Save Money With This Central Air Installation Cost Breakdown

Liam Johnson

By Liam Johnson

30 Jan. 2025

8 min read

Central Air Installation Cost Calculator
Photo: @d_air_conditioning

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    Home is the most comfortable place where we all look forward to returning after a hectic day, and perfect temperature is one of the elements that contribute to comfort.HVAC ensures a balanced temperature. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning) is a system that helps in maintaining the right temperature indoors and also improves the air quality and humidity. Having an HVAC reduces energy consumption, which eventually saves electricity bills. Here, in this article we will learn more about the installation cost calculator of the central air conditioning.

    HVAC Installation

    Installation of the HVAC system includes adding a new furnace and AC unit. The price of HVAC installation depends on the size of the house, ductwork length, size, type, and brand of the HVAC system installed. There are various types of packages that give options to choose the type of installation. Following are the three types of HVAC installation packages.

    • HVAC Change Out:- If you choose HVAC change-out, it will cost you $5,000 to $11,000. This involves replacing the main components without removing the old ductwork. This installation typically takes 1 day. Only opt for a change-out package when your ductwork is in excellent condition.

    • HVAC Installation With Ductwork- The HVAC installation with ductwork costs around $7,000 to $16,000. HVAC installation with ductwork takes 3 to 5 days and can last for 10 to 20 years.

    • HVAC Installation With Add-ons-  Going for certain packages of HVAC installation with add-ons can cost you around $9,500 to $18,500 and will take 4-7 days. Apart from this, you can go for optional add-ons that include a zoning system, house humidifier, or UV light filter. Adding optional things will cost accordingly by the end.

    Central Air Installation Cost

    Let's have a look at the cost of the HVAC unit as well as the additional cost that includes labor, Furnace cost, Heating cost and other essential things.

    HVAC Unit Costs Low Cost  High Cost
    Ductless mini-split  $2,000 $14,500
    Window AC unit $150 $550
    Whole-house fan  $900 $3,600
    Central Air  $3,900 $7,900

    Mini-Split Ductless AC

    The setup for mini-split ductless AC will cost around $2,000 to $14,500. This comes with outdoor condensers and indoor units that cool individual zones. The cost depends on the number of zoned areas in your home.

    AC Unit for Window

    Window air conditioning units cost between $150 to $550 on an average level. The charges for professional installation are included in the above-mentioned cost only. You can also opt for a DIY method that can save you money to an extent. The window AC unit works well for individual rooms and for small apartments.

    Whole House Fan System

    A whole house fan system can sometimes be called an exhaust fan and can usually be placed in your attic. It creates a negative pressure by pushing hot air out of your home, and if your windows are open, that negative pressure pulls fresh air from the outside, making your home feel cool.

    A whole house fan system can cost anywhere between $900 to $2500, which is variable depending on the space you choose for installation. Besides, this price may rise due to add-on features such as multiple fan speeds, shutters, and additional home insulation.

    Central Air Conditioner

    Central Air Conditioner
    Photo: @hitakshiairconditioner

    The cost of central air conditioners depends on the size of your home and the amount of ductwork. On an average basis, it can cost you around $3,900 to $7,900. If your home is in a humid and hot region, then installation of central air conditioners is the best option as they protect your home from moisture and keep the temperature cool inside.

    Furnace Costs

    Following  are the costs of different types of furnaces used while installing HVAC.

    Furnace Type  Cost 
    Electric  $1,700-$7,100
    Gas $3,800-$10,000
    Oil  $3,800-$10,000

    Electric Furnace

    An electric furnace does the job in warm climates, and installation of electric furnaces can cost you around $1,700 to $7,100. And if you are looking to install new ductwork as well then consider the additional average cost of $500 to $2,000.

    Gas Furnace

    If you are looking the installation the gas furnace for an average-sized home without including new ductwork, gas lines, or thermostats, it will end up costing you approximately $3,800 to $10,000. Gas furnaces tend to heat the home in cold weather and also help to save on electricity bills.

    Oil Furnace

    Oil furnaces are popular in the places where the natural gas and propane lines are not available. If you are living in that kind of area and want to opt for oil furnaces, it can cost you around  $3,800 to $10,000.

    Costing of Heat Pumps

    The following are the costs of different types of heat pumps.

    Heat Pump Type Cost 
    Heat Pump  $4,200-$7,600
    Geothermal  $4,450-$24,450
    Air Source  $4,500-$8,000
    Hybrid  $2,500-$10,000
    Solar  $18,000-$39,000
    Supplement Electric  $2,500- $6,000

    Heat Pump

    Heat pumps are mostly used in colder regions, but now they are becoming common across the country. The cost behind the installation of a heat pump depends on the capacity of units and also the requirement of duct you have. This will end up costing you between $4,200 to $7,600.

    Geothermal Heat Pump

    Geothermal Heat Pump
    Photo: @ohmconnect

    A geothermal heat pump is a long-lasting investment costing around $4,450 to $24,450, which has a duration of five to ten years due to energy savings.

    Air Source

    Air source is one the most popular varieties in heat pumps which costs between $4,500 to $8,000. This works by extracting heat from the outside and distributing it inside during winters and vice versa for summers.

    Hybrid

    These hybrid heat pumps offer a versatile solution by combining a heat pump with a secondary heating system, which has a cost range from $2,500 to $10,000.

    Solar

    Selecting solar power for air sources leads to substantial long-term electric bill savings. Opting for this option will cost you  around $18,000 to $39,000.

    Conclusion

    The article has provided the cost breakdown of central air installation with every aspect of costing. As well the different types of HVAC have been explored too. So, now you can make the right decision according to your needs and also consider your home requirements.

    FAQs

    What can be the best time of the year to replace an AC?

    Either spring or fall these both will end up being the best time of the year for replacing the AC.

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