How Disruptive is a Central Air Conditioning Installation?
When temperatures soar during the summer months, many people wish they had central air conditioning in their homes. However, many are hesitant to make the call and have central air conditioning installed. Why is it that some people shy away from committing to an HVAC installation for their building? The biggest reason is apprehension over the installation process itself. It’s not that people don’t want central air conditioning—they just worry that the setting up will be more complicated than they could anticipate. It’s a bit silly when you think about it: instead of worrying about the complexities, why not just educate yourself about them beforehand?
That’s what we’re aiming to do with this article. We’re going to take a good honest look at the realities of having central air conditioning installed in your building so that you can determine whether it’s right for you. We’ll look primarily at the two factors that customers find most inconvenient—time and money. Then we’ll assess the reasonability of those concerns.
How Long Does HVAC Installation Take?
Because central air conditioning is a system that affects your entire home, most people assume that the average installation time will be comparable to other major home renovation projects, like installing hardwood floors or repainting. However, many HVAC companies will be able to install a new system in just a couple of days. Some companies may even be able to offer single-day installations, subject to the size of your home and the existing heating or cooling infrastructure. It will vary depending on the contractors you choose, but it’s certainly possible to have your new system installed within a single day. This means you won’t need to worry too much about the time that central air conditioning installation will take.
The Costs of Installing Central Air Conditioning
If people aren’t worried about time, they’re usually worried about money. Many people want central air conditioning but are unsure what a proper installation will cost them. Again, this is because installation costs can vary widely from case to case. Smaller homes and lower-quality units may cost less than larger homes and premium cooling systems, but the long-term savings of a good central air conditioner usually offset those initial expenses. Remember, you want your air-conditioner to be a good long term investment, so being prepared to spend a bit of additional money at the front end can serve you well down the road.
Onto the costs, themselves. Central air conditioning units can range from under two thousand to over five thousand dollars, but we recommend brands that mix quality with economy, like Carrier. A Carrier cooling system usually runs from $3900 to $4900, which isn’t the cheapest you can go for a system—but Carrier products are also well known for being energy efficient, and it’s easy to find replacement parts for them. These factors can significantly reduce headaches caused by breakdowns and repairs in the future.
The cost of the unit itself isn’t the only thing you’ll have to consider. You’ll also have to pay for the labor performed by the contractor who installs your unit. The size and location of your system can affect installation costs, as well as any other parts that you might need, such as ducts or vents. While we’re on the subject, it’s important to note that adding ductwork to your home may also increase the time that it takes to install your system. If you’re starting from scratch you can add on at least a day or two to the length of time it will take to complete the job.
To find the ballpark of what your HVAC installation will cost, you can use an online calculator, or call a company in your area and ask for a quote. Generally speaking, a 1000 square foot home can cost anywhere between $6000 to $12000, so doing your research and finding the best value for your money is important.
Bottom Line
In the end, the largest hurdle standing between you and a new HVAC system is less likely to be time than it is to be money. We’ll be honest with you: HVAC technology is complicated, and it’s always going to require an investment. That said though; you can alleviate much of the potential expense of installing central air conditioning by comparison shopping for a cost-effective unit, and doing some researchers on the contractors you choose. Choosing a Carrier model will get you a lot of functionality and energy efficiency for the money you spend while asking for a quote, can save you from choosing overly expensive labor during the installation itself.
Remember: you have some control over your installation, so don’t be afraid of central air conditioning. Just educate yourself on the factors involved, go in with a clear head, and you should find that you’re able to have your new system installed with minimal disruption to your routine or your finances. Contact us for more information.