How Much Does Central Air Conditioning Cost To Install
Wondering how central air installation works? We'll explain key phases, what's involved at each step and all-time practices for working with a pro.
Nigh all homes built in the U.S. have air conditioning of some type. Whether y'all're considering central air for a new build, replacing an existing unit of measurement or retrofitting an existing dwelling house for the first time, here is some background and insight to help you understand the procedure.
Definitions
Before we starting time, let's go over a few terms yous need to know.
Central air conditioner
A central air conditioner cools air in one location, then uses the air treatment capabilities of the furnace to distribute that cool air throughout the dwelling house. This distinguishes information technology from window or wall air conditioners or mini-split up systems, all of which cool relatively small areas and rely on multiple units to cool the whole firm.
In the U.South., most single-family homes with central air accept a split system. This means the unit of measurement is split into two key components, an evaporator curlicue inside the domicile and a compressor exterior.
Heat pumps are another course of central ac. But for this article, we're focusing on projects that connect central air to a furnace. If you are considering a rut pump, note the pricing and steps involved will be different.
Sizing
When discussing air conditioners, you'll oftentimes hear "size" mentioned. This refers to cooling power of the ac unit, not the physical dimensions.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals use a measure chosen a British thermal unit (Btu), the energy required to lower the temperature of a pound of water past 1 degree Fahrenheit. In their colloquial, 12,000 Btu is described as a ton. Then a ii.5 ton air conditioner equals 30,000 Btu.
Efficiency
Efficiency is measured as the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). Higher SEER units are more efficient, ordinarily past employing a 2-stage compressor and variable-speed blower. In both instances, this means the air conditioner volition eat less energy when the temperature is lower.
Central Air Installation: Can I DIY?
We're large fans of the DIY ethos here at Family Handyman. But we also recognize that some projects should only be tackled by professionals or DIYers with all-encompassing previous experience.
For the vast majority of homeowners, key air conditioning installation involves too many specialized skills and besides high a risk of failure to attempt without professional help. This is due to the skills required, the bureaucratic wrangling of permits, licensing requirements and the potential voiding of warranties if you install the components incorrectly.
If you accept your centre set on DIY, you lot can do virtually of the piece of work yourself. But treatment the refrigerant will require a licensed pro. And in some locations, merely a licensed electrician tin connect the electrical to the service panel.
Working With Professional HVAC Installers
When talking to contractors, ask questions to learn how they'll approach the project. And pay attending to the questions they're request you lot! An installer should enquire clarifying questions so your choices and preferences volition be reflected in their judge and the finished product.
Planning
Installing central air conditioning is a big project, and doing it right ways investing some time in planning. Ask your contractor to review their process, and verify that they'll be handling any required permits or other essential paperwork.
Talk to your contractor about how much you prioritize energy efficiency versus upfront cost. This is also a not bad time to go over the location of the condenser unit and what kind of thermostat yous'd like.
Sizing
Your contractor volition assistance identify the proper size primal air conditioner for your dwelling house. This is essential considering a unit that's too small volition run about constantly, while a unit that's too big will cool the house also fast and shut down earlier completing a full cycle.
In the latter scenario, the rapid on/off is rough on the system. It can cause the evaporator ringlet to freeze over, and a frozen curlicue won't permit air to circulate. That means an oversized air conditioner tin really be less constructive at cooling than an undersized unit.
To make up one's mind the correct unit for your dwelling house, your HVAC installer volition perform a calculation called a "Manual-J." This will cover all the factors we've discussed and more, giving the nigh authentic sizing possible.
Still, we know that many homeowners want a rough thought of what size they demand in accelerate. So hither's a "back-of-the napkin" estimate of key air conditioner size: Multiply the square footage of your domicile'due south conditioned space by 25 to give you the Btu required, then split up past 12,000 to become the tonnage.
Remember, though, this is only a crude approximate, and there are many variables. If the get-go floor of your home has 12-pes-tall ceilings, the air conditioner will have more than air to cool. And if y'all have lots of southern-exposure windows, they'll be more sun and natural heat to deal with.
Estimates
Once you've gone over the bones programme and discussed model options, the contractor should give y'all an judge. As ever, go estimates in writing from multiple vendors. The simply exception would exist if you're putting air-conditioning into a new build, since your architect likely will handle it.
