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Air Conditioning Installation

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Air conditioning installation cost calculator & estimator

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AC installation cost

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The average cost to install air conditioning ranges between $3,300 and $6,000. Most homeowners spend around $4,600 for the HVAC installation cost.

The total HVAC installation cost varies depending on the size and type of AC or HVAC unit you choose – and there are several options on the market today. To install central air conditioning, for example, you can expect to pay between $660 and $4,800. Your total expenditure will depend on how much to install central air conditioning.

And if additional ductwork or an inspection by an HVAC contractor is required, the HVAC installation cost will go higher. Repairing existing ductwork will add about $1,000 to $3,000 to the total cost to install air conditioning – depending on how much to install central air conditioning. For new ductwork installation, the price can go up to $9,000. You could use a reliable central air installation cost calculator to estimate your total HVAC system cost.

We highly recommend getting professional installation – depending on how much to install central air conditioning in your home. Typically, an HVAC contractor performs a load calculation for your house and tells you the exact size of the air conditioner you need.

The actual unit is a small part of the total cost to install air conditioning. The type of AC or HVAC unit you choose, how much to install central air conditioning, the labor and material involved in the process, the complexity of work, among other factors, will all affect the average HVAC system cost.

A pre-installation evaluation, air duct repair or installation, zoning system, and hiring a qualified expert in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, will also make a difference on the overall cost to install air conditioning.

Another important factor affecting the price tag is where you live. In high-income cities such as New York, Miami, and San Francisco, the labor and material costs for the installation will be higher. It’s a good idea to use an HVAC cost estimator for your specific requirements and location.

Air conditioners are not just a luxury, they are a necessity during the hot summer months.

Most cooling systems last 10 to 20 years. As your AC gets older, its efficiency decreases – often dramatically. More often than not it also gets noisier and needs more frequent repair work.

When your AC begins to show its age, it’s time to replace the air conditioning system for your house. Newer AC units are quieter, more energy efficient and have more power than earlier models. They effectively lower energy bills each month.

Today, all air conditioners are required to meet a minimum standard of 13 SEER. What’s more, conscientious homeowners prefer environmentally friendly refrigerants like R-410. These features not only save them money on energy bills, they also increase cooling efficiency.

Once you decide to install air conditioning in your house, you need to know how much of an investment you need for this home improvement.

You have to know the HVAC installation cost in order to calculate what you can afford to spend. That’s also the best way to ensure that you don’t stumble across any unwelcome surprises during the execution of your project.

Acquiring a free estimate through an HVAC cost estimator for your cooling unit will help you create a realistic budget for the HVAC system cost.

Kukun's air conditioning cost estimator aka HVAC cost estimator is a useful tool to help you calculate your HVAC system cost instantly. The calculations are based on your area zip code as well as other relevant parameters that affect the total HVAC system cost.

Simply enter your specifications in the HVAC cost estimator and the result will give you a realistic estimate of your HVAC installation cost in minutes.

Getting an estimate through Kukun’s air conditioner cost calculator is easy. Just follow the steps using the HVAC cost estimator to get your confidential address-based estimate for the cost to install air conditioning in minutes!

  • 1. Select the AC system you want in your home from these options:
    • Central air conditioning
    • Wall-mounted units
  • 2. Upon choosing wall-mounted AC units, you can specify the type and number of rooms.

    • Move to the next step if you select central AC

  • 3. Enter the average ceiling height of your house
  • 4. Add your property details

    • Enter your full address to get the ROI/recoup value for your house and to get the HVAC installation cost estimate.

  • 3. Enter the size of your home
  • 4. Mention the approximate home value

    • And there you go! Your air conditioning cost estimate is ready!

    The type of finish level you want will reflect in the cost estimate. You can choose from these options:

    • Value
    • Quality
    • Luxury

You can further personalize the price estimate based on whether you’ll be hiring a general contractor or not.

With this HVAC system cost estimate, you can analyze your finance options or hire a professional to get started on the work right away.

Apart from the cost to install air conditioning, we are happy to offer you options for professional remodeling contractors as well. You can explore all the contractor's profiles, check out their online reviews, view all their previous permits and then ask around your vicinity about them. Hiring a great pro was never this easy!

  • Window air conditioner

Cost: $550–$3,000

As the name suggests, this compact unit is installed in a window. Such an appliance is a perfect choice for cooling just one room. It functions by pushing the warm air out of a room and blowing cool air into it.

The cooling takes place at the front while the absorbed heat is released through the outdoor part of the unit. An adjustable louver controls the direction of airflow for increased comfort.

Pros:

  • One of the most popular AC options
  • Easily available in the market
  • Makes relatively little noise while working
  • Has medium energy efficiency
  • Water drains out easily without requiring extra piping
  • Can adequately cool a room up to 650 sq ft

Cons:

  • Permanently blocks a window and outside view
  • The design is rather bulky
  • Installation is tricky without exterior support
  • Removing the unit can be a hassle
  • Requires a trained professional for installation
  • May pose a security risk
  • Through-the-wall air conditioner

Cost: $300–$1,500

A through-the-wall air conditioner is installed flush with a wall for a streamlined appearance.

