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 |  | Medium: $3,500-$4,000 |  | High: $7,000-$8,000 |
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Central air conditioning not only lowers temperatures throughout a house, it dehumidifies and filters the air, leaving it cleaner and more comfortable to breathe.
Typical costs: | - Adding central air conditioning to an existing forced-air heating system in a 2,000-square-foot house averages $3,500-$4,000, and can be done by two technicians in 2-3 days, with little or no change to the existing ducting; if ducts must be added, the work time doubles, as does the cost to $7,000-$8,000 or more, according to ThisOldHouse.com[1] .
- Estimates for a older, smaller house of 800-1,000 square feet with no existing duct work run $2,100-$6,000, or as high as $10,000 or more, depending on the type and quality of equipment installed, the amount of space available for installing ducts and vents, and the local economy.
Related articles: Ductwork, Room Air Conditioner, Ductless Air Conditioner, Ceiling Fan, Upgrading an Electrical Panel, Replacement Windows
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What should be included: | - The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute provides a brief explanation of how central air conditioning works[2] . The California Consumer Energy Center offers detailed information on central air systems[3] and specifics on ducts and vents[4] .
- Most central air conditioning systems are a split system, with the heaviest, noisiest, heat-generating components installed outdoors, and an evaporator coil indoors. The evaporator is connected to a blower (often part of a furnace) which distributes the chilled air through the home's vents. ThisOldHouse.com[5] gives an overview. The other option is called a packaged central air conditioner; the condenser, compressor and evaporator are all in a cabinet which is installed on the roof or next to the house.
- HVAC is a common industry term; it stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. A HVAC contractor does what's called a load calculation, taking into account the size and shape of the house, the amount of insulation, the local climate, the house's exposure to the sun, the occupants' habits and temperature choices, and other factors to determine what size unit is needed.
- If an air conditioner is too large for the space, the unit will cycle off and on frequently, creating uncomfortable temperature swings and reducing its efficiency; too small and it won't be able cool the home adequately on hot days and could break down more often.
- Residential central air conditioning is rated by a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER system. Since 2006, units sold in the US must have a SEER of at least 13.
- Air conditioning systems marked with an Energy Star[6] meet strict US government energy-efficiency guidelines.
Additional costs: | - The most common mistake is buying a bigger system than needed; it costs more and doesn't do the job as well as one that's the right size.
Discounts: | - Some older homes can't accommodate ducts, or the work is extremely difficult and expensive; in those cases, consider ductless air conditioning, also called mini-split systems.
Shopping for a central air conditioner: | - Major manufacturers include Carrier[7] and Trane[8]
- The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy lists tips for selecting a new system[9] and choosing a contractor[10] .
- Sears[11] sells central air conditioning equipment with installation service.
- HVAC contractor referrals are available through Air Conditioning Contractors of America[12] and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association[13] . Or search for contractors with North American Technician Excellence certification[14] .
- Get several estimates. Ask about training and experience. Check references, search for complaints with the Better Business Bureau[15] and make sure the contractor is properly bonded and insured, as well as licensed in your state[16] .
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CostHelper News
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
Page 8 of 8 - << Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
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| Posted by: Robert Moreno in Downey, CA. | Posted: April 25th, 2018 08:04AM |
3 bed 1 bath 1100 square feet had to cut holes for vents new ducts new everything |
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| Posted by: ShellyLB in Glen Burnie, MD. | Posted: April 17th, 2018 06:04PM |
| Contractor: Horizon | BTUs: 30,000 |
Received a quote to replace a Goodman 20 -year-old air conditioner and 32-year-old air handler (3 ton) that I am thinking is way too much. Would love some expert feedback. I am getting two more quotes and would prefer an American Standard system, but am checking all options.
Quote included: (2.5 ton)
- Lennox XC14 Air conditioner (Seer16)
- Lennox CBX32MV Air Handler
- Warranty 8/8/10 (Parts / Labor / Compressor)
- Installation with new line set, move A/c to ground, new electric.
House specs:
- Ranch home with full finished basement; 1345 sqft main floor
And 672 sqft basement. One return upstairs ceiling (air handler in attic), seven supply’s upstairs and one in basement.
