Installing an AC unit usually takes between four to eight hours, meaning you'll pay anywhere from $300 to $1,600 in AC unit installation labor costs.
In some cases, an HVAC technician may charge a flat rate fee for their labor only, which is generally between $50 and $200+. However, this does not include any parts or materials needed for the job. On the other hand, the average price per job can be anywhere from $100 to over $1,500.
The main considerations here include the type of system and size of your home. However, installing a system from scratch will cost much more, as your home's infrastructure must be set up before AC installation (modifications may also be required during AC replacement, which can increase costs).
However, figuring out estimated AC prices for a 2,000-square-foot home can be tricky. On average, a new AC unit for a house will cost around $5,000, but prices can vary quite a bit. Costs for air conditioning in a home that is 2,000 square feet can range from as little as $2,000 to as much as $15,000.
Central air conditioning could solve all your sweaty problems, but the price may knock you out cold. The cost to install central air conditioning, including the cost of the unit itself, ranges from around $5,000 to $12,000 on average, according to home services hiring platform Angi.
Read on to learn why equipment prices keep going up. Have you noticed how high heating and air conditioning system prices have gotten? At the end of 2023, several leading HVAC equipment manufacturers publicly announced upcoming price increases for residential equipment in 2024.
Simply put, no, you cannot replace your AC unit yourself.
Even if you have the technical know-how to install an AC unit, all of the electrical components add an elevated level of risk to the process. Plus, it takes nuanced HVAC experience to ensure you get the right unit for the size of your house.
The Cost of Equipment and Tools
This equipment and tools can be expensive, and the cost is passed on to the consumer in the form of higher service fees. Additionally, HVAC technicians must maintain their equipment and tools to ensure that they are functioning correctly, which adds to the overall cost of their services.
Is Installation Free for AC? Usually, the free installation of an AC is given for the installation of a new AC. Though it is included in the AC price itself, the installation is generally labelled as FREE. However, if you want to install the AC for the second time or more, you have to pay an extra fee.
How much value does a new HVAC unit add to your home? A new HVAC unit typically adds about $2,500 to $3,000 to the value of your home or about 5% to 7% of your home's value. Since a new unit can cost up to or more than $10,000 to install, it's up to you to decide if the upfront cost is worth the added value.
If you're tempted to give aircon installation a go yourself to save on installation costs, let's put a cork in that thought right quick. Air conditioning installation is not a DIY job unless you're a qualified and licensed air conditioner installer.
A central AC system includes a condenser, a compressor, and an evaporator. Costs for both the system and the labor to install it range from $6,465 to $11,877.
A professional AC recharge typically ranges from $150 to $300. This cost reflects the expertise required and the equipment used to ensure a proper recharge. On the other hand, a DIY recharge kit costs between $40 and $60. While this is a more affordable option, it requires careful handling to avoid issues.
The cost of its parts ranges from $450 to $1,500. Moreover, the cost of labor per hour is about $50 to $150 per hour. Warranties run from five to twelve years that provide coverage for parts for one or two years from the date of purchase.
If Any Electrical Upgrades Are Required
Not to mention the safety considerations of an older electrical system. The bottom line is, air conditioning installation costs all come down to how many units you need, the brand you choose, the complexity of their installation and if any electrical upgrades are required.
The Cons Side: Potential Pitfalls of DIY AC Installation
Some manufacturers void warranties if the unit isn't installed by a professional. Double-check your warranty terms before taking the plunge. Mistakes during installation can compromise cooling efficiency, shorten the AC lifespan, and even damage your home.
The cost of replacement for an air conditioner in a residential home can range between $5,500-$19,000. This includes labor and permit fees. This range also covers a variety of system sizes and levels of sophistication, including variable-speed AC systems.
Depending on normal weather patterns, the best time to buy an air conditioner is in the Spring (March and April) and the best time to install a new furnace is in the fall (September and October).
The New Regulations
Starting January 1, 2025, all new residential air conditioners and heat pumps must utilize A2L refrigerants. Older refrigerants like R-410, which are likely the refrigerant used by your current system, are being phased out.
A heating or cooling system is a significant investment, and it only makes sense to get as much use out of it as possible. In general, most HVAC systems will last 15 to 25 years, but depending on the type of system and other contributing factors, that estimate can be highly variable.
3.5 Tons (42,000 BTUs): Suitable for homes ranging from 2,100 to 2,400 square feet. Installation cost ranges from $3,800 to $5,500. 4 Tons (48,000 BTUs): Suitable for homes ranging from 2,400 to 2,700 square feet. Installation cost ranges from $4,000 to $6,000.
For most homeowners: Hot Climates (Texas): A 17-18 SEER unit with a variable-speed compressor provides a great balance of comfort, efficiency, and cost. Milder Climates: A 14-16 SEER unit is often sufficient.
While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.