Whats the average cost for a central air setup?

[ripsnortMN]

I have an older two story house. I have a forced air natural gas furnace. Do any of you guys know what it would cost to get central air installed in my house. The house has a 100amp service. Not sure if that would matter or not.

 

[danski0224]

Load calculation?

Desired equipment efficiency?

Will the ductwork support AC?

Do you want it done right or hacked in?

Probably between $1,000.00 and $10,000.00.

 

[Riley]

Look for a "hybrid" or dual fuel split system. It will allow you to keep your furnace and still use a heat pump when it is cost effective to do so. If its cost effective you might also go for a straight a/c and retain the furnace. It really depends on what power sources cost in your area. It varies widely.

A full, reasonable system (efficiency is not always worth maximizing) will be in the 3-5K range for components, install varies depending on your ability. Wiring, pipe brazing and system evacuation and charging is probably best left to pros, but building the pad, running pvc vents and other manual labor might reduce the costs. You may be able to reuse the existing ducts depending on the airflow requirements for the new system. Shop around for an installer that you will be comfortable with, price is not all there is to consider.

 

[oltruckag]

If your furnace has uninsulated ductwork (most heat only systems are) your looking at replacing all of it. You don't give house size or age so I'm going to make some assumptions (I'm in GA, so they will be sized for a hot/humid climate).

Lets assume 2400 sqft - 1200 per floor. Off the cuff I'm gonna say cooling needed is 4 ton. Could be a bit undersized, but it'll help with humidity.

You're looking at ~2,000 to 6,000 for the equipment, depending on SEER rating and manufacture. I like Goodman/Amana - the 14seer distinction series is now coming w/a lifetime warranty on the condenser and furnace.

Labor is going to be the big variable - that's probably going to be another $2,000~$5000 depending on access, line set routing, amount of ductwork, etc. From a few hundred miles away I'd probably put most of the estimates your going to get from $7,500 to $14,000 installed.

Get multiple estimates - compare equipment warranty and how long the contractor has been in business. Since you do not have A/C now, make sure anyone quoting they system sizes it by doing a load calc. The tonnage you need will depend heavily on wall construction, insulation, siding, the number and type of windows (and which way they face).

Under cooled isn't nearly as big an issue as over cooled. An over cooled space will feel cold & clammy. Under cooled will be fine most of the time, but will not be able to keep up on unusually warm days.

Good luck and keep us posted on any quotes you get. Its interesting to see the range of prices in different parts of the country.

 

[csp]

If your furnace has uninsulated ductwork (most heat only systems are) your looking at replacing all of it.

That's another regional thing. Nobody has insulated ductwork (I'm referring to residential applications) around here unless the ductwork is in an unconditioned space like an attic or crawlspace.

 

[danski0224]

Insulating the basement ducting in a residential application would be a good idea.

It isn't done because the builders are too cheap.

 

[fireguy]

Insulating the basement ducting in a residential application would be a good idea.

It isn't done because the builders are too cheap.

It isn't done because the end owner is too cheap.

 

[danski0224]

It isn't done because the end owner is too cheap.

When a home is built, unless the buyers have any input, the builder decides what the mechanical systems cost.

Typically, that means lowest bid gets the job.

 

[ersatzs2]

Just a data point: I just got a bid to add A/C to garage which is 1200sf plus loft. It already has a forced air heating system. Price was $5500.00 I have four 30amp fuses, one to each of 4 220v outlets. I will have to sacrifice one of those. It's a 200amp service.

 

[Coach James]

I was quoted today $4300 for a 3 ton, 13 seer York heat pump installed. It would be replacing an old heat pump. price on a 15 seer was $5600 but that also has a 30% tax credit.

I'm in North Carolina, prices may be way different in your locale.

Coach

 

[Falcon67]

We took bids here recently for 2.5 and 3 ton heat/air units. Single story 1500 sq ft ish. $3500~4500 for regular (not mondo SEER) equipment, gas heat. And that was with me doing the electrical and attic framing for siting the equipment.

 

[Slip_Kid]

If the hot air system is not too old it can be done using the original duct-work. A cooling coil would be added to the top of the hot air furnace with the condensing unit located outside. If this can be done it would save you some money.