King George, Va – Noisy equipment, excessive humidity within the home and a unit older than 10 years are among the top reasons to replace your central air conditioning, according to Energy Star, a U.S. government program promoting energy efficiency. The cost to replace your central air depends greatly on home specifications and can vary by thousands of dollars. Manufacturing, efficiency, installation fees, size of your home and whether you purchase an extended warranty all influence the cost. Month-to-month energy bills and special requirements of your family, such as a need for allergy filtration, should also be factored into the final price tag. An accredited contractor can work with you to determine the best central air conditioning system for your home. Check with the Air Conditioning Contractors of America for an accredited contractor near you.
Specifications
Perhaps the first step to determining the cost of replacing a central air conditioning unit is evaluating the specifications necessary for the size and dimensions of your home. Decide if your current unit adequately cools your entire home or if you require a larger unit. Your air conditioning unit should be sized according to the square footage and layout of your home. For example, at the time of publication, the Central Air Conditioning Prices website rates a 1.5-ton, 18,000 Btu air conditioning unit and coil at $710, while a 5-ton, 60,000 Btu unit and coil is listed at $1,640, excluding installation. A unit that is too small will run constantly to keep a home cool, thus increasing your monthly energy bill. Northern AC provides a free central air conditioning conversion calculator on its website to help you determine the central air conditioning unit that best meets your needs.
Manufacturer
Central air conditioners range from the most basic to high-efficiency units, which have a higher price tag. A basic central air conditioner may be less expensive upfront, but you could pay more in the long run through higher monthly energy bills, whereas an energy-efficient unit may cost more on the outset, but your monthly bills will be lower. Research brands, get several estimates and work with a contractor to make an informed decision on a purchase.
Installation and labor
Most states require that central air conditioning units be installed by licensed contractors, meaning the cost to replace your unit may include installation and labor fees. If installation and labor fees are included in the price, expect to pay anywhere from $2,650 to $15,600 for installation of a central air conditioning system as of 2013.
Warranty
Most central air conditioning units come with two- to five-year warranties. Extended warranties can be purchased for an additional price — usually for several hundred dollars — and the longer the warranty, the higher the price. Ask your contractor how long you have to make a decision on purchasing an extended warranty. Some manufacturers sell extended warranties within 30 to 90 days of installation, and then the option expires.
Efficiency
The U.S. government encourages homeowners to install high-efficiency central air conditioning systems and offers incentives that include rebates and tax credits for the purchase of qualified products. Americans can cut their monthly energy bills by a third by installing energy efficient appliances, including central air conditioning units.
