AC Installation CostAverage$5,476Typical Range$3,755 and $7,252Low End - High End$1,800 to $10,500Central Air Conditioner PricesOn average, expect to pay between $1,500 and $4,000 for a central air conditioner. However, the price varies greatly depending on your needs. And installation costs can make the price soar quickly. To get an accurate idea of what you'll spend, determine the size of the unit you'll need. Then, look at different brands. Various manufacturers produce cooling units, and there are pros and cons to each. So, consult with a professional about what you need and ask about additional features that may benefit your home. Here are some manufacturers and their average costs (in alphabetical order):

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The size of your home helps determine the type of air conditioning system you will need.

Window air conditioners cost less than central units, averaging $300. These systems generally suffice to keep a room cool on warm spring and summer days. They can bring added comfort for a reasonable price but are less powerful than a central air conditioner. If you have a bigger home with multiple rooms, you will probably need to have a larger system installed. Central air can cool several rooms at once, while window AC units usually only cover one or two rooms at a time.

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Cost of Central Air for a 1,200 Square Foot House

The cost to install central air in a 1,200 square foot home sits between $3,000 and $4,000. Of course, this price varies based on the SEER rating of the unit, and whether or not the home requires ductwork installation or repair.

The larger your house, the more cooling power you'll need. However, bigger isn't better in every scenario. If the system is too large it will cycle on and off all the time, wasting energy and emitting a loud, disruptive sound. On the other hand, if the system is too small, it will run constantly and cool your house inefficiently.

Cooling professionals use a variety of computations to analyze the characteristics of your home air conditioner and determine how much air it will lose. Factoring in environmental considerations like geography and solar rays, professionals can decide which system will best cool your home. Many refer to load calculating as the Manual J methodology.

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The manufacturer's warranty covers the equipment and parts in the machine. There is also the contractor's warranty, which covers the labor for AC repairs and additional work such as encasing the air conditioner in protective metal, wiring it to the home and so on.

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An air conditioning system's SEER is especially important if you live in a climate that changes temperature dramatically. The SEER is determined by the cooling output during the winter divided by its electric input during the winter. The higher the rating, the more efficient it will be. In January of 2006, the U.S. put standards in place for cooling units which are still in effect today. They must have a minimum SEER of 13. So, if you live in a home with a system installed before the new standards went into effect, consider having it replaced. SEER 13 units increase home efficiency by 30 percent.

An EER certifies the cooling efficiency of HVAC units. It's calculated by the rate of the cooling in British thermal units (Btus) per hour and divided by the rate of energy input in watts at a specific temperature. The calculation goes as BtuH/WATT at dry bulb (db) versus wet bulb (wb) temperatures. The optimal rating for a cooling unit is about 80db/67wb inside and 95db/75wb outside.

Depending on the project, it can take 1 to 5 or more days for a pro to install central air conditioning. AC replacements take more time, as do projects with extensive ductwork repairs or installations. This extra time can range anywhere from an additional day to another week!

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Excerpt from:
2019 Central Air Conditioner Costs | Cost to Install New ...

Several factors can increase the cost of your air conditioner installation. If you need a new thermostat, for example, or if the design of your house is such that substantial amounts of duct work are required to link with your existing furnace, you'll pay more than average.

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio(SEER) is also a critical factor. This ratio is a measure of an A/C unit's total cooling output (measured in BTU) during a season, divided by its total electric energy input. The higher the resulting number, the better. Currently, allunits sold are over 13 SEER, and some can perform at up to 27 SEER.

The advantages of improved SEER ratings are lowered energy costs and cooling times, but they come with a corresponding cost increase. If your hot season isn't particularly long, the increased price may not be worth it.

It's also possible to quiet a noisy air conditioner. Louder units can run over 80 decibels on a hot day, which is painful up close. Many municipalities have passed laws that require new installations to be under a certain decibel level. At 75 decibels, for example, you'll probably hear the unit from the garage or through a window on the same side of the house, while at 70 it will begin to fade into background noise. Most popular brands offer high-efficiency, low-noise models for an increased price.

Air conditioning costs depend in large measure on whom you hire, what size system you need and your A/C unit's overall efficiency.

Editor's note:This is an updated version of an article originally posted on June 17, 2013.

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How Much Does It Cost To Install A New Central A/C Unit ...

