How Much Does Central AC Installation Cost In Dallas?

On average, the cost for AC installation in Dallas, Texas ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 (including the unit). Air conditioning is a must-have for all Dallas homes, but which is best? Here’s your guide to AC installation in the Big D City.

Six months out of the year, people in Dallas, Texas, see the mercury climb to an average temperature of more than 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The extreme heat in Dallas makes central air conditioning a must-have!

If you are building a new home in Dallas, this article will help you answer your questions about the best AC system for your needs. If you are considering AC installation for an existing home or replacing an old system, we have answers to those questions, too.

What The Total Cost For AC Installation in Dallas?

This is one of the first questions people ask when they are looking for a Dallas air conditioner. On average, an AC installation ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 (including the unit). The cost depends on several factors.

Larger homes require larger cooling systems, and some homes require additional ductwork during installation. Upgrading or adding to an existing system may require additional parts and labor, adding to the overall cost.

Be prepared to pay for a pre-installation inspection. The inspection will cost a few hundred dollars, but it helps you and the installer plan the AC installation better.

How Long Does AC Installation Take?

The time required to complete installation will vary from home to home. In most cases, a new AC system can be installed in 6-8 hours. If you have an old unit that has to be removed or need extensive ductwork, installation may take longer.

What Kinds of Central AC Units Are Available?

If you want whole-house cooling, central air conditioning is the route to choose. There are a lot of economical single-room air conditioners available such as portable AC units or window units. However, these can be noisy and can’t cool a house as well as central air conditioning.

More than 50% of homeowners nationwide choose central air conditioning. 90% of new homes are constructed with central air. But there are different systems to choose from, based on your specific needs.

Split Systems

The central air conditioning system you are probably most familiar with is the split system. It includes a large box (called a condenser) located outside your house. The condenser uses a fan to draw air over a series of pipes filled with coolant.

The split system then uses a blower fan to push the cool air through ductwork leading to each room of your home. These systems help keep the whole house comfortable and use a central thermostat to set the temperature. They are much quieter than portable or window units.

Split Ductless Systems

The split ductless AC system is not technically central, but it does provide a similar cooling level. This system uses a condenser and compressor outdoors that is connected to indoor “air handlers.”

You can connect up to four air handlers in your home. These are usually high on a wall to better control the temperature in different areas of your house. The indoor handlers cool each room or area separately. The system includes a remote control so you can set the temperature in each room or area.

People often choose a split ductless system to provide extra cooling to a specific area of the house. This type of system is also ideal if your house can’t accommodate the ductwork required for a traditional central air conditioner.

Size and Efficiency

The cost of your AC installation will vary by the type of system you choose. It is also impacted by the size of the system you need. A central air conditioner’s size is measured in tons.

A 4-ton AC unit doesn’t weigh four tons, though. Instead, that number represents the amount of hot air it can remove from a home in an hour. A 4-ton unit can remove four tons, or 8,000 pounds, of hot air in one hour.

A larger size AC unit isn’t always better. It would be best if you worked with a contractor who understands how to determine the right system for your house to ensure it cools effectively and efficiently.

What If I Need to Upgrade My Current AC System?

Suppose you already have a central air system, but the upstairs never seems to be cool enough. It might be time to upgrade your air conditioning. Find a qualified AC installer in Dallas who can perform a load calculation on your home.

A load calculation will tell you what size AC system you need, or if you need separate units for the upstairs and downstairs. Newer AC units are more efficient than older systems, so upgrading isn’t as simple as adding another condenser. You will need to replace the old unit with two newer, more efficient models.

Maintaining Your System

Choosing the right system and installing it is only the first step. To make sure your central AC installation in Dallas provides cool air year after year, you have to perform regular maintenance.

Some installers also provide routine inspections and preventive maintenance. Consider an annual service plan to make sure potential problems are discovered before it’s too late. Fixing a problem before it happens is always easier and more cost-effective than repairing an AC system once it breaks down.

Finding the Right Contractor

5Estimates helps connect you with the perfect contractor for your AC installation project. It’s the first place to go if you are asking yourself, “where can I find AC installation near me?” We offer advice to make decision-making simple, and we give you the option to receive up to five price quotes from qualified AC installers in the Dallas area.

If you are ready to beat the Dallas heat, visit our list of qualified contractors. Our goal is to put homeowners and home improvement companies together and help make home improvement simple.