As spring progresses and summer quickly approaches, our temperatures are already reaching a point that we need our air conditioners on a regular basis. Soon enough, you’ll depend on it to keep you comfortable each and every day. If you’re using a central air conditioning system, you’ve hopefully already had maintenance performed on it to ensure that the entire system is clean, parts that need it are adjusted, and any repair needs that exist are on your schedule.
But, what if you were told, or you suspect, that it’s time to replace your cooling system? Well, we encourage you to take some time with this decision as you don’t want to rush out and buy the cheapest AC system you can find—but getting the biggest one your budget can handle may be just as detrimental to the overall performance of the system throughout its service life.
How Much Does a New Central AC Cost?
The short answer to this is “it depends,” because it really does depend on a variety of factors. For instance, what if you decide your central air conditioner isn’t the best system for your home? Would you prefer a ductless system instead? Well, you should know then that this installation will cost more, due to the minor construction needed to install each of the air handlers.
But overall, the efficiency of a different type of cooling system can help bring down your monthly costs, paying you back for that initial purchase over time. Our team is happy to help you make an educated decision about what’s best for your home and budget. We’ve also provided some other cost factors, below.
- System Efficiency: This is probably the most important factor you should consider when getting a new central air conditioner installed. Each AC system comes with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating, which tells you that system’s level of efficiency. In most areas, the lowest SEER you can find is about 14, while the highest goes above 20. Naturally, the highest rated system is going to run the most efficiently, however you want to ensure that system is well matched to your specific home and budgetary needs.
- Ductwork: If you do choose to replace your central air conditioner with the same kind of system, you’ll need to make sure your air ducts are in good shape. Were they professionally installed? Are there any loose connections, damage, pinhole leaks? If conditioned air is escaping through ductwork breaches, then your central air conditioner cannot possibly perform efficiently, and that air duct damage will need to be fixed before the air conditioner is installed—which will impact how expensive or affordable that installation is.
- Size: We alluded to this above, but bigger is not better when it comes to central air conditioning systems. If an air conditioner is too big for your home, it will go through a process called short-cycling, where it rapidly shuts off and turns off. This is very inefficient and will cause your air conditioner to wear down faster than it otherwise would.
Explore your air conditioning options by contacting Axiom Home Services, Inc. today!