SE Wisconsin and Milwaukees HVAC Service Experts!

For more than a decade, Capital Heating & Cooling has been a trusted choice for quality HVAC services in Milwaukee, WI and throughout SE Wisconsin, including Brookfield, Wauwatosa, New Berlin, Waukesha, West Allis, and MenomoneeFalls, WI. We provide both residential and commercial heating and cooling services, and our team can handle projects of any scope. Our experienced, certified HVAC techs have the local expertise to provide flawless installations and quality repairs for furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, boilers, heat pumps, dryer vents and air ducts. Plus, were one of only a few Milwaukee HVAC companies in the area that is available 24/7, so you wont be left in the cold if your units break down in the middle of the night, or left in the heat if your AC unit breaks in the day!

Our award-winning company offers top-rated brands with a proven track record of long-lasting performance. We also provide annual maintenance programs to keep your AC & furnace units in excellent working order and to prevent unexpected and costly repairs. For all of your HVAC needs in Milwaukee County or Waukesha County, call on the customer-focused heating, ventilation, and cooling services of Capital Heating & Cooling.

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Milwaukee's #1 HVAC Services: Repair and Install | Capital ...

Erie County Heating and Cooling Services

Since 1946, Vastola Heating & Cooling has provided expert heating and air conditioning service to customers in Erie County, NY and the surrounding areas. Were a family-owned business that is licensed, bonded, and insured. While serving the region, we have achieved an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and we work hard to maintain it.

Our technicians are also NATE Certified. As a result, you can be confident that you will be receiving quality heating and air conditioning service when you choose us.

At Vastola Heating & Cooling, we make every effort to assist residents and businesses in Erie County with their heating challenges. Our heating service involves system analysis and diagnosis, along with recommendations for solutions. After recommending the best solution for your problem and getting your approval, well work quickly to fix the issue.

Our trained technicians are experts at installing top brands like Carrier, Generac, Lennox, Mitsubishi, Rheem, and Rinnai. Theyre not limited to just that though, they can work on any make or model. The heating units we offer are both energy-efficient and cost-effective. Our installation team will take precise measurements to ensure proper installation so that you can enjoy your new furnace without interruption. We accept both small and large repair requests, so call now!

Summers in Erie County, NY and the surrounding areas can get hot. Thats why we offer speedy and top-quality air conditioning services. Our technicians will come to your home or business to diagnose your air conditioners problem and work with you to come to the best solution.

We know that the quality of the air in your home or office is important. Thats why well do our best to fix any problem as fast as possible at a price that works for you.

If you need a complete home energy assessment or want to sign up for a maintenance plan, we can arrange for one of our technicians to meet with you. We also service and install generators, which can help you stay comfortable even when the power is out. Your satisfaction is important to us, and thats why we strive to complete every repair or installation job with efficiency.

You dont have to wait a long time when you contact Vastola Heating & Cooling in Erie County. We provide 24-hour emergency repair service, so you never have to be without heat or air. Our flexible service payment options and discounts also make our company one of the best options to choose for heating and air conditioning repair in the Orchard Park and the surrounding areas. Call today to schedule a visit from one of our technicians!

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Heating & Cooling Erie County, NY | 24/7 Emergency Service

With industry leaders such as Daikin to supply and our qualified installers to install, you will have a complete heating and cooling solution. These systems are highly efficient and provide the perfect heating and cooling option for your whole house. The system consists of an indoor unit which will be in either the ceiling or underfloor; an outdoor unit located in an inconspicuous location and flexible ducting connected to vents allowing warm or cool air flow throughout your home. This will give you the same temperature all year round.

A very popular choice by our customers is to install a split system to heat or cool individual rooms or medium to large areas. They are also installed in rental properties. We can supply many brands Daikin, Toshiba, Mitsubishi, Carrier and Fujitsu. A split system will have a wall mounted indoor unit and an outdoor unit. Some models are controllable with an app on your smart phone.

If you need split systems in a few rooms but lack outdoor space, it might suit you better to have one outdoor unit and up to 5 indoor units. As with the split systems, these will both heat and cool.

A roof mounted cassette system can be an alternative to a wall mounted split system and still provide comfortable heating and cooling to one room or five rooms. These are great for medium to large size areas including showrooms.

