When the temperatures rise each summer in New England, you better have a working air conditioner in your home. These systems not only keep your house cool amid scorching outdoor temperatures but they also regulate humidity levels and support your indoor air quality. If you don’t have a proper cooling system, it’s time to invest in one.
How much does air conditioning installation cost? Discover the answer in this informative guide from the experts at SM Mechanical Services, LLC, the leading HVAC company in Glastonbury, CT.
Signs You Need a New Air Conditioner
Summers in Central Connecticut communities like Glastonbury can get extremely hot and humid. If your current air conditioner stops producing cool air or fails to turn on, you’ll likely have to replace it. Other signs that indicate you’re due for a new air conditioner include:
- Your system frequently breaks down and requires repair.
- Your system is more than ten years old.
- The repair costs become more expensive with each issue.
- Your energy bills spike because of a loss of HVAC efficiency.
Installing a new air conditioner will address all of these problems and provide you with several years of cooling relief.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Air Conditioning Installation in Glastonbury, CT
How much does air conditioning installation cost? The national average cost of this HVAC service is $5,200; some homeowners can pay as little as $400 while others can pay up to $7,000. What’s the reason for this price range?
Ask an HVAC expert about pricing for air conditioning installation, and they’ll tell you that the total cost depends on several factors. Check out the main components that determine the installation cost for air conditioning units.
The Type of Air Conditioning Unit
Air conditioners that sit between your windows can provide cooling relief for small spaces, so you’ll likely need multiple units for your home. This portable unit features the lowest installation cost because it’s smaller than other types of cooling systems and doesn’t require a lot of labor during the setup.
More complex systems like ductless mini-splits and central air conditioning cost a few thousand dollars to install. These units can cool the entire house but require professional installation from a licensed contractor. Experts must connect wiring and test the unit to ensure it works.
The Unit’s Size and Home Square Footage
Your air conditioning installation cost directly correlates to the size of the unit you get. Technicians know the correct sizing to accommodate homes of all sizes and in general, the larger your home, the more you can expect to pay.
A 1.5-ton unit is the smallest central air conditioning unit and suits homes that are roughly 800 square feet. You’ll likely save thousands of dollars by installing this size system versus a 5-ton unit, which cools homes with 2,500 square feet of space.
The Energy Efficiency Rating
During the summer months, will you run your air conditioner constantly or use it sparingly? Be mindful of your energy consumption and consider the efficiency rating of an air conditioner before you install it. Units with lower energy-efficiency ratings will save you money upfront but might not be the smartest investment if you plan to run the air conditioner frequently.
Units with better efficiency ratings often cost more to install. However, you can expect long-term savings on your monthly energy bills.
Your Home’s HVAC Setup
Are you building your home from the ground up? Did you decide to make the switch from window air conditioners to a central cooling system? In these cases, contractors have to install a brand-new system and equip your home with air ducts and vents.
The air conditioning installation cost for complex projects like these will be higher than merely replacing an existing unit. Consult with an HVAC professional if you’re in need of brand-new installation and receive a quote for service. The costs typically exceed the price of replacing an old unit with a newer model.
Personal Preferences
Some homeowners have special requests for their air conditioner which impacts the total cost of installation. This may include sticking with a trusted brand that they use for all of their home appliances or getting a unit that makes less noise than others.
Additional Air Conditioning Installation Expenses
In some cases, you might end up paying extra air conditioning installation fees that go beyond the cost of the unit. You must prepare to pay more than normal if your HVAC system needs additional work to accommodate your new air conditioner.
Say you use a central cooling system, and a contractor gives you an estimated air conditioning installation cost of $3,000 for a new unit. However, when the technician arrives at your house, they find that your ductwork has cracks that let your cool air escape. The only solution is to seal the cracks, which can add several hundred dollars to your total bill.
This is just one example of additional costs you may face. Other upgrades that Glastonbury homeowners might need to pay for during air conditioning installation include:
- A new thermostat
- Air duct replacement
- A new furnace or heating system
If you want to avoid additional air conditioning setup charges, it’s vital to take care of your HVAC system. Schedule regular maintenance of your air conditioner and ductwork inspections, especially if you notice a spike in your energy costs. You could have leaky ducts that prevent cool air from entering your home.
Schedule Affordable Air Conditioning Installation Services in Glastonbury, CT
Once you can narrow down your air conditioning installation cost depending on the type of unit you get, you need a professional contractor to set up the system. SM Mechanical Services, LLC can install your new unit for you and make sure that your HVAC costs remain affordable. We have years of experience installing all types of cooling systems and will gladly equip your Glastonbury home with a new, energy-efficient unit.
To schedule an air conditioning installation or other HVAC service, call SM Mechanical Services, LLC at (860) 530-2792.