A complete breakdown of the price of replacing an air conditioner in 2023
You undoubtedly want to know the price if you want to replace your air conditioner. We have outlined the factors that affect an AC’s price in this post to help you make the best decision for your house.
- Power/Capacity of the System
- Efficiency
- The ac repair that is still in use Modifications to your current system
- Line set defense
- Costs of installation
- Rebates and tax credits
More information, including more specific price ranges for entry-level, mid-range, and high-end air conditioners, is provided in the article below.
Like choosing to refurbish your home or purchase a car, replacing your air conditioner can be a big decision.
However, many homeowners enter the process without having any understanding of the total cost or the breakdown of those costs.
You require this knowledge when you must invest a sizable sum of money and make a critical decision.
I have over 40 years of sales experience in the HVAC industry, and I have assisted customers in understanding the aspects that determine the final cost of an air conditioner.
A replacement system’s final cost can be influenced by a number of common elements, however, particular costs can vary based on your home.
We’ll walk you through the elements that can determine an air conditioning system’s price in this article. By the time you’re done, you’ll be ready to choose what’s best for you and your house.
Costs & Accessories Typically Used with Air Conditioning
The air conditioning unit itself typically comes to mind when customers envision their new cooling system. However, changing your current system entails more than just switching out the individual component.
Let’s now discuss a few of the additional factors that influence the final cost of your replacement air conditioner.
Typically, the following materials are needed to install an air conditioner:
- Physical components consisting of a new copper line set from the indoor coil to the air conditioner, a 15-foot length of PVC pipe to be used as a drain line, an outdoor pad, an electric disconnect outside, an electric conduit from the disconnect to the air conditioner, and an evaporator coil inside.
- Local permits
- Electrical costs involving breakers and thermostats
- Ductwork modification, if necessary
- Condensate drainage
The capacity of the air conditioner
The capacity, or “size,” of your air conditioner affects its ability to meet your cooling needs.
In this instance, the output your system needs to adequately cool your home is determined by the size of your system.
Your HVAC partner must perform a load calculation in order to properly size your house. This enables them to suggest the ideal air conditioner for your house.
In addition to your home’s square size, a load estimate considers elements that have an impact on heat loss and gain. These characteristics include your home’s ceiling height and the quantity and size of windows and doors.
One thing to keep in mind is that your home may not always benefit from an air conditioner that is bigger or more powerful. An air conditioner will turn on and off too frequently if it is too large. As a result, it might not adequately cool or eliminate moisture.
A poorly sized air conditioner will run frequently, fail to adequately cool your home, and retain moisture.
For every home, even those that are of the same size, there will never be a “one size fits all” solution because of these considerations.
As your capacity increases, equipment costs may rise. However, a properly sized system can help you save money on your utility bills each month and improve the comfort in your house.
Additionally, you’ll lengthen the lifespan of your air conditioner by minimizing needless on-off switching.
The efficiency of Air Conditioning Systems
Efficiency rating, or SEER rating, is one factor to take into account when selecting an air conditioner (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).
The SEER rating of an air conditioner is comparable to the fuel efficiency of a car. We may use a SEER number to indicate an air conditioner’s efficiency, much like how many miles per gallon a car can get.
A system’s efficiency might occasionally result in a quieter system and better comfort. Any air conditioning unit’s total cost includes its overall efficiency.ac repair
The SEER rating of brand-new air conditioners might be 13 to 20 or higher. Typically, the cost of the original purchase may rise as the SEER rating rises. Higher SEER levels will, however, result in lower running expenses, which could cut your system’s overall cost over time.ac repair
Choosing the Right Equipment
You generally don’t think about your furnace while you’re thinking about replacing your air conditioner. However, if all you’re doing is changing your air conditioner, you’ll probably need to match your new air conditioner to your old heating system.
If you select a variable-speed air conditioner without a furnace unit that works with it, this is frequently the case.
Indoor blower motors with varying speeds are necessary for variable-speed air conditioners. Additionally, since your furnace or air handler houses the blower motor for your system, it’s crucial to confirm that both units work together.
However, as a result, variable-speed systems often provide the greatest level of system control.
Other types of air conditioners include:
- Air conditioners with a single stage can only be configured to operate at full capacity.
- Two-stage air conditioners have two settings: one at full capacity (typically around 100%) and another, a lesser level (usually around 70%). Two-stage air conditioners often consume less energy than single-stage units, making them more effective.ac repair
In general, single-stage and two-stage furnaces can be paired with single-stage and two-stage air conditioners without variable-speed characteristics.
Your options may occasionally be limited by your existing system. In some circumstances, you might also need to replace your furnace or air handler if you want to install a variable-speed air conditioner.
The typical price range for replacing a furnace or air handler is $3,300 to $7,025.
You can save money and improve efficiency by replacing your furnace and air conditioner at the same time. However, the choice of when to replace any of your systems is ultimately up to you.