We supply ducted vacuum systems from two of the leading brands in the industry Cyclo Vac and Premier Clean. Our team are equipped to install our range of ducted vacuum systems for all new homes under construction. We also offer kits which are suitable for do-it-yourself installation in already built homes.

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A geothermal heat pump can save money on energy but costs a lot to install

A geothermal heat pump can save you so much money in energy costs (while helping the environment) that you will be tempted to install one immediately. However, consider the geothermal heat pump cost because it is expensive to install that you will be tempted to forget the whole thing. Read on to learn about some of the pros and cons of geothermal energy.

Your fridge removes heat from its interior and transfers it to your kitchen. A geothermal heat pump uses the same principle, but it transfers heat from the ground to your house (or vice versa). It does this through long loops of underground pipes filled with liquid (water or an antifreeze solution). The loops are hooked up to a geothermal heat pump in your home, which acts as both a furnace and an air conditioner.

During the heating season, the liquid pulls heat from the ground and delivers it to the geothermal heating and cooling unit and then to refrigerant coils, where the heat is distributed through a forced-air or hydronic system. During the cooling season, the process runs in reverse. The pump removes heat from your house and transfers it to the earth. Many units can provide domestic hot water as well.

A geothermal heat pump is vastly more efficient than conventional heating systems because it doesnt burn fuel to create warmth; it simply moves existing heat from one place to another. And because temperatures underground remain a relatively constant 50 degrees F year round, the system requires a lot less energy to cool your home than conventional AC systems or air-source heat pumps, which use outside air as a transfer medium.

A geothermal heat pump draws heat from the ground and releases it in your home.

Lets not sugarcoat itinstalling a geothermal system is expensive. It costs $10,000 to $30,000 depending on your soil conditions, plot size, system configuration, site accessibility and the amount of digging and drilling required. For a typical 2,000-sq.-ft. home, a geothermal retrofit ranges from $10,000 to $20,000. The system may require ductwork modifications along with extensive excavation. In a new home, installation costs would be on the lower end. Even so, a geothermal system will cost about 40 percent more than a traditional HVAC system.

Recouping these costs through energy savings could take as little as four years or as long as 15 years depending on utility rates and the cost of installation. It takes some homework and professional estimates to figure out whether a geothermal system makes financial sense in your situation.

Much lower operating costs than other systems. A geothermal heat pump will immediately save you 30 to 60 percent on your heating and 20 to 50 percent on your cooling costs over conventional heating and cooling systems.

Uses clean, renewable energy (the sun). With a geothermal heat pump, theres no onsite combustion and therefore no emissions of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gases. Nor are there any combustion-related safety or air quality issues inside the house. (However, the pump unit uses electricity, which may be generated using fossil fuels.)

Can be installed in both new construction and retrofit situations. However, its a lot more expensive in retrofits requiring ductwork modifications.

Much quieter than other cooling systems. Theres no noisy outdoor compressor or fan. The indoor unit is generally as loud as a refrigerator.

Low maintenance and long-lived. The indoor components typically last about 25 years (compared with 15 years or less for a furnace or conventional AC unit) and more than 50 years for the ground loop. The system has fewer moving parts and is protected from outdoor elements, so it requires minimal maintenance.

Not a DIY project. Sizing, design and installation require pro expertise for the most efficient system.

Still relatively new, so there are fewer installers and less competition (which is why prices remain high).

Installation is highly disruptive to the landscape and may not be possible on some lots. Heavy drilling or digging equipment will definitely crush your prize petunias.

The three closed-loop systems shown below are the most common. There is also a less common open-loop system that circulates surface water or water from a well through the system and returns it to the ground through a discharge pipe.

The best system, loop length and design for a particular home depend on a variety of factors such as climate, soil conditions, available land, required heating and cooling load, and local installation costs at the site.

Layered coils or straight runs of polyethylene pipe are placed in 6-ft.-deep trenches. This is the cheapest underground option, but it requires a lot of open space. A 2,000-sq.-ft. house requires 400 ft. of 2-ft.-wide trenches.

A vertical system is used when space is limited. Four-inch-diameter holes are drilled about 15 ft. apart and 100 to 400 ft. deep. Two pipes are inserted and connect at the bottom.

This system draws heat from water rather than from the soil. If theres a body of water nearby, this is the lowest cost option. A blanket of water covers coils anchored on racks about 10 ft. deep.