Generally, there are no venting mechanisms on the housing, which might otherwise lower its cooling efficiency.

Therefore, these air conditioners have higher cooling capacities and weigh slightly more when compared to window ACs.

Pros:

  • Relatively affordable
  • Does not block a window or view
  • Better cooling capacity than window ACs with more BTUs
  • No installation of ducts and joints required

Cons:

  • Very difficult to remove once installed
  • Tedious installation and insulation, requiring a lot of work.
  • An ill-fitted AC could allow wind to blow into the home
  • Portable air conditioners

Cost: $345–$700

A portable air conditioner cools air and then directs it back into the room. It then vents any warm air outside through an exhaust hose installed in a window.

Designed to cool only one room, the best part is that such devices need absolutely no installation. These versatile and affordable cooling systems are perfect for smaller living areas.

Pros:

  • No installation required
  • Easily moved from one room to another
  • Budget friendly

Cons:

  • Generally a noisier cooling option
  • Cooling a room may take more time
  • Usually come with water tanks that need regular cleaning
  • Heavier models can be difficult to move around
  • May be inadequate for very large rooms
  • Ductless, mini-split air conditioner

Cost: $1,300–$4,500

These split systems work quietly and have high energy efficiency. They also look neat, are flexible and provide cooling as well as heating.

Such appliances have two major working parts – an outdoor compressor or condenser and an indoor handling unit. Both the components are connected through the insulated conduit. And you can easily control the temperature and customize the number of handlers to suit your requirements.

Pros:

  • Technically advanced
  • Relatively easy installation
  • Less prone to air leakage and security problems
  • Neat, quieter and less visible
  • One of the most energy-efficient options
  • Provides both cooling and heating

Cons:

  • Installation is not a DIY project
  • May cost 30% more to run than central air conditioning
  • Maintenance and repair costs are high
  • Central air conditioning

HVAC system cost: $660–$4,000

Central air conditioning is the most common type of cooling system and is perfect for larger homes. It’s known for its ability to cool any living space efficiently.

It circulates cool air through supply and return ducts. Once the air becomes warm, it then circulates it back to the air conditioner through these ducts. Keep in mind that the process to install central air conditioning is much more elaborate than say installing a window air conditioner.

To install central air conditioning, you require a lot of planning. Or else you may end up with lower efficiency and higher utility bills. And, a much higher cost to install central air conditioning.

Pros:

  • Best option to cool an entire house
  • Newer models come with smart thermostats
  • Known to improve the air quality of a home
  • Once you install central air conditioning, it gives you both cooling and heating options

Cons:

  • Uniformity in temperature control can be difficult
  • Generates higher energy bills
  • Requires regular duct maintenance
  • Heat pumps

Cost: $500–$8,000

A heat pump works by pulling heat from the outside air or ground to warm your home or pulling heat out of your house to cool it.

In other words, in the summer a heat pump will pull heat from your home and distribute it outdoors. During the winter, it will pull heat from the outside environment and distribute it into your home.

Pros:

  • Lower running costs
  • Requires less maintenance
  • Effectively reduces carbon emissions
  • Long lifespan

Cons:

  • Installation is not easy
  • High upfront HVAC system cost
  • Requires special planning permissions and permits
  • Not an ideal solution for extreme climates
  • Packaged central air conditioner

Cost: $500–$8,000

A packaged air conditioner is more suitable for commercial buildings but can be easily used in homes too. Since the evaporator, condenser and compressor come in a single body, you get a smart-looking, compact unit.

Storage is not a problem as you can place it on the roof or a concrete slab near your foundation. Its works simply – ducts that run through exterior walls or roof draw air from inside the house and return cooled air indoors.

Pros:

  • Neat and compact
  • Ideal for homes with limited indoor space
  • All parts come pre-assembled
  • Easy installation

Cons:

  • More suitable for hotels and offices
  • Has to be installed outside of the house
  • Prone to leakages
  • Tends to deteriorate over time due to exposure to rain and wind
  • An air conditioner’s efficiency is rated by the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). Opt for a higher SEER rating for greater energy efficiency, which translates to lower greenhouse emissions and monthly electric bills.
  • Check the yellow Energy Star ratings on units.
  • Choose the right British thermal unit (BTU) for your room size to ensure you choose the most energy-efficient cooling system.

For any home improvement project, it’s best to take care of a few things for your own ease. Here are some steps to ensure a seamless AC installation:

  • Maintain a budget for the cost to install air conditioning and the complete HVAC project.
  • Decide whether you want to install central air conditioning or a different type of HVAC system. And, how much to install central air conditioning in your home.
  • Use a reliable HVAC cost estimator.
  • Plan ahead and don't keep anything pending after the work starts.
  • Know about the energy efficiency ratings of air conditioners and choose an effective model.
  • Get a written contract from your contractor. The document should mention the complete schedule as well as payment details for the HVAC installation cost.
  • Make sure you hire a professional who will ensure that all permits and inspections are up to date.
  • Keep in mind that your contractor should have expertise in all aspects of HVAC installation.
  • Discuss the correct location, angle tilt of the AC, installation height, and the appropriate distance from the wall.
  • Be sure to get a warranty or guarantee from your contractor.
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