How Much Does It Cost to Have Air Conditioning Installed?
Whether you’re considering replacing an old, inefficient system or all-new central AC installation for your home or business, the cost of having it installed is often a significant factor. Suppose you think about what goes into making your A/C unit functional and comfortable (the initial installation, the ductwork to the space). In that case, it’s not surprising that most homeowners spend $10,000 to $15,000 on average when adding air conditioning to their homes.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 80% of businesses that use A/C systems run them at least 51 weeks per year. With this in mind, if you own a small business and plan to install air conditioning within the next several months, now may be the best time to make a move. Consider that HVACR contractors get busier in the spring and summer, resulting in longer wait times for new A/C installations. In addition, many dealerships ramp up promotions during these seasons to drive sales of their equipment fleet for businesses.
What Will it Cost? The Average AC Installation Costs $5,060* One of the main factors that will affect the cost of having your central A/C system installed is its size or tonnage (measured in tons). Your contractor will use this number to figure out how much refrigerant is needed for your plan, what type of equipment is required, and the labor costs associated with having it installed. Because of this, it’s recommended that you speak with several contractors before making a final decision to ensure you get an AC installation quote customized to your specific needs.
Your new AC unit will be able to cool more or less depending on the size of your home or commercial space. This means that if you have a smaller space (under 2,000 sq. ft.), you likely won’t need as large of a system as someone with a larger one. The following are average costs for A/C units that were installed in 2016 based on data gathered by Energy Vanguard :
• 1 ton – $3,827
• 1.5 ton – $4,851
• 2 ton – $5,696
• 3 ton – $6,855
The next thing you’ll want to keep in mind about central A/C installation cost is your contractor’s licensing and insurance. Every state requires HVACR contractors to be licensed for businesses. Your state may require additional certification or registration. Most states also require the contractor to carry general liability insurance, worker’s compensation coverage, and automotive liability coverage, depending on what they do for a living. All of these are factors that need to be considered ahead of time to make an informed decision about which company you’d like to perform the work.