About 100,000 geothermal cooling and heat pumps are installed in the United States each year, and according to Bob Donley, customer support manager at GeoSystems LLC in Minnesota, interest in geothermal hvac is really on the rise. In 2008 alone, the industry saw a 40 percent increase in homeowner interest. Donley says youre a good candidate for a geothermal hvac system if you:

Can stomach the upfront costs and plan to stay in your house for at least four to seven years (new construction) or 10 to 12 years (retrofit) to recoup initial costs through energy/cost savings.

Live on a large lot with a pond or a well. This would allow you to use a less expensive loop system (see Figure D).

Are building a new house and can roll the upfront costs right into the mortgage. Youll be saving on heating and cooling costs on day one.

Have an existing house with very high energy bills. This most likely means you currently use propane, oil or electricity for heating and geothermal cooling.

Excerpt from:
5 Things to Know About a Geothermal Heat Pump | The Family ...

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Tile or stone floors are great to look at, but they can be really cold to the touch - especially in winter months. One way of taking care of that problem, and also heating your home, is to install radiant floor heating.

Radiant floor heating comes from tubes running underneath your floors surface. These are heated either electronically or via heated water. It heats evenly and doesnt blow air which can kick up dust and other allergens. Also, as warm air rises, your lower body receives the comforting heat while your lungs breathe in more comfortable, slightly cooler air up higher. This kind of heating is particularly useful in rooms with vaulted ceilings.

Many homeowners may not know how extensive a project this can be and have a hard time predicting what the cost to install a radiant heating system will be. Your first step should be to talk to a reputable professional who can explain the best course of action for your particular home and who can estimate what your particular project will cost. Be warned, though, that this is a very involved project. You can expect quite a bit of disruption while its being done, but many owners say the comfort is well worth it.

As with any home improvement project, there are no true straightforward costs. There are factors that will influence your cost one way or another. Be sure to keep these factors in mind as you research the general cost of this project.

Square Footage of Flooring

The square footage of your home will help to determine the price. Oddly enough, smaller projects tend to cost more per square foot than larger ones. For example, a 5,000 square foot area could cost $5.00 per square foot while a 400 square foot area might cost $9.00 per square foot installed. This is because a larger area is usually a lot more open and easier to work in. In small areas, such as bathrooms, some people opt for a heating mat in thin-set cement instead. This is used as a supplement to existing heating systems and not as a replacement.

Large or small, the most affordable way to install the system is to do it during new construction or during an extensive remodel, when the floors will be non-existent (yet) or are being torn up anyway. This will reduce the labor costs of drilling holes in your existing flooring and other modifications.

Type of Radiant Heating

Which type of system you use will also affect the cost. There are two types of radiant heating used in residential settings: electric radiant and hydronic (hot water). Electrically heated systems cost more than hydronic systems, about $8.00 per square foot minimum. Hydronic systems cost about $6.00 per square foot minimum.

Existing Flooring

If you currently have a floor in place, the cost of drilling into or removing the existing floor will add to your cost by varying degrees depending on what kind of floor you have (stone, wood, linoleum, tile, etc.) and how large a space it is. Also, if concrete needs to be added, your floor may need additional supports for the added weight. The installation for radiant heating will be the most affordable with new construction or during a remodel when floors are already removed.

Temperature Zones

If you are installing a radiant floor heater as a whole-house system, you may find some rooms require different amounts of heat to be comfortable. This may lead you to establish temperature zones where a living room might be kept at a warmer temperature than a bedroom. Larger rooms may require more heat than smaller rooms. This will add to the complexity of the system, require more equipment, or more elaborate equipment (such as multi-zone programmable thermostats).

Normal Cost Factors

As with any contracted job, factors that will affect your overall cost include:

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Radiant heating has been around a very long time. Its invention is credited to Caius Sergius Orata, a famous Roman merchant and hydraulic engineer. His hanging floors were heated from underneath by fires tended by slaves. However, examples of a similar system predate these by about 2,000 years at the ruins of Mohenjo-Daro. Whichever the case, they greatly improved the comfort level of ancient people as they continue to do today.

Radiant heating works on the basic thermodynamic principle that says hot air rises. The lines underneath your floor generate heat by electrical or hydronic means. This heat rises up evenly from the floor, warming up the lower part of the floor and cooling gradually as it rises. Warm air is generally harder for your body to process than cool air because it has fewer oxygen molecules than cool air. With the floor warm, the bulk of your body (your legs, arms, and torso) stay comfortably warm while your nose and mouth can breathe in more oxygen-rich cool air.

