What Will It Cost to Install a New HVAC System?
You may have noticed your heating or air conditioning unit isn’t performing up to its usual standard. As you work to keep your home comfortable, you know it’s only a matter of time before you’ll need to replace your system.
“So how much does it cost?” That’s the number one question a person asks when contemplating replacing their HVAC system. Many companies will give you a quote without even taking a look at your home. This is unfair and will lead to surprise costs in the end. At Alps, we do things differently. Joey explains why.
National Installation Average
When considering replacing your HVAC system, there are actually two distinct units typically included, which are your heating and air conditioning units. When considering costs, determine which part of your system you’re replacing, or if you’ll need to replace the entire thing.
The national average to replace a furnace is anywhere from about $3,000 to over $10,000, depending on type and size. The average cost for an air conditioner is anywhere from about $4,000 to more than $8,000. If you opt for a heat pump that acts as both your heating and air conditioning unit, this can average anywhere from $5,000 to over $12,000.
There are several factors that determine where in this range you’ll fall. The first is the size of the unit you’ll need. The next is the type of system and its efficiency. Finally, consider additional air quality components, which will raise the cost slightly.
System Size
Before looking at the units available, you need to know the size your home requires. HVAC size is measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs, which show how much heat the system produces or transfers. The larger the space you have, the larger the unit you’ll need.
Getting an undersized or oversized unit increases your utility expenses by causing either short cycling or continuous cycling. Both also lead to excessive strain on your new system, reducing its service life and leading to more repairs.
System Type and Efficiency
Once you know the appropriate size for your home, it’s time to consider the type of system you want and its efficiency options. For instance, you may consider a high-efficiency gas furnace, heat pump, or even geothermal system. These tend to cost more to install than their standard counterparts.
The tradeoff is that they’re more efficient to run. This reduces your maintenance and repairs, plus your utility expenditures. The question is if you’d rather spend the money upfront on a better system or on the back end on higher utility bills and maintenance.
Air Quality Components
Once you determine the system you’re going to use, consider air quality additions to your system. Consider a whole-house dehumidifier, an air scrubber, or even a UV biocide chamber. These units help remove potential hazards from the air circulating around your home, improving your health and reducing the strain on your HVAC system.
Bundled Savings
One way to save some money is to bundle your HVAC installations together. The average national cost to replace both your heating and air conditioning together falls between $5,000 and $13,000.
The savings come in because when you replace one system, you have to spend time working on the other, regardless of which you’re replacing. That means that when you replace them separately, you’re repeating some work and raising the costs. If you’re going to install additional air quality components, you’ll reduce some labor costs by bundling them together when you install a new system.
Manufacturer Rebates
One way of reducing the costs of a new system is looking for manufacturer rebates. These are most commonly offered during off-peak seasons, which are the spring and fall. You can easily save several hundred dollars on a new system simply by planning for your new system install rather than waiting for a catastrophic failure.
Tax Credits
Finally, consider tax credits. Talk with your tax professional to discuss any federal, state, and local tax credits or rebate options. Often, these are available toward efficiency upgrades, making it more affordable to reduce your energy consumption.
California also offers financing options that may help reduce the overall costs of your installation. Check out the GoGreen Financing website for more details on programs to help get your new system in place sooner.
Alps Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. has been the heating and cooling company of choice for residents around Anaheim since 1979. Our NATE-certified technicians offer award-winning heating and AC installation, maintenance, and repair together with water heater, attic insulation, and indoor air quality services. Call to schedule your consultation with one of our knowledgeable HVAC technicians today.