- air duct system is separate from heat duct system. Heating is provided by gas furnace |
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| Posted by: Sammmmmy in Dallas, TX. | Posted: November 30th, 2017 04:11PM |
| Contractor: Ali heating and air | BTUs: 100k |
5 ton full system trane installed 4800. Call 214 405 8788 Dallas Texas 10 yr warranty. Clean work |
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| Posted by: JoeDroider in Austin, TX. | Posted: August 23rd, 2017 11:08AM |
| Contractor: | BTUs: 4 ton |
Compressor died on 16+ year Trane system. Replaced the whole system (outside unit, attic units evaporator coil and gas furnace) with a media filter option plus a sensor in drain pan to turn the system off if water is detected to be too high. Paid $5300 for the whole job. |
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| Posted by: Pod in St Petersburg, FL. | Posted: June 21st, 2017 08:06AM |
| Contractor: Fort Myers FL | BTUs: 3 ton |
York Unit 3 Ton Installed in 4-5 hours with new thermostat by3 contractors. |
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| Posted by: Annette V1 in Orange, CA. | Posted: January 30th, 2017 07:01PM |
| Contractor: Eco-Tech Heating & Air | BTUs: 4 ton 17 SEER Variable FURNACE |
It was an amazing experience to do business with this company. Starting with Brittany, courteous, called ahead to let us know when they were on their way. Then Jeff, he came out to give the estimate, he was polite, knowledge, really listened, answered all of our questions, and matched the system to, not only our house, but to our useage, family, and requirements. Oh yeah he woulld wear booties, and take them on and off, as he came in and went outside, I told him it wasn't necessary but he insisted, Even the installlation crew wore booties, used drop clothes, were very efficient, professional, and left my house looking as though they were never here. They walked me through the operation of my awesome new home intelligence control/thermostat. I can control my system from my phone, as well as lights, door locks, even the garage door & security cameras if I choose in the future. And it is incredibly quiet,10yr parts & labor warranty! Thank you Brittany, Jeff, Brian, Rick, and Vince! |
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| Posted by: Getting Warmer in San Antonio, TX. | Posted: December 8th, 2016 07:12AM |
| Contractor: Will Fix It | BTUs: |
New Lennox 15 SEER/ 13 EER AC and furnace. $6700 all in with 10/1 warranty. Installed in one day, fast clean and efficient contractor. |
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| Posted by: Slider in Plano TX in Plano, TX. | Posted: September 27th, 2016 07:09PM |
| Contractor: Local | BTUs: 42,000 |
The old unit was 15 years old and the compressor went out. The price includes installation labor and tax. I am not sure if it is a good price or not, but my local HVAC guy has been very responsive and does quality work. |
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| Posted by: crkelle in Fort Worth, TX. | Posted: August 18th, 2016 03:08AM |
| Contractor: Mims Heating and Air | BTUs: 42,000 |
I have two systems in my attic, both are combined A/C/furnace units. I had both replaced this summer. One was a 4 ton system, the other was a 3.5 ton system. The old was a 13 seer system, the new was a 14 seer Goodman systems. No duct work needed to be done, except to remove the old system and adapt to the new systems. Intstall time on one system was most of a day, the other system from about 8 am to 2 PM. The $4750 was for the 3.5 ton system, the 4 ton system was about $5300 installed. Both old systems were carried away (I assume sold for scrap) |
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| Posted by: Direct 4X in Chicago, IL. | Posted: August 3rd, 2016 09:08PM |
| Contractor: D | BTUs: |
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| Posted by: Mary McK in Denver, CO. | Posted: July 22nd, 2016 07:07AM |
| Contractor: | BTUs: 2 Ton |
I had a new construction home...Builder installed coil & electrical. Was looking for just compressor and install. |
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| HVAC |
| Amount: $6,850.00 for the cake |
| Posted by: mass in Austin, TX. | Posted: June 13th, 2016 01:06PM |
| Contractor: | BTUs: 34,600 |
Lennox seer 14 installed, is it too much? |
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| Posted by: a user in lewisville, TX. | Posted: May 31st, 2016 11:05AM |
Includes all coils and labor of installation |
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| Posted by: Prelum in Memphis, TN. | Posted: April 20th, 2016 05:04PM |
Estimate, cash price, Straighten and repair duct work add 2 tons of returns add supply and return to upstairs bedroom with a manual air damper when not in use. Includes April Air filtration system.
Warranty:
20 year furnace heat exchanger
10 year compressor
20 year all coils
10 year all parts
1 year all labor |
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| Posted by: M8j0bright in irmo, SC. | Posted: December 21st, 2015 03:12PM |
| Contractor: ARS | BTUs: 3600 |
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| Posted by: Trish845 in Henderson, NV. | Posted: September 16th, 2015 09:09AM |
| Contractor: Yes Man/Home Depot | BTUs: |
14 SEER 3 ton AFUE 80 for 1100 sq ft home 18 yrs old. Includes new thermostat and all permits. Meets
EPA requirements for southern region. |
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| Posted by: Alecia Clark in Van Nuys, CA. | Posted: August 11th, 2015 08:08PM |
| Contractor: A G HVAC | BTUs: |
I have a virgin 1300 sq ft home, I have been getting estimates on an entire system, I have been quoted $17,000 to $12000, am I being quoted too much |
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| Posted by: BRT in Newnan, GA. | Posted: August 1st, 2015 08:08AM |
| Contractor: Progressive Heating & Air | BTUs: 4 Ton |
I was quoted $6,650 for a 4 ton Carrier package. This includes installing the air handler inside and the outside unit. No duct work. Is this a good price? |
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| Posted by: Katie O in Rapid City, SD. | Posted: July 16th, 2015 05:07AM |
Need an estimate on installing central air with ductwork vs mini split ductless air |
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| Posted by: Mr. GP in Parlin, NJ. | Posted: June 13th, 2015 12:06PM |
| Contractor: Stanco ManalapanNJ | BTUs: 36,000 |
New Carrier Comfort Series seer 13', 3 ton.
Carrier coil.
New Whip and box.
New pad.
