Estimate air conditioning replacement cost in your zip code

Tips for choosing the most cost-effective air-conditioning units

• 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 fewer greenhouse emissions and lower 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 get the most energy-efficient cooling system.

Why should you estimate air conditioner replacement cost?

If your existing air conditioning system is getting older, its efficiency has drastically decreased, and if it’s getting noisier or needs frequent repair work – it’s time to replace your HVAC system.

Today, newer and better AC units are quieter and more energy efficient, and they have more power than older models.

What’s more, new air conditioners must meet a minimum standard of 13 SEER. Apart from the increased cooling efficiency, a high SEER rating also saves you money on your energy bills.

Moreover, the government offers tax credits to incentivize homeowners to buy energy-efficient home products, including ENERGY STAR-rated air conditioners.

So, once you decide to replace the air conditioner in your home, you need to know how much of an investment you need for this home improvement.

It’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 for your heating and cooling unit will help you create a realistic budget for the replacement.

Different types of air conditioners

• 1. Window air conditioner
• Cost: $550 to $3,000

This compact unit is placed in a window and is a good choice if you want cooling in just one room. The appliance pushes the warm air out of a room and blows cool air into it. An adjustable louver controls the direction of airflow for increased comfort.

• 2. Through-the-wall air conditioner
• Cost: $300 to $1,500

This type of air conditioner is placed flush with a wall and has a streamlined appearance. It has a higher cooling capacity and weighs slightly more compared to window ACs.

• 3. Portable air conditioners
• Cost: $345 to $700

A portable air conditioner cools the air inside a room by venting out any warm air through an exhaust hose installed in a window. It needs no installation and is perfect for a smaller living area.

• 4. Ductless, mini-split air conditioner
• Cost: $1,300 to $4,500

These split systems have high energy efficiency. Moreover, they look neat, are flexible and quieter, and offer heating as well as cooling.

Both the outdoor compressor or condenser and the indoor handling unit are connected through an insulated conduit.

• 5. Central air conditioning
• Cost: $660 to $4,000

A central air system is ideal for larger homes. It cools any living space efficiently and quietly. It works by circulating cool air through supply and return ducts.

However, keep in mind that replacing a central air conditioning system requires a lot of planning. Or else you may end up with lower efficiency and higher utility bills.

• 6. Heat pumps
• Cost: $500 to $8,000

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

• 7. Packaged central air conditioner
• Cost: $500 to $8,000

The evaporator, condenser and compressor come in a single, compact unit. It works simply – ducts that run through exterior walls or the roof draw air from inside the house and return cooled air indoors.

The best way to replace an air conditioning system in your house? Always plan ahead

For any home improvement project, it’s best to take care of a few things – for your own peace of mind. Here are some steps to ensuring a seamless AC replacement:

• Maintain a realistic budget for the project.
• Learn about the energy-efficiency ratings of air conditioners and choose an effective model.
• Discuss the correct location, angle tilt, replacement height and appropriate distance from the wall for your new AC.
• Get a written contract from your HVAC contractor with the complete schedule and payment details.
• Make sure that all permits and inspections are up to date.
• Be sure to get a warranty or guarantee from your AC installer.