Because the heat is being radiated, not blown, you should know about what types of flooring it works best with.

Worth remembering is that some floors use an adhesive to hold them in place. Make sure your adhesive is compatible with a radiant floor heater.

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For residential settings there are two types of systems that are used, electric and hydronic. (A third type exists, air, but it isnt as efficient and is mostly used in commercial and industrial settings). While the end result is the same, they deliver their heat differently.

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Electric systems are essentially a large heating pad installed beneath thin-set cement. Because they use your electricity to maintain heat, they are costlier to operate than hydronic systems, but they are more affordable to install. Also, they can often be a DIY project depending on the size of the room.

Like the hydronic system, the temperature is maintained by a thermostat. This adjusts itself throughout the day as the programming dictates, ensuring a comfortable temperature in the room or rooms.

Installing an electric system can cost from $700.00 for a bathroom to around $7,000.00 for a 1,500 square foot house. Because it can be installed as mats, the installation cost is significantly less than a hydronic system.

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Hydronic systems use ahot water boiler and then a pump to circulate that hot water through the tubing. If you are heating a small room, such as a bathroom, you might be able to tie into your existing water heater. A larger room might require its own water heater. The water heater will increase the cost of installation, but will still be one of the more affordable radiant heat options. A 50-gallon water heater can cost from $360.00 to well over $1,000.00.

Based on the programming of the thermostat, the water heater will send hot water through pipes that are installed beneath your floor to provide the warmth. The pipes used to be made of normal plumbing materials like copper. However, these pipes eventually corrode and leak. Modern systems use a flexible tubing called cross-linked polyethylene, or PEX for short. Early forms of this material used to leak oxygen and reduce the efficiency of the systems, but current PEX has been refined to remove this flaw.

Some sources state that a boiler is used instead of a water heater. The boiler contains a mixture of water and antifreeze and is most often used in very large settings such as commercial spaces or where it gets very cold. Boilers are far more expensive than water heaters, often costing around $6,000.00.

Installing a hydronic system can cost from $6,000.00 to $14,000.00. Operating costs are lower than electric systems because water conducts and holds heat very well, meaning there is less actual operating time.

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Like anything, radiant floor heating has its good points and its bad points. Here are the basics in a nutshell:

Pros

Cons

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The biggest pro about radiant floor heating is the energy savings. Radiant floor heating has many things going for it when you look at your heating bill:

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If you dont use radiant heat for your whole house, you may be considering specific rooms to use it in. Which ones are best will depend on which rooms are used more often, but here are some general guidelines:

Hallways and utilitarian rooms like laundry rooms do not necessarily need floor heating. Clearly theres no need to heat a closet floor, and putting it in an attic is practically useless. However, if you do a lot of work in the kitchen or have a rec room or playroom, you may find it more comfortable to install radiant heating here as well.

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Just because your home didnt come with radiant floor heating doesnt mean that you missed out. Almost any home can be retrofitted with a radiant floor heating system. However, the cost will vary with what kind of floor you have and how much space youre retrofitting.

Here are some other things to consider about radiant floor heating:

Cooling

While most radiant systems are thought of for heat, you can also use radiant systems for cooling. Putting them in the floor will not be very cost effective because cool air falls. The best place to install a radiant cooling system is in your ceiling. They will need some added equipment, such as a chiller and possibly a dehumidifier.

PEX

PEX, the tubing used in hydronic systems, was developed in the 1930s, but for some time it was flawed. It allowed oxygen molecules to leak in and corrode metallic components. As the processes developed, this flaw was eliminated and for about 35 years now PEX has been the go-to material for tubing in radiant heat systems. Its flexibility allows it to snake around the room and be laid closer together where more heat is needed and further apart where less is needed.

Solar

Solar heating is also being used more and more for radiant floor heating. Solar collectors have a great efficiency for supplying the heat needed. As solar panels become more and more affordable, they are sure to see greater use for many such functions.

Pre-fitted Subflooring

Finally, there is the recent development of subflooring pre-fitted with tubing channels. This reduces labor as the channels are already there for the tubing to go into without having to drill. Available as panels, some are aluminum-lined to allow for even better heat distribution. They tend to cost more, but are more efficient.

