How Much Does It Cost to Replace Central Air Conditioners?
Considering replacing your central air conditioning unit this summer? Replacing a unit can be a great idea if you’re facing very expensive repairs, your cooling system is old, or you have the wrong kind of system for your space. No matter the reason you’re looking for a new HVAC system, it’s important to understand how much an air conditioner costs and what factors into what you’ll be paying for installation. Let’s break it down! Here’s our guide to new AC unit cost, factors, and additional central AC costs you may be facing.
Factors Affecting the Cost to Install Central Air Conditioning Systems
If you’ve been wondering, “how much does a central air conditioner cost to install?”, the answer isn’t necessarily straightforward. Many different factors affect the average cost range of a new air conditioning unit. In 2022, the average cost of installation is $4,700 with a range of $2,500 to $7,500 depending on what you need.
What changes the price of a central air conditioning system? It’s time to talk size, air conditioner efficiency, and types of AC systems!
Size of Your Home & Your Central Air Conditioner
Your new central air system needs enough power to pump cool air all through your home. A larger space needs a bigger unit. In Florida, a 1.5-ton AC unit can cool 600 to 900 square feet of space and will run you $2,000 to $5,000 to install. During your estimate, a certified air conditioning contractor will use a BTU (British Thermal Units) calculator to determine how big your AC unit should be. If you want to learn more, you can check out our guide on how to size new AC units here!
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
We’ve also already spoken about what a SEER rating is and what it means for your central AC unit – if you want to learn more about SEER, check it out here! The SEER rating for your AC system is an indicator of how energy efficient it is. Air conditioning units with higher ratings are more costly, but they offer better efficiency and lower energy costs for as long as you own the system. When searching for a new air conditioner unit, we recommend a SEER between 14 and 16 for most homes, though higher efficiency is always a great option for hot Florida homes.
Type of Central AC Unit
There are many different types of cooling systems to consider during your air conditioner installation process. When considering AC unit costs, you may even be looking beyond central AC units. In general, people don’t tend to look at window AC units versus central air systems, but it’s always good to keep in mind what your options are when talking to your HVAC contractor about labor costs and cooling power. We always recommend a variable speed air conditioner for Florida homes if you can afford it, since they are the most effective and efficient at combatting hot air and humidity.
In order of minimum AC unit cost, there are the following HVAC systems:
- Portable Air Conditioner
- Window Air Conditioner
- Central Air Conditioner Unit (including Variable Speed Air Conditioners)
- Mini Split Air Conditioners
- Heat Pumps
- Gas Furnace Heating System with AC
- Geothermal Heat Pump
Making the Best Decision for Your HVAC Installation Costs
Labor, air handler costs, and brand aren’t the only things that can impact your AC replacement cost. Getting a new thermostat, insulation replacement, indoor air quality options, and electric upgrades can all increase average costs. If you’re considering an air conditioner replacement, it’s time to talk to a professional like Cool Rays AC. We replace and repair all kinds of systems in Brevard County, so schedule your estimate on a new unit today!
