AC Installations: What Affects The Cost?

Investing in a new, high-efficiency central AC unit can save you a lot of money in the long run if it is properly installed and maintained. But the cost to buy a new unit still matters, even if the investment is sure to create great returns via reduced energy bills and increases in home value.

When you’re ready to buy a new cooling system for your northern New Jersey home, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples when evaluating estimates. To do that, you need to know what affects the price of your central AC system.

Questions For The A/C Installation Contractor

Here are the six key factors that influence the cost of a new central air conditioner, and the questions you should be asking your HVAC contractor about them:

1. House Size – The size of a central air conditioning system is most often measured in tons (a one-ton unit can output 12,000 BTUs in an hour – about enough to cool 400 square feet of floor space).

   Key question: What sized unit is covered in this estimate?

2. Ductwork – Does your estimate include replacing or repairing ductwork? That can easily add several thousand dollars to your bid. Installing ductwork is a labor-intensive job that requires experience to do right – “right” meaning in a way that avoids costly leaks and mold problems later.

   Key question: Does this estimate include work on my ducts? If so, what kind?

3. Brand type – Is your air conditioner the equivalent of a Mercedes or a Honda? Both will get the cooling job done, but their costs will be much different. The key is to find an AC brand that offers you the most value within your budget range.

   Key question: What brand of air conditioner is included in this estimate? Can I substitute other brands?

4. SEER value – Prices increase by about 8-10 percent for every 1-point increase in SEER rating, all other things being equal.

   Key question: What is the SEER rating of the air conditioner in this estimate, and how will moving up or down the SEER scale affect my monthly bills?

5. Project difficulty – What special accommodations will have to be made to accommodate your new AC unit (preserving elements of a character home, ductwork repairs, working in tight crawlspaces, etc.)? If your installation requires more time or effort to do the job right, it will cost more.

   Key question: What special accommodations will my installation require? What’s included in this estimate?

6. The quality and experience of the contractor – You may pay less up front for one HVAC contractor than another, but boy does it pay to go with experienced, licensed, bonded, and reputable contractors in the long run.

   Key question: Why should I choose you as my HVAC contractor?

If it’s time to invest in a new central air conditioner, don’t worry – JW Pierson will help you make a smart choice. Contact us today for a FREE, no obligation estimate on a central air conditioning installation in NJ!