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Overall, the cost to install a radiant heating system will depend on if you're putting it into new construction or retrofitting, as well as the type of system you choose. Just make sure to talk to at least three professionals to ensure you find someone you can trust.

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2019 Radiant Heating Installation Costs | Price to Install ...

This guide has everything you need to know about installing a central air conditioner.

It will walk you through the process and terminology as you plan to have your central A/C installed.

If you want to alleviate the problem of which air conditioning system is right for you, how they work, sizing, installation and what to expect when your technicians get started, you're in the right place.

Let's face it...

When adding to an existing central heating & cooling system, central air for a 2,000 square foot home roughlycosts $3,500 to $4,000. If ducts need to be added the cost will increase.The final cost will depend on the system, additional items added and the technician's installation rates.

And whether or not you've got ductwork, adding central air is more affordable and less disruptive than you might imagine.

But you probably have a bunch of questions before you get started...

1. What actually is a central air conditoner?

The central air conditioning system found in most homes are a "split system". This typically means there is a compressor unit (outside) and an indoor coil, installed on your furnace inside the home.

2. How does a central A/C system work?

Central heating and cooling systems are separate things, but they are matched to work together. Here's what Trane and "How Stuff Works" have to say how central cooling and heating works:

How Does a Central Heating and Cooling System Work

Heating and Cooling System Basics

3. What does the term HVAC stand for?

HVAC (Heating, ventilation and air conditioning) is the technology of indoor and vehicular environmental comfort. It's goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality.

4. How often should I replace my filters? And why do I need to change my filter regularly?

Changing your furnace filter is one of the least expensive maintenance items for your home with one of the greatest benefits. They should be changed regularly to improve air quality, increase the efficiency of your furnace and extend the life of your HVAC system.

Never Forget to Replace Your Air Filter Again

How to Replace Furnace & AC Filters

5. How often should I have maintenance done on my unit?

Keeping your AC system running smoothly depends on proper maintenance and service needs.

Air Conditioning Maintenance - The Ultimate Guide

The Importance of Annual HVAC System Maintenance is Greater Than You Think

6. What size central air conditioner should I have?

Too big? It will not be energy efficient. Most will turn on quickly, cool your house, then turn off. Then repeat the same cycle.

Too small? Your A/C will constantly run trying to cool your home. This will increase the wear and tear on the unit.

Just right? a properly sized central A/C will run through the required amount of cycles to keep your house comfortable, but will not run inefficiently.

ASM (All Systems Mechanical), created a short but thorough guide on:

What Size Central Air Conditioner Do I Need for My House?

Simply put, size matters...

Go to Chapter 5 for more on sizing.

7. Should I close the registers and doors to areas of the home that I do not use on a regular basis?

The short answer - closed vents increase pressure.

Here's an excerpt from Energy Vanguard, "When you start closing vents in unused rooms, you make the duct system more restrictive. The pressure increases, and that means an ECM blower will ramp up to keep air flow up whereas a PSC blower will move less air. Most homes don't have sealed ducts either, so the higher pressure in the duct system will mean more duct leakage."

They summarize 9 unintended consequences of closing vents.

8. What is the SEER rating?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is the ratio of the amount of cooling produced (BTU) divided by the amount of electricity (watts) used.

The ratings measure an A/C unit's energy efficiency. The higher the rating, the most efficient.

The ever-present federal EnergyGuide label can help you determine a unit's SEER rating at a glance.The label helps identify high-efficiency A/C units.

9. Should a thermostat be set to "auto" or "on"?

There are pros and cons of both:

Should I Use My Thermostat's Fan "On" or "Auto" Setting

When Setting Your Thermostat, Should You Use Fan On or Auto?

Why "On" Isn't always the best choice.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of the settings?

10. What's the difference between a split and a package unit?

which leads us to the next chapter...

Whether you are a homeowner looking to upgrade your system, a homeowner looking for available options, or a business adding A/C, there are a variety of central air conditioners on the market.

1. Split System

The most common or popular is the split systems.Simply put, the split system has it's cooling parts of the unit inside the home, and it's heatingparts outside of the home. With a split system, the condenser and compressor are housed outside.

An indoor cabinet has the evaporator coil. There is also an air handler that is usually part of the furnace. This handler sends the warm or cool air through the ductwork.The most important aspect of this particular combination is matching both parts for maximum efficiency.

