If you live somewhere where the temperature rarely rises above the upper 70s, you should have air conditioning installed in every home you own. In reality, a lack of air conditioning is a deal-breaker for 46% of homebuyers.
There are two key solutions for air conditioning: central air conditioning and window units. Although there is a large price gap between the two, there is also a significant difference in functionality and benefits.
Reasons to consider central air
- Even Cooling – With most window AC setups, temperatures differ a lot even within the same space. Close to the device, it can be very cold, but in the far corners of the room, it can be considerably warmer than desired. Most central air conditioners have warm and cool spots, and mine definitely does, but they still provide much more even cooling than most window units, particularly on a whole-house basis.
- Filter System – While window air conditioners have filters, central air conditioners may provide filtration that a window unit simply cannot, particularly if higher-grade air filters are used. Allergy and asthma sufferers can appreciate central air conditioning.
- Added Value – A central air conditioning system can increase a home’s resale value significantly, particularly in the first few years after installation. I’m still delighted to see “new HVAC machine” in real estate listings as a homeowner and real estate investor.
- Efficiency – Window air conditioners are normally less effective than central air conditioners. To be fair, you can choose to switch on window units in specific rooms rather than cooling the entire building, but central air is the more powerful choice on a square-footage-cooled basis. Cooling accounts for the majority of a typical homeowner’s energy bill, so this is something to think about.
How much will install central air cost you?
According to the renovation price guides Fixr.com and HomeAdvisor.com, the average cost of installing central air conditioning is about $7,000 nationally. However, prices vary depending on the size of your house, the energy efficiency of the device, and your environment, among other factors. Installing central air in a 2,000-square-foot home with existing air ducts that are more than 15 years old, for example, could cost anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000.
According to Sophiea, ductwork can be difficult to install depending on the age of your home and the construction. The cost of installing or removing ductwork alone is approximately $1,138, or $10 to $20 per linear foot. Installing a new central air system without ductwork will cost anywhere from $3,800 to $7,500.
How to get the most out of your central air conditioning upgrade
To determine the cost of installation, you must first determine the device type, power, energy efficiency, and brand. Here’s a rundown of these elements.
- Type of AC System
- Capacity – The cooling capacity of air conditioners is measured in tons. The amount of energy needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours is one ton. (The term comes from a period when ice was needed for refrigeration.) You may be more familiar with BTUs, or British Thermal Units, which refer to the cooling performance of an air conditioner. A one-ton air conditioner can produce up to 12,000 BTU per hour.
- Brand – Air conditioners come in a variety of price ranges, depending on their quality, features, and durability.
- Energy efficiency – Air conditioners have performance indicators that determine how much watts the machine consumes. Residential systems have a SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, that is unique to the environment in which they are installed. The SEER rating varies from 13 to 24; the higher the rating, the lower the energy costs, but the initial device cost would be higher. A 16 SEER device would cost about $2,000 more than one with a lower SEER, but it will save you about 14% on your cooling costs per year.
Do You Need an HVAC Installer You Can Trust?
Superior Mechanical Services, Inc. began in 1948 as a family-owned business with a vision to provide value-minded service with a down-to-earth approach to customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. As the premier Commercial and Residential HVAC Service provider for Livermore, Dublin, and Pleasanton, Superior Mechanical can do it all, from heating and air conditioning services to boiler services, to plumbing services. Our technicians are certified professionals who will ensure every part of your project is done right using a careful checklist to guide and test each step. At the end of your appointment, we’ll show you how to get the most out of your new system and give you tips on maintenance so it lasts for years to come. Contact us today for amazing service tomorrow!
