Air Conditioning Buying Guide | Compare Options and Alternatives
America’s Trusted Air Conditioning Buying Guide: Find air conditioning companies near you, compare local costs, alternatives, and options for repairing or installing new central AC units.
Repairing an AC unit typically includes a $50 service charge. Rates average between $40 – $65 per hour, plus parts.
Installing an air conditioning unit can cost anywhere from about $350 to more than $11,000. If you’re going to spend so much on an AC unit, you want to be sure you hire an expert and trustworthy HVAC contractor.
Many people don’t have thousands of dollars to invest, so how do you know you’re getting your money’s worth?
Price Factors in Air Conditioning Companies
Factors include unit type, the size of your house, load calculation, and efficiency. It’s important to note that prices can vary dramatically from region to region.
Fill out the form to compare prices and estimates from local HVAC companies.
A/C Unit Type
There are multiple types of units, and what you pay largely depends on this. There are:
- Window units
- Split systems
- Portable units
- Central systems
A window AC unit is good for smaller homes, and the average cost is on the lower side at $150 to $300. A split air conditioner is a system with two units: a condenser and a coil. The price of these ranges from $500 to $5,000.
A portable A/C unit can be easily moved around your home. It can cost from about $300 to $600.
A central system will cool your entire house, which is the preferred option for larger homes. However, they are more expensive than other types of units, with prices ranging from $3,000 to more than $10,000.
House Size – Square Footage to be Cooled
To figure out what air conditioner is right for your home, the contractor will start by calculating the size of your house in BTUs (or tons). This is the amount of heat that can be removed from your house in one hour.
If you have a big house, your unit will be more BTUs than a smaller house. On the other hand, if it’s too big, it will constantly shut on and off inefficiently, and be audibly disruptive. A small unit will always run and bump up costs.
Load Calculation
A major part of load calculation, also known as the Manual J methodology, is that the contractor determines how much air from the unit your house will lose.
They’ll take measurements for the entire home and every room, looking at square footage, any leaks, ducts, insulation, windows, the shape of your house, the climate, and more.
AC Efficiency
The load calculation is also used to find the most efficient air conditioning unit. The contractor will look at EER and SEER ratings.
EER ratings describe the cooling efficiency of a unit. It is the ratio of BTU to power in watts. A high EER means it’s more efficient. A rating of 12 or more is preferable.
SEER ratings show how efficient the unit is throughout seasons. This rating is especially important for people who live in places with very defined seasons. It’s the ratio of output during the winter and wattage. SEER must be 13 or higher.
Looking for an Air Conditioning Contractor
Make sure the contractor has a license and experience, particularly with top brands. Some states require a license or at least an apprenticeship before working.
You should look at what the contractor inspects in your home when making the load calculation. Did they check the vents or the windows?
After getting the calculation, they should give you a paper estimate so you can make appropriate comparisons. Remember: a low price doesn’t mean it’s better.
Another good idea is to check out their reviews, ratings, and call any references. You need to be positive that they’ll do their job properly and for the right price.
It’s also important to ask about installing an energy-efficient AC unit.
The average a contractor charges for installing a central air system is between $3,000 to $7,000. The average cost to install a split system is $2,500.
Installing a window unit is a cheaper option, ranging from $550 to $1,200, and portable air conditioners only cost $350 to $900 to install.
These averages include the price of the AC unit. Window and portable units can be put in without hiring a contractor by following the instructions from a home improvement store.
Central AC Costs and Quality
Other than paying for the contractor’s service, you’re paying for the AC unit itself. Here are some AC brands with their average costs:
- Day & Night: $1,200 to $2,000. Energy Star qualified and 13 to 19 SEER
- American Standard: $1,700. Energy Star qualified and up to 18+ SEER
- Goodman: $1,000 to $3,000. Energy Star qualified. 13 to 18 SEER
- Bryant: $1,200 to $2,500. Energy Star qualified. 13 to 20 SEER
Do AC Companies Offer Financing?
There are different options for paying for expensive air conditioning.
You can borrow from a private lender or enter a loan program. Another option is having your utility company charge you monthly for the AC unit.
A less recommended path would be to put in on your credit card. You might be stuck with high interest.
DIY Tips
AC units usually last up to 12 years. If you’ve had your unit far less than that and something seems to be wrong with it, it might be a problem you can fix.
Here are some common issues and money-saving ways to solve them:
- It won’t turn on: Check the thermostat setting, temperature, and batteries. Check your circuit breaker
- It doesn’t seem to be working as well as usual: Replace the filter. Go outside and make sure there is 2 feet of clearance on the unit’s sides and 5 feet above the unit
- The bill is suddenly high: This could be the filter’s fault or you may need a new condenser coil. You’ll have to hire someone to replace the coil
- It turns off too quickly or slowly: Move the thermostat. It may be near a very warm or very cool place in your house
- It has water around it: Check for a disconnected tube or blockage
Make a Smart Investment
While it may be painful to pay a hefty amount to install an air conditioning unit, it’s worth it. It’s important to make a smart purchase that will save you money in the long run and will last.
Hiring an air conditioning contractor can be tricky. You have to be sure they’ll give you a quality installation for what they charge you.
There are a lot of factors to consider when looking for an AC unit and finding the right contractor. Use this article as a guide for making a smart investment.
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