Central Air Conditioning Prices vs. Prizes

For homes and buildings with several rooms, central air conditioners are the most preferred. Aside from lowering temperatures throughout the house or office, it also filters and dehumidifies the air, leaving your environment cleaner and more comfortable to breathe in.

For people wanting to install a central air-con system, the big question is how much will it cost. Central air conditioning prices depend on many factors, such as location or region. Typically, the system costs an average of $3,500-$4,000 if it is added to an existing forced-air heating system (usually in a 2,000-square-foot house that needs little or no change to the existing ducting) or $2,000-$10,000 for older, smaller houses or buildings (800-1,000 square feet) with no existing ductwork, and $7,000-$8,000 if ducts should be added, because the work time doubles.

Central air conditioners are not usually directly sold to customers. The unit’s installation needs complex expertise and effort. It must be installed by a licensed contractor. Thus, central air conditioning pricing is a package deal which includes the air conditioner, ductwork, permits, and labour. In short, the installation costs more than the air conditioner itself.

The factors affecting central air conditioning prices depend on what is called a load calculation. This considers the size and shape of the house, the amount of insulation, the house’s exposure to the sun, the local climate, habits and temperature choices of occupants, and other factors that determine what size of central unit is needed. The size of the unit can greatly affect the central system cost. It has been found that an air conditioner that is too large for the space causes a frequent cycle of ‘on and off’ of the unit; thus, reducing its efficiency because of the uncomfortable temperature swings created. Bigger systems also cost more because they require more work and time. On the other hand, too small air-cons will not be able to cool the home or office adequately during sweltering days and are prone to break down more often.

According to experts, air-con quality is not affected much with regard to pricing. However, as observed, those units of higher price provide better warranties. Usually, compressors have a ten-year warranty while the other air conditioner parts have a five-year warranty. For HVAC contractors, they usually offer a one-year warranty on installation (especially those air-cons that should be maintained annually).

Since central air-cons are complicated to install, technical help from professionals is needed. HVAC contractors and electricians are the main persons to be contacted. Consulting them adds to the cost. If the building needs extensive ductwork modifications, then an additional price will be added to the total cost – for the ducts or pipes, for the workers fee, for renovation of the walls. Before hiring these helpers, one should make sure to get quotes or prices from at least three contractors to ensure a low, medium and high bid, and give a good sense of reasonable payment. Also, background checking should be done to see if the potential contractor has happy customers and no complaints.

Installing these high efficiency air conditioners may cost more initially, but once installed, you are assured of the lowest monthly energy bills and the most comfortable atmosphere. The systems’ energy-saving features are ideal for long term investment. You are secure with central air conditioners because they use environmentally friendly coolants like R-410A.