Arrived at 8.30 am done by 1pm same day.
This in our 3rd central a/c unit in 33 years. |
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| Posted by: 20/20 in San Antonio, TX. | Posted: May 22nd, 2015 09:05AM |
| Contractor: private | BTUs: |
I just had a 4 ton 16 seer compressor installed with thermostat for $2100. It is a Goodman and has a 5 yr parts warranty and 1 year labor. I should've looked things up first. I think I may have paid too much. My furnace and coils were still in good shape, so we opted to not replace those at this time. I wish I would have done a little more research. |
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| Posted by: rachael in los angeles, CA. | Posted: May 1st, 2015 08:05PM |
| Contractor: costco | BTUs: |
I need a new a/c condenser unit on the slab in the rear of the house. Went to Costco and their contractor came out and quoted me $5,600 to install a 14 SEER 3-ton unit from Lennox, including a new expansion valve. I asked for a breakout of the costs. Their reply: Nope! Can't give it to you! This is a "package" price -- take it or leave it! Checking the internet I see that 14 SEER 3-ton units (such as Rheem) retail for about $1,500 to $1,800. A contractor probably gets it for $300 less. The expansion valve is about $100. Two guys, 4 hours of labor = $500. Truck, gas, overhead -- another $200. Total is $2,100. Add a generous $500 for pure profit, and we are somewhere around $2600 to $3.000. Costco has a real scam going -- it looks like there is well over $ TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS in additional profit!! Just money coming out of your pocket to be split between them and their "contractors"! I'm shopping around! |
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| Posted by: katewa in Athens, TN. | Posted: January 4th, 2015 04:01AM |
| Contractor: Giles | BTUs: 4 ton |
Trane compressor went out...called service people listed on Trane site...to my dismay the had replaced the Trane with an Ameristar R-22 4 ton compressor. It is loud and I do not care for it. I asked to keep old compressor and they said it was the epa law that they take it...really? Apparently I AM as dumb as I look. |
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| Posted by: Architect in Murrieta, CA. | Posted: December 10th, 2014 05:12AM |
| Contractor: RIGHT TIME | BTUs: |
HVAC estimators are often Salesmen who take you through an extensive sales pitch; to wear you down. They began excessive inflated sales price of $42,000.00 & after calls on speaker phone, "reduce" price, if you sign same day (3 day cancellation by law) They promise 'low price guarantee" which they later will TRY to NOT HONOR by insulting other company as a 'mom and pop" or claim not same company guarantees. A low price guarantee is for 'apples to apples' of SAME PRODUCT & MATERIALS & LABOR. Once you sign a contract don't think these installers will let you off easily! They sat in my driveway, for 2 hrs, while the negotiation began!! I wouldn't allow them to install until they met bid I received from another REPUTABLE company. I preferred to cancel, but company made it clear; I would lose my 1,000.00 deposit!! They clever craft immediate install thus requiring me to sign I refused the 3 day right of cancel. DONT BE FOOLED BY THIS COMPANY!! Had TWO UNITS installed & PAID $23,000.00 |
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| Posted by: Masters N. Johnson in south texas, TX. | Posted: November 22nd, 2014 05:11AM |
| Contractor: cash | BTUs: 36k/80k |
Trane: xr17 (3ton) two-stage compressor outside, xv80 (80k) furnace VS blower inside (matching coil), xl824 thermostat ... $8500. 1666 sq ft under air. 50-yo Ranch. South Texas. Noticeable features: quiet. Smooth, cool conditioned flow. Recommend: variable speed blower a must; 2-stage compressor makes sense. |
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| Posted by: robert thiboeaux in houston, TX. | Posted: October 17th, 2014 11:10AM |
| Contractor: a superior service company | BTUs: |
my price 4 ton 2800.00 luxaire equipment made by goodman, york, and colman, complete system ac and heating units. equipment only.
10 year warranty
281 338 2005
houston tx |
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| Posted by: snagurit in oceanside, CA. | Posted: October 7th, 2014 01:10PM |
| Contractor: sears | BTUs: 3btu |
15 seer 10year warranty on a carrier condenser and new funace |
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| Posted by: a user in Lafayette, LA. | Posted: September 19th, 2014 07:09AM |
| Contractor: Butcher | BTUs: 48000 |
Replaced 15 year old 4ton system and gas/airflow condensor, whole system less duct work, new pans. new sheet metal plenum ( old was duct board) 2014 DATE |
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Page 8 of 8 - << Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
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External Resources: | - www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,194722,00.html
- www.ahrinet.org/air+conditioning+system.aspx
- www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/heating_cooling/heating_cooling.html
- www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/heating_cooling/ducts.html
- www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/print/0,17071,1073752,00.html
- www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=CA
- www.carrier.com/residential/en/us/
- www.trane.com:80/residential/
- www.aceee.org/consumer/cooling#new
- www.aceee.org/consumer/how-choose-contractor
- www.searshomeimprovements.com/?o=2&t=102
- www.acca.org/consumer/find-a-contractor/
- www.smacna.org/directory/memberbylocation/directory_location.cfm
- www.hvacradvice.com/
- search.bbb.org/
- www.contractors-license.org/
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