Okay, the part you’ve all been waiting for! The description of HVAC installation cost. If you skipped down to this part, then the answer is, “no.” Scroll up and read the section before – you must earn this! Besides, it’s important information for following the prices below.
The HVAC installation costs below are based on residential installations only, and are priced for a single unit. Two units should be about twice the price. “Tim, shouldn’t there be a discount?” If people start giving you discounts, they are probably charging you too much to begin with – that’s our philosophy anyway. Twice the parts and time should be twice the price from a fair contractor. The prices listed include component parts (with warranty), labor, and all materials for a complete HVAC installation.
- Important Tip: Don’t just pay attention to the high end of the price range! – which is what I know you are all looking at, but also look at the low range. If a contractor is cheaper than this, ask “why?” Usually it is because they don’t have liability insurance, workman’s compensation insurance, are unlicensed, all of the above, or worst yet, they don’t use HVAC technicians. You are spending a lot of money – make sure that they are licensed. Virginia has a big problem with people stealing new equipment off of construction sites and passing themselves off as HVAC contractors. Also make sure they use real HVAC technicians, not unskilled laborers – otherwise you’ll pay more in the long run. As an example, 30-40% of our residential business is from fixing improperly installed HVAC units from “bargain contractors!” Just a thought…pay the money to have a pro do it. It will cost you less in the long run and it will be done right.
Typical Price Range for a New HVAC Installation.
I divided new HVAC installation cost into three groups: first, the Change-Out, which is an installation of just your HVAC components without the ductwork; Full Installation, which is the installation of all HVAC equipment including ductwork; and finally, Full Installation with Features, which is a full installation with additional features such as a zoning system or media filter.
Change-Out HVAC Installation Cost
Price-Range: $6,000 to $8,800
Typical Job Time: 1 Day
A simple change-out should range in price from $6,000 to $8,800, depending on which unit you go with and any added features.
- Tip – Be careful with change-outs. Ductwork deteriorates and usually has to be replaced, and it is only if the ductwork is in fantastic condition that you should get a change-out without ductwork. Remember – the ductwork has already been there for 15-20 years, and now it will be there another 15-20…it has to be in good shape). However, many HVAC installation companies like to push change-outs because the ductwork is the most time consuming part of the job, and a change-out is quick, easy money. Realize that it’s only about 15-20% of the jobs that qualify for a change-out, so be careful.
- If anyone is doing a change-out for less than $6,000…RUN…
Full HVAC Installation Cost
Price Range: $9,200 to $12,300
Typical Job Time: 2-3 Days
A Full Installation is the most common type of HVAC installation for a reputable contractor. The ductwork adds two days of labor and about $2,000 to $3,000 to the price, but realize that this is a very important part of your HVAC system. Although it might sound like a good idea to reduce HVAC installation cost and get a quick change-out, realize that there is dirt and debris collecting in your ducts and the ducts themselves develop holes and full breaks over the lifetime of your unit, all of which may be hidden from sight by insulation. Remember, many contractors will push a quick change-out on you because it is easy and good money for them – you need to be involved and ask questions.
Cost of Full HVAC Installation with Additional Features
Price Range: $13,100 to $17,000 (to infinity if you keep adding and changing things)
Typical Job Time: 3-5 Days
The sky is the limit. I am a big fan of adding zoning systems, but realize that this will typically add $2,300 to $3,500 (or more) to the price. “Why a price range, isn’t it just a part?” No, the part then has to be installed, and the customized ductwork required will vary based on the difficulty of the job and layout of your attic. It is very labor intensive, and most people don’t even do it right. It should also include a bypass damper and ductwork! Simply put, the more you add, the more it will affect your HVAC installation cost.
https://cmrva.com/services/heating-system-installation/
