HVAC systems are responsible for controlling the temperature and living conditions in your house. So, it’s only natural that they cost a lot. If the system shuts down or malfunctions, you’ll find that you can’t spend even a couple of days without it.
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But how much do HVAC systems cost?
These systems may cost up to $10,000 to replace, depending on the square-foot area of the house. If your A/C’s replacement is due, looking around for cost estimates is essential to know where you stand.
Here’s everything you need to know about the matter.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace an AC Unit?
Replacing an AC unit will depend on several factors; these factors can vary the price point wildly because of the customer’s home’s requirements, which change from one homeowner to the next.
The cost of an air conditioner replacement may range between $4,500 and $13,000. These amounts tend to include labor and other fees too. And the biggest contributor to the price is the size of your house.
Bigger houses need larger systems and motors with higher capacities. Of course, these come at a price. Besides, HVAC systems with smart controls cost more to replace because they include complicated mechanics. They make your life easier, but they make you pay for it.
However, even these estimates are subject to change due to an ever-evolving economy and industry. Inflation, innovations, upgrades within the industry, and the cost of manufacturing can lead to a change in system costs from one day to the next, so be mindful of that.
Factors That Affect the Price of Replacing an AC Unit
As mentioned earlier, several elements may affect the price of replacing your AC unit. Here’s a roundup so you know why the AC of your choice is pricier than your expectations.
Whether or Not You’re Making Any Other HVAC Replacements
If you already have an HVAC system, attempting to replace only the air conditioner unit is tricky business. You’ll have to get it calibrated to work with the rest of the system in harmony, which may or may not increase the cost.
For example, you need to consider matching your new air conditioner to your heating system, such as your furnace. This situation can lead to limiting your options when choosing your new air conditioning unit. Single-stage or two-stage ACs will pair with their counterparts seamlessly, but only if they don’t have variable-speed features.
If you still insist on using a variable-speed air conditioner, you might end up needing to replace the furnace, which will increase the costs significantly. Likewise, any other part that needs replacing will add to the cost.
Size, Capacity, and Power of the New System
Picking the size or capacity of your new AC system is a necessary part of the process, as it reflects the system’s output power to cool your home.
However, before picking the size of your AC system, you’ll have to bring in a professional to calculate your HVAC load. This process gives you a better idea of what kind of AC will work best for your home.
After all that is said and done, your list of AC system options will whittle down to the goldilocks units that are fit for your home, giving you a better estimate of what you’ll pay. Needless to say, bigger ACs and units with higher cooling capacities will cost more. Generally, bigger houses are the most costly to buy ACs for.
The Efficiency of the New AC Unit
The more efficient the AC unit is, the higher it’s going to cost, but at the same time, the lower it’ll cost you in operating bills in the long run.
An AC unit’s efficiency is measured by its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the AC unit is, and, unfortunately, the more expensive the unit will be because it’ll have a better cooling effect.
SEER ranges can be as low as 6, but you’ll most likely want to get something 13 or above. You’ll need to inquire about your state’s regulations in this situation because several states require that any new air conditioner come with a 13 SEER rating and sometimes more.
Installation Costs
Installing or replacing an AC system is a complex job, as it includes a lot of elbow grease and experience, along with following the rules, codes, and regulations for your area.
Contractors with extensive experience in this field are priceless because they’ll bring out all the potential your new AC unit has and increase the system’s life expectancy. However, these contractors will also be expensive, so they’ll add to the overall cost of the replacement.
Sometimes, when getting estimates, the contractors don’t provide their labor costs, so ask ahead of time to avoid getting surprised by them later.
You can also take a look at upgrading your existing system instead. This is not always possible though as older systems should be replaced.
Ductwork
Ducts are among the most critical parts of any HVAC system, as they provide a route for the conditioned air to get circulated and dispersed throughout the house. Since the ducts were originally calibrated to a different air conditioning unit, they’ll need to undergo certain modifications to work well with the new one.
The best practice is to bring in a professional to do a thorough inspection of the ducts and see how they’ll work with the new system. He’ll tell you how they might need modifications or if they even need any changes.
Well-fitted ducts calibrated to your new system will ensure you don’t end up with any cold or hot spots in your home.
Final Words
You should also get several quotes and estimates from various professionals to get the best average, after which you’ll be able to make the correct decision for you and your home.
When thinking of replacing your AC system, remember to do your research well because several factors will affect the cost.
Remember to consider your budget when looking for an AC unit replacement, but at the same time, consider costs that might compile in the long run too.
