricing system and others will charge you by the hour. Flat rate installation costs are typically determined with a set of variables, that multiply the wholesale cost of ac equipment and supplies, with additional factors for overhead and profit, and a final calculation based on the difficulty of installation. Hourly rates are determined by how much money the company needs to earn per hour, per person, plus overhead and profit.
- $60 $90 per-hour | Lead Mechanical Installer
- $60 $75 per-hour | Apprentice and Helpers
Lennox Cost: $3400 $7200
Lennox Internation is one of the oldest US-based HVAC companies. Established in 1895 by Dave Lennox, this Iowian company has always been at the forefront of the newest HVAC technologies, and they are readily implementing and upgrading their models every 5 years or so.
The integration of new technologies has enabled Lennox to come up with Lennox XC25 series 2 ton AC units. Thats the one with an outstanding 26 SEER rating something unheard of only 5 years prior.
Here are all the current Lennox Energy Star rated series of central air conditioners in 2021:
All Lennox central AC units have a 1/2 degree thermostat preciseness. That means that the variable speed compressor Lennox uses will hold the temperature almost exactly as you set it.
To control the thermostat, Lennox has developed Lennoxs iComfort S30 Ultra-Smart smart feature that enables the connection of the thermostat to a smartphone.
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Why We Like It Goodman Gsx13
The Goodman GSX13 is a high-quality HVAC system that serves as proof that the Goodman brand is synonymous with quality even in the budget sector, providing a solid, reasonably energy-efficient air conditioner at an appealing price. Its not quite as efficient as some of its competition, but its a compelling product that should serve most households well. You should know that one of its competitors by the same brand is the Goodman Central Air Conditioner .
- Faulty compressor design
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.
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Air Conditioner Prices By City & Region
Where you live can impact the cost of a new air conditioner for several reasons, and the main thing to look at is rural versus urban.
In rural areas, there usually arent as many HVAC contractors operating, and that means costs can be higher because theres less competition. By contrast, in suburban and urban areas, there are typically more contractors operating and competing for business, and this can drive down prices.
Furthermore, people in rural areas often have to travel long distances for goods and services, and that means an HVAC contractor is likely going to charge more. Not only do they have to use more fuel to get from their office to your home, but they also have to travel farther for supplies and materials, and the extra time and money gets passed on to the customer.
On the other hand, supplies and materials are generally closer and more accessible in suburban/urban areas. Plus, because there are more companies operating, contractors dont always have to travel as far to get from the office to the client.
There are other factors that come into play as well, such as whether you live in a wealthy area or a less affluent neighbourhood.
Lets look at some price estimates for air conditioners, with installation, in different regions across Canada:
Alberta
Sizing A Central Air Conditioning System

This is another great reason to do your due diligence in finding an installer. Sizing the system is essential to climate control and durability. A good installer will use a tool like a Manual J load calculator to determine the right sized equipment for your needs.
Many factors including a house size, roof shape, level of insulation, etc. are considered in sizing. The load calculation considers home insulation, window type and number, roofing material, your climate, and many additional inputs to determine AC system sizing.
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Ton Ac Unit Cost And Coverage Area
2.5 ton AC units are capable of generating 30,000 BTU of cooling power. They are very useful in cases when 2 ton AC is not quite enough powerful and a 3 ton unit would be overkill.
How many square feet do 2.5 ton AC units cover?
- 1,000 sq ft in warmer climates.
- 1,200 sq ft in moderate climates.
- 1,500 sq ft in colder climates.
Prices of 2.5 ton AC units have a broad range. Complete with installation, they can cost as little as $1,800. However, the high energy-efficiency units can cost up to $5,600.
Note: 2.5 ton AC units are quite a rarity. Not many companies offer 2.5 ton units mostly, major brands produce 4 models series with 2 ton unit, 3 ton unit, 4 ton unit, and 5 ton unit. Unfortunately, 2.5 and 3.5 units are, in most cases, not included.
Ton Central Ac Unit Cost Coverage Area Of 60000 Btu And Models
5 ton AC units are one of the biggest central AC units available for residential use. They produce 60,000 BTU of cooling effect and are powerful enough to cool down bigger houses all on their own.
Here is are the basic estimates of what area can 5 ton AC units cool down, depending on the climate:
- 2,000 sq ft in warmer climates.
- 2,400 sq ft in moderate climates.
- 3,000 sq ft in colder climates.
