What Determines the Cost of a New Air Conditioning System?

There are many variables in selecting and installing a new air conditioning system for your home. Because of the many variables, the cost for a new system can vary quite widely. Every situation is different, with different needs for each family, different kinds of homes in construction, layout, and previous installations, and different requirements for equipment. Here are a few common factors that determine the cost of a new air conditioning system.

Size

The volume of the home that needs to be cooled determines the size of the air conditioner unit needed to cool the space. If you get the wrong size air conditioner, it will not run efficiently, as it will either overwork itself trying to cool the space, or cycle too often. There is a formula for determining the right size, and we wrote an article about choosing the right size AC unit a few months ago. Generally, the larger the AC unit, the more it will cost.

Efficiency

The energy efficiency of the air conditioner is also a big factor in the cost of the system. AC units that are more energy efficient will usually cost a bit more up front, but the benefit is that over the lifetime of the unit, you will save much more than that initial difference in lower energy use. Generally people will want to spring for the higher efficiency AC units, but be sure to weigh your own needs against what you want to pay.

Ductwork

Most new homes will have existing ductwork, but there are a few old houses that have never been set up for central air. On the other hand, it might be the case that the ductwork in your home needs to be replaced or reconfigured if it was poorly installed the first time or has fallen into disrepair. Replacing ductwork can sometimes be as complicated as installing new ductwork, and doing either will add to the cost of the new system. Whatever the case, an assessment of the ducts in the home will likely be part of the calculation for the cost of a new air conditioning system.

Insulation

Air conditioning systems are most efficient and effective when the home is appropriately insulated. Some older homes may have damaged or missing insulation which will need to be replaced when the new system is installed. If the current insulation is not sufficient for the needs of the air conditioner, more will need to be added, or new insulation installed to replace the inadequate insulation. This too can add to the cost of the overall system.

There are many factors that go into the cost of a new air conditioning system, and this is why the price can sometimes have a wide range. If you’re looking to replace your old system or to install a new air conditioning system in a home that does not have one, you will probably want to have a discussion with your AC contractor to determine your specific needs. Remember to consider All Day Air Cooling and Heating for all your HVAC needs in Southwest Florida, and call today at (239) 357-0727.