HVAC systems help control a house’s temperature, and given their frequent use, homeowners may need to replace theirs with a new one. Other reasons for buying a new system might be poor energy efficiency in existing systems, the need for frequent repairs, better airflow and air quality available in newer systems, or refrigerant leaks in the existing set-up. That said, one should know the key variables that affect its price before purchasing a new one.
Factors that affect HVAC system purchase costs
Brand-new HVAC systems tend to be expensive. Before investing in one, buyers need to evaluate the factors that raise or lower the cost of the system. This can help them make better decisions and find HVAC systems more suited to their needs.
Size of HVAC system
Only an adequately sized unit can heat or cool a home efficiently. Many factors determine the size of an HVAC system that needs to be installed. The square footage area that requires cooling or heating, the desired home temperature, and the general climate of the home’s location are among these factors.
The larger the size of an HVAC system, the more expensive it will be to purchase and install. If a furnace or AC is too large or small for a particular home, it will have a significantly reduced life span. An HVAC professional can calculate the correctly sized unit for a given home. This is why consulting a professional is useful before purchasing a brand-