5 ton units are one of the most expensive central air conditioning systems simply because they are bigger, need extensive installation, and can cool down larger areas.
Total cost of 5 ton units with installation starts at about $3,500 and can reach up to and even over $10,000.
Here are the most prominent 5 ton AC units in 2021:
5 Ton Series | |
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XC25-060-230-** | CBX40UHV-060*+TDR |
Be careful when choosing 5 ton unit: most producers label even 52,500 BTU units as 5 ton units. 5 ton equals 60,000 BTU we can consider any unit with above 55,000 BTU cooling output a 5 ton unit.
Who To Call When You Need Help With Central AC Installation?
In most cases, you dont buy central AC units over the internet. Thats the case with mini-splits, portable air conditioners, and window air conditioners.
You can your local HVAC company, ask for some quotes, and they will recommend you the central AC unit to use as well as calculate the coverage area you need, ductwork, and so on.
To sum everything up be smart when choosing the central AC units. This is a decision that can cost
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What Contractor You Buy From Can Impact Prices
Each HVAC company is its own entity, and each one will charge different prices for various services. Their prices depend on many things, including their overhead and the level of service they provide. Well talk more about that later.
Going for the best price isnt always the best move. You may find some particularly cheap deals advertised on classified sites, for example, especially in metropolitan areas like the Greater Toronto Area.
However, you often get what you pay for. The trade-offs with an inexpensive company could include:
- Poor workmanship
- Lack of experience and training
- No additional warranty coverage or the manufacturer warranty being voided/not honoured
- Not having access to the same level of service
- The company not being established and reliable
- Getting a refurbished unit instead of a new one
We regularly receive calls for help from consumers in these situations. For these reasons, we generally advise caution with companies that offer rates that seem too good to be true.
Your best bet to get a good price and good value is to work only with established and reputable distributors. Our partner contractors have been thoroughly assessed and have proven themselves to be reliable and trustworthy companies with the right training and qualifications.
See our Certification page for more info on criteria to look for when choosing a contractor.
Daikin Cost: $2400 $7200
Daikin Industries is one of the best central AC unit brands. They are a Japanese HVAC company, based in Osaka, Japan, and have made their name by inventing the variable refrigerant flow AC units. On top of that, they are the ones who developed and successfully marketed R410A one of the most widely used refrigerants .
They have been in business since 1924 , and have made quite a few very successful series of central air conditioning systems. In 2021, they offer the most extensive portfolio of central AC units.
Here are the Daikin lines of central AC units:
Daikin DX20VC Series is one of the most energy-efficient and popular whole-home air conditioners. At its heart is the advanced variable speed scroll and swing compressor.
That compressor is the very thing that allows these Daikin central AC units to achieve SEER rating up to 23 thats 43% more efficient than the minimum federal required energy-efficiency.
All Daikin units also come with proprietary ComfortNet digital thermostats that are easy to use and add to the energy-efficiency.
How much do Daikin central air conditioners cost?
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Home Ac Unit And System Installation Cost Factors
The labor cost to install central air conditioning is $1,000 to $2,500 or more, depending on if it includes new ductwork. Labor makes up 40% to 60% of the total installation cost.
Factor |
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The following factors affect the cost to install a central AC unit:
Annual Costs To Own/operate A Central Air Conditioner In Canada
There are two main things that will impact what you have to pay for ongoing air conditioner costs after you buy: maintenance and electricity.
How much you end up paying each year will depend on electricity costs where you live, whether your air conditioner needs any repairs from year to year, the HVAC company you use for maintenance, and more.
Most Canadians can expect to spend $300 $1,000+ per year to operate a central air conditioner, including maintenance and electricity.
Annual maintenance might typically cost $100 to $250 for an inspection and tune-up.
While a tune-up may not always be necessary, many manufacturer warranties and HVAC dealer labour warranties require you to have your system serviced annually to maintain coverage. Beyond that, its also just a good idea to have your A/C serviced every year to keep it running optimally and efficiently for as long as possible.
As for electricity costs, the average monthly cost to run a central air conditioner in most parts of Canada is likely between $50 $250+/month. The actual monthly cost for you will depend on things like:
You can help offset electricity costs somewhat by choosing a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR model, upgrading to a smart thermostat, keeping up with annual maintenance, keeping your home a little warmer, and making sure your home is properly insulated.
Fill out our quick quote request form to receive free, no-obligation estimates from our Certified local contractors in your area.
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