Whether dealing with a builder or contained HVAC contractor, don't be afraid to enquire clarifying questions or request expense breakouts. Even if the contractor can't itemize everything, they should be willing to communicate enough to make you more comfortable with the process.
The Central Air Installation Process
The installation should take about a day to complete. Below is a summary of the master steps.
- Duct work installation or modification
- For homes with existing furnaces or air conditioning, any duct work should be minimal, usually no more than an additional return line.
- If yous practice need to have ducts installed, piece of work with your contractor to find ways to hide them in closets or soffits to avoid extensive drywall repairs.
- For new builds, duct piece of work should be completed before the drywall is installed.
- Interior unit of measurement
- The evaporator coil fits inside the furnace plenum.
- The plenum is the section of the furnace on either side of the air handler, where air is brought in and sent back out into the house.
- The evaporator coil will go into the supply plenum, which tin be thought of as the "outflow" of the furnace.
- The evaporator coil fits inside the furnace plenum.
- Exterior unit of measurement
- The placement of the exterior unit is determined past a few factors, including:
- The length of run to the interior unit and electrical service panel;
- How level the footing is;
- How close the noisy exterior unit of measurement will be to windows or doors;
- Code-required distances from gas or water meters (refer to your local building department for specifics).
- The placement of the exterior unit is determined past a few factors, including:
- Connect the line ready
- The 2 halves of a split arrangement are connected by a pair of copper pipes, which form the path the refrigerant volition cycle through.
- The path of the line fix will largely be determined by the most direct route from the evaporator to the condenser.
- If you have any concerns almost the route, bring them up to the contractor equally early in the process as possible.
- The penetration to the exterior should be sealed to prevent water infiltration.
- Connect the Electrical Supply
- The condenser unit of measurement volition need an exterior shutoff installed.
- The electrical line volition run from the condenser to the shutoff, and from the shutoff to the electric service panel.
- If your circuit panel is already maxed out, y'all may need to upgrade information technology to handle the boosted load of the air conditioner.
- If the project was planned properly, any work on the panel should already be included in the projection estimate.
- There will also exist a low-voltage wire connecting the condensing unit to the furnace so it can be controlled by the thermostat.
- Condensate Drain Line
- All air conditioners generate condensation, much like the sides of a glass of ice water. That condensation needs to be drained.
- Units located in a basement typically run to a floor bleed.
- Units located in attics may pipe water outside, or may utilize a bleed pan that allows water to evaporate — the same way refrigerators allow condensation to evaporate.
- Thermostat
- If you lot're installing cardinal air conditioning in a new build, you lot'll need to choose a thermostat.
- If you're installing central air conditioning into an existing home, you may need to upgrade the thermostat to one that can command cooling as well.
- This is one step of the process that'due south a neat place for a little DIY effort.
- Some homeowners purchase a bare-basic thermostat for the install, and then upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat on their own.
How Much Does Key Air Installation Cost?
As with any large project, prices vary depending on local marketplace and the specifications of the job. A typical split system central air installation using an existing furnace should cost between $3,000 and $5,500 for labor and materials. On average that toll will be split almost 60/40, with the majority falling under labor.
It'south possible to buy the Air-conditioning system on your own and ask an HVAC pro to install it for you. But proceed in listen you'll likely exist paying total retail instead of getting a commercial discount, then the overall cost of the job may not exist any less than the contractor's estimate. You'll also have to do the sizing on your own, and you'll bear the responsibility if there are whatsoever issues with the equipment.
If you're replacing an existing primal air conditioning system, look an additional charge to remove and dispose of the former system and refrigerant, probably in the $150 to $200 range. If y'all're installing a furnace and ac, the cost of each component will usually be discounted, although the overall cost of the task will be college.
Conclusion
Installing a central air conditioner is a peachy way to boost the value of your dwelling while maintaining a comfortable environment for you and your loved ones. It's a complicated installation, simply hopefully this overview helps yous understand the process.
Don't hesitate to inquire questions of your installer along the manner to make sure your central air conditioner installation goes as smoothly as possible!
Source: https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/central-air-installation-guide/
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