2. Package System

The package system is self contained - not split up - and the entire unit is installed outside at ground level, or on top of the roof.

Here's a recent photo of a "package rooftop unit" we installed for a church.

A package unit is a completelyself contained heating/coolingunit that has the blower, coil and condenser all built into one unit. Fully self-contained air conditioners are ready with refrigerant and can be used on a rooftop like in this case or ground mount.It is imperative that the unit be level for your HVAC system to operate properly and efficiently.

The older system was loud and there was no way to get a new indoor unit into the attic. The access was not big enough.

Sitting on the roof as an option will air condition the space below and fit (unlike the constricted space in the attic). It was the solution for an easy-to-install outdoor unit.

Wefigured out a way ofrouting the ducts from the unit into the attic and connecting to the existing duct system.

3. Mini-Split System

Like a split system, the mini-split system uses anoutdoor compressor/condenser linked tothe indoor air-handling unit.

The advantage of the mini-split system is that the indoor units are small and can be used to cool rooms, or zones. Also, a professional installer can create these "zones" and can hook up multiple units to oneoutdoor unit.

TheFujitsu Mini Split systemis the perfect solution for homeowners who have boiler systems, and requires the minimum amount of disruption to your home.

It offers both acentralheating & cooling systemthat is perfect for seasonal transitions, although you can use it year round.

4. Heat Pump

Installation for this type system typically consists of two parts: an indoor unit called an air handler and an outdoor unit similar to a central air conditioner, but referred to as a heat pump. As part of a central heating and cooling system, it uses the outside air to both heat a home in winter and cool it in summer.

A central air conditioner is really either a split-system or packaged unit. Choosing the right A/C system for your home is a decision you have to live with. You want to guarantee your comfort, cost-savings and optimum performance.

Today's best air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energyto produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid 1970s. Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save 20% to 40% of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. (more on energy efficiency in Chapter 6.)

"If youre thinking about adding central air conditioning to an existing house, statistics show youve got a lot of company. In fact, while air conditioning was installed in just over 60 percent of homes as recently as the early 1990s, today about 87 percent of existing U.S. residences now enjoy some form of A/C."

Griffith Energy Services reiterates ...

What's Involved When Adding Central Air Conditioning to Your Home?

Time agrees central air conditioning will change your life.

"No more sweaty nights tossing and turning because you havent installed the window units yet. For that matter, no more installing the window unitsor bashing your knuckles carrying them up and down the basement stairs each spring and fall."

And it lets you understand the ...

5 Things to Know Before You Add Central Air Conditioning

What if you're on the fence as to whether you should upgrade?

Answer these questions provided by HGTV:

Before spending money on a new HVAC system, it's wise to check for costly air leaks.According to Energy.gov reducing air leakagecan "significantly reduce heating and cooling costs, improve building durability, and create a healthier indoor environment."

Once you decide you're ready to replace your system, the question of cost will be next on your list.

Furnace Compare recently updated their article on central air conditioner pricing. It isn't about the average price of central air conditioners but the result of a series of interviews with contractors and distributors about how they set their prices.

A few of the questions they answered...

Their best advice: "periodically consider the age of your system and ask a technician during regular maintenance how the system looks."

Basically don't get caught in an emergency situation where you are desperate for A/C.

"The fact is that it takes time to do your research to find contractors to request bids from, research their bids and learn all that you need to know about AC system replacements."

75 percent of air conditioning problems can be resolved by the correct method of installation in combination with the right-sized air conditioning unit.

Electrical Requirements to Install Your A/C

Your electrical must be able to handle the additional demand of the A/C unit. An older circuit breaker panel may need to be upgraded to supply higher amperage.

Modern homes may have a panel that has the ability to add additional circuit breakers. Discuss the possible upgrades with your contractor in advance of beginning work. A reputable contractor can recommend a licensed electrician that is familiar with upgrading electric service.

Space Requirements for Your Air Conditioner

The central A/C unit will have a condenser unitoutside that will need space and the blower and connections inside your utility room. An independent electrical outlet hookup may be necessary with wiring to your main panel.

All the required space should be planned out in advance. Your contractor can help to plan the details. Any construction necessary should be figured into the total cost of installation.

Thermostat Replacement - Options to Fit Your Lifestyle

This would be a good time to replace an older dial-type thermostat with a new programmable model. Modern programmable thermostats can save you significantly on monthly utility expenses. Available options are 5 or 7 day modelswith several different settings for each day.

Several are capable of wireless control by your smartphone or other communication device from anywhere the internet is available. You can be notified when a filter change is necessary, time for regular maintenance, or if there is a problem with the system.

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Central Heating & Cooling: Guide to Installing a Central A/C

Because the fan-and-coil unit is mounted in the attic in most retrofit air-conditioning systems, the challenge is to get supply and return ducts to ceiling registers in the first- and second-floor rooms below. Ducts that feed second-floor rooms are typically run across the attic floor and plunge down between the attic floor joists, where they are connected to ceiling registers. Ducts that feed first-floor rooms run down through second-floor closets wherever possible. The first step your contractor will take to determine the position of ducts is to draw a floor plan of the second floor and lay it over a floor plan of the first floor. "In 99 percent of homes," says Frank Scaran-gello, of Staten Island, New York-based Scaran Heating and Air Conditioning, "second-floor closets will give you access to locations for first-floor ceiling registers."

Ducts running in closets take up less space than you might think. Because most ducts are 12 X 6 inches or 10 X 8 inches, even in a relatively small 2 X 4-foot closet, they take up just 4 of the 64 available cubic feet. Some cooling contractors might suggest using "flex duct" (a small, inexpensive flexible hose) instead of rigid square ducts. But avoid flex duct in active closet spaces it doesn't stand up well to wear and tear and is easily punctured.

What kind of mess can you expect if you have to have ducts installed? In most cases, wall and ceiling surfaces are left largely untouched. Holes do have to be cut in first- and second-floor ceilings for registers, and some second-floor closet floors will undergo surgery to accommodate the new ducts. But these holes are relatively small, and the mess is easily contained.

Even if there's no ductwork in your home, if air-conditioning will make your house more pleasant in the summer months, contact HVAC contractors to review the cost of adding A/C and the methods they would use. Choosing the right pro and equipment will ensure you years of comfort, and it's often less expensive and less intrusive than you might imagine.

(Updated with new information, August 2007)

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Adding Central Air | Installing Air Conditioning in an Old ...

Our goal is to make you more comfortable in your home. When you need an energy-efficient heating and air conditioning system installation or replacement,BGEHOME can help.

The largest energy user in your home is the heating and air conditioning system. According to ENERGY STAR, up to 42% of your energy bill is made up of cooling and heating costs. Choosing a new high-efficiency system can help reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 20%.

BGE HOME can help you find a new high-efficiency HVAC system that is right for you and your home. Visit our Energy Saving Calculatorto learn more about how much you can save by upgrading to a high-efficiency system. Read our Repair vs. Replacement Guide for more information to help you decide whether its time to repair or replace your heating and air conditioning system.

When considering replacing and installing a new heating and air conditioning system, many factors can be involved such as the age of the equipment, price of replacement, energy savings, in-house financing options, and even warranties.

If you feel it might time to replace and install a new HVAC system, our Energy & Comfort consultants can help you choose the right replacement for your needs. If any of the following seem like they could be true for you and your home, contact us and we will help guide you through the process of selecting a new high-efficiency heating and cooling system.

It can be difficult to make the decision to replace an old or inefficient furnace, air conditioner, heat pump or boiler, and you want to make sure youre choosing the right company. The promise of BGEHOME is that every time we enter a home, we leave it a better place to live.

Here are some of the reasons to choose BGEHOME HVAC service for your heating and cooling needs.

Expertise:Our HVAC installers and technicians average more than a decade of experience in their field.

Trust:9 out of 10 of our customers would refer us to their family and friends.

Local:Our local, certified HVAC professionals have been serving Maryland for decades.

Peace of Mind:With a 100% satisfaction guarantee, if you are not satisfied, well make it right.

Add it up. BGEHOME is your one source for total home heating and air conditioning comfort. We offer great experience, expertise and HVAC services all backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Whatever job you need, BGEHOME is 100% committed to your total comfort and satisfaction.

Really outstanding, got it right the first time.

Douglas, Chevy Chase, MD

Very pleased to be a BGEHOME customer.

David, Mt. Airy, MD

See an Energy & Comfort Consultant for details. Source: http://www.energystar.gov

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Heating & Air Conditioning Installation - BGE HOME