Ben Austin 
Air conditioning is an investment, whether you’re equipping a brand-new home with its first HVAC unit or replacing outdated technology in an older house. Studies have shown that having an up-to-date air conditioning system equipped can increase your home’s value, however, particularly if it’s an energy-efficient model. The increased performance of a new system can also help you to save money on your monthly energy costs while improving comfort levels, even on the hottest days.
Despite these benefits, many homeowners hesitate to upgrade their AC units because they are uncertain if the up-front cost will prove worth it in the long run. Often, they are unsure of what the ultimate expense will be, as many variables influence the final price tag. So how much is a new air conditioning unit?
In the following blog post, we’ll discuss the factors that determine the cost, helping you to understand how much you can expect to pay when making this all-important investment in your home.
What Type of AC Unit Will You Choose?
There are many different types of air conditioning units. The type of system you choose can greatly affect the cost. Most modern homes utilize central HVAC, which consists of a large outdoor unit that pumps cooled air throughout the building by way of ductwork. Central HVAC units tend to have a higher up-front cost due to the size of the units themselves. Expect to pay anywhere from $6,000 to $12,000 to purchase and install a central HVAC unit. The cost is likely to be higher if the home doesn’t have ductwork previously installed.
For smaller homes or older buildings constructed before central AC was as ubiquitous as it is today, ductless mini-split air conditioners have become a common alternative. These are smaller individual units that can be used to cool individual rooms separately. Each one can cost anywhere from around $500 to $2,000. This means that while they may be a cheaper option for smaller spaces, the cost of installing multiple units can quickly add up for larger buildings.
For apartments or other small spaces, residents also have the option of selecting window air conditioning units. These are installed in an open window. They’re also useful in homes that lack ductwork or where there isn’t enough outdoor space to install a large central unit.
If windows are also at a premium, portable AC units, which can be moved into any individual room in the home, are another option. Both window and portable air conditioning units are less expensive than the other options, usually being between $200 and $600 to purchase and install. However, they are also less powerful and not suited for larger spaces.
Choosing the Right Size Unit for Your Home
Another critical factor that affects the overall cost of your air conditioning is the size of the unit. Larger AC units have a greater up-front cost, but it’s still crucial that you choose the correct-sized model for your house, no matter which type of unit you choose.
If an AC unit is too small for the building, it will struggle to provide enough cool air. As a result, it will draw a great deal of extra power and drive your energy bill up tremendously. A unit that is too large will also be tremendously inefficient, using more energy than is necessary to cool the area it is used for. This inefficiency will also increase the wear and tear on the machinery, driving up maintenance costs.
To ensure you choose the right system for your home, enter your home’s square footage into a BTU calculator. A unit’s BTU rating is a measurement of its heating or cooling power. Choosing one that is the correct size for your home will ensure cost savings over the lifetime of the system. For a system that will require professional installation, such as central air or a mini-split system, consult with an HVAC expert to ensure you’re choosing an appropriately sized unit.
Considering Energy Efficiency
Modern AC units are significantly more energy efficient than their predecessors, which directly translates to cost savings for homeowners replacing old units. However, more energy-efficient models also tend to be pricier. You will need to weigh whether the increased expense will translate to long-term cost savings on your energy bill and whether the increase in your home’s value will be worth it.
It’s worth noting that there are often government programs in place to incentivize homeowners to invest in more energy-efficient systems. Do some research to determine if there are any federal or state energy grants or tax credits that can help reduce the up-front costs for your new HVAC system.
One of the most energy-efficient systems currently available is the zoned HVAC system. This system uses dampers to shut off the flow of air to areas of the home that are not in use, meaning that you won’t waste valuable energy cooling unoccupied spaces. Adding zones to your HVAC system usually costs roughly $2,000 per zone, although the cost can be higher if installation is more complex due to the age of the home, its size, or the number of zones required.
The Price of Installation
Answering the question, “How much is a new air conditioning unit?” is not just a matter of purchasing the equipment. The cost of installation must also be considered. Depending on your geographic region, contractors in your area may charge anywhere from $75 to $150 an hour or more.
You can look around for deals, but remember that you will ultimately get what you pay for. If the price a contractor is offering seems too good to be true, it probably is. Make sure your contractor carries all of the appropriate licenses and insurance required in your area. Choosing contractors like All Weather Heating & Cooling in Ohio will help you to ensure your air conditioner unit is installed safely and properly.
Think About Maintenance
The final consideration when it comes to air conditioning unit cost is maintenance. All AC units require some level of preventative maintenance, as well as repairs when mechanical issues inevitably occur over time. The different types of AC units mentioned here will each have different maintenance requirements, which homeowners should consider before making any purchasing decisions.
Central HVAC units will require the ductwork in the home to be cleaned regularly; ductless units, including mini-split, window, and portable units, can sidestep this requirement. However, as mentioned, larger homes that are cooled with these types of air conditioners will need multiple units, all of which must be serviced separately, adding to the final cost of upkeep and repairs.
Investing in regular inspections from an HVAC professional will help you avoid the need to shell out for expensive repairs later on. Contractors will work their way down a checklist, cleaning ducts, checking electronics, and replacing filters as necessary to ensure your system continues to operate as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
Your HVAC installers may also offer a maintenance plan, which allows you to pay a monthly fee in return for occasional maintenance visits. Many plans also offer a discount on repairs that may arise, helping you save money in the long term.
If you’ve considered all of the above factors, you should have some idea of what your AC unit will cost. The next step is to contact your HVAC professional and ask for a quote. Begin the process of upgrading your home today.
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