How Much Does It Cost to Install an Air Conditioning System?

A new air conditioning system for a 1,500-square-foot house is around $7,000.

This system includes a condensing unit installed outside of your home and an indoor cooling coil connected to your furnace.

Costs will vary depending on the size of your home and the climate you live in.

These two factors will also determine how large your air conditioning system needs to be. Larger systems can run up to $14,000, while smaller A/C systems can be as low as $4,500.

Installing an air conditioning system in an older home is possible, although it can be expensive and take more time, especially if the home needs ductwork installed.

A central air conditioning system controls the climate of your entire house and offers you higher efficiency, which can mean significant cost savings for you in the long run.

If you own an older home, one thing to consider is that it may only have a 60-amp electric meter to service the entire house. This can be a problem because air conditioning systems require 20 to 50 amps to run.

This creates a major power struggle between your air conditioning system and the appliances you already have, which can result in brownouts, tripped breakers, or even damage to your appliances and air conditioning equipment.

To avoid these problems, older homes may need to have their electrical service meter upgraded, which can increase the cost of installation.

However, once your meter is upgraded and your new air conditioning system is installed, you should see major savings on your heating and cooling bills.

The estimated cost of installing an air conditioning system in an older home that has existing ductwork and an up-to-date meter is around $7,000.

If the home needs ductwork and a new electrical meter installed, plan on additional costs.

Spring and fall are the best times to purchase an air conditioning system and have it installed. If you wait until summer, you may have to wait for days or even weeks before an HVAC company can work you into their schedule.

Having an air conditioning system installed when the outside temperature is comfortable also frees you from the worry, stress, and discomfort that is often experienced by homeowners when they have a new system installed during the sweltering summer months—living and sleeping in a hot house even if it’s just for a few days can be unbearable.

Another benefit of having a system installed in the spring or fall is that you won’t feel rushed, and you’ll have plenty of time to shop around and pick a company and equipment that you trust.

Make sure that the company that you choose has the experience needed to properly install the system like the HVAC experts at Randy’s Mechanical.

The short answer is yes. If your furnace is older or malfunctioning and you also need a new air conditioner, replacing both at the same time will save you money and headaches in the future.