Ballpark Estimate: $3,000 to $5,000
When the weather outside is frightful, if you’re willing to splurge on having central air conditioning installed inside your home, it’ll be so delightful.
Cool It
As the name implies, central air conditioning is a system installed in your home that delivers cooled air to your rooms and lowers the temperature there. A few decades ago, this was considered a privilege for the wealthy, but today, central air conditioning is a must in most public locations such as offices, restaurants, and stores, as well as many homes.
Magic of Central Air
While window air conditioning units can be effective in cooling individual rooms, central air conditioning usually takes care of a larger area. If you live in a very warm climate, this can be particularly important, but even if you experience more moderate summers, central air can ensure your comfort. Central air conditioning often also has an air handling component that can filter the air and remove allergens and other airborne particles, which can be especially beneficial for people with allergies and asthma.
There are several different types of central air conditioning systems; the one that is the best fit for your home will depend on your specific logistics. The general concept is that they rely on a compressor that produces cool air, which is then delivered throughout your home.
There are several different types of central air conditioning systems; the one that is the best fit for your home will depend on your specific logistics. The general concept is that they rely on a compressor that produces cool air, which is then delivered throughout your home.
Options That Exist
A package central air conditioning system has all of the system components located outside your home in a special box unit which, ideally, can be attached to your existing ducts to carry air back and forth using a high capacity blower. Just keep in mind that not all ducts are created equal, so you’ll need to have yours inspected to see if they are up to the job as is or will need to be modified first.
Another type of central air conditioning relies on a split system, which is the most common type, in part because it’s easier to install and therefore less expensive. It can also make less noise than a package system. The split system is different because the components are separated into discrete locations. For instance, the condenser and compressor are housed in a unit outdoors, while the evaporator works through your furnace’s air handling system, or through separate units housed in an individual room or rooms, allowing the compressed gas to travel through your home in an efficient way. The most common split systems work using your existing ductwork, but if you don’t have a duct system you can use a ductless type, which is more expensive to set up and run but is worth the investment.
In certain situations, you may need a central air conditioning system that uses mini ducts that transport high velocity air to cool your rooms. This system is a little different because it uses smaller tubing that is also very flexible. This makes it adaptable to more challenging settings, such as historic homes.
If you need to add new ducts into your home, rest assured that most experienced contractors can do so through closets, in your attic and behind walls to make them as inconspicuous as possible.
Assess Your Situation
The best way to find out exactly what type of central air conditioning system will fit your home’s specific configuration and needs is to call in a cooling expert to evaluate your situation. Most experts will want to calculate what type of heat gain occurs in your home in order to determine what type and capacity central air conditioning unit will be needed to counteract it. A formula called the “J Load Calculation” from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America can be used to get this information.
Some of the factors that need to be weighed in when deciding the right size central air conditioning unit for your home include the following:
- The climate where you live.
- The level of insulation in your home.
- The number of doors and windows and their placement.
- The amount of sun exposure in your home.
Keep in mind that getting the right size unit is essential, both for the effectiveness of the cooling as well as for the cost involved to run the system. You’ll also need to decide how energy efficient a unit you prefer.
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of a central air conditioning unit compares how many measurements of heat that an air conditioner will remove and how much power it requires to accomplish this goal. This means that a central air conditioner with a higher SEER will cost less to run; however, it will probably have a higher price tag to purchase up front. The experts recommend going with a minimum of 13 SEERS for efficiency.
Find an Expert
If you need a central air conditioning expert and aren’t sure how to find one, there are several well-known organizations that can help you to location a professional in your area. Some of these include: The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association, and The Air Conditioning Contractors of America. You can also do a search online for central air conditioning, cooling systems, or HVAC. You can also check your local yellow pages.
Maintenance Tips
If you think keeping your cool is as easy as turning on your central air conditioning system, think again. There’s some important maintenance required that you don’t want to miss or it could end up costing you money. However, with proper care, your central air conditioning system can last for many years.
Check the outdoor portion of your unit to be sure it’s clean and clear so that the equipment can effectively draw air into the machine. Also check all of the motors to be sure everything is functioning up to par. Change the filters as needed and oil parts to keep everything working up to speed. Also, make sure your ducts are sealed properly to prevent energy waste. Finally, if you aren’t getting the results you expect from your unit, you should call in an expert to check the Freon levels (the coolant) and give an overall assessment of your unit.
What It Costs
If you wonder what keeping your cool on warm days will cost you, it depends on your specific home setup and needs. If you have an existing forced air system with ductworks you can use for cooling, the installation process should be relatively basic.
To install central air conditioning in an average-sized (2,000 square foot) home with forced air will cost between $3,000 and $5,000 installed, depending on the details.
If you need to add ductwork to the central air conditioning system, you can expect the work involved to double the price, costing between $6,000 and $10,000.
If you have an older house or a particularly challenging situation that requires a high velocity central air conditioner, the price for the equipment and installation can cost as much as $15,000 or more.
You can expect to pay a price between $3,000 and $15,000 to purchase and install central air conditioning, depending on what you select and what’s involved.
Warranty
When shopping for a central air conditioning unit, it’s important to find out what type of warranty comes with it. The longer the coverage, the higher the price should be. Also ask exactly what is covered and make sure you have this information in writing. Some warranties will be limited to the parts only, while others may cover the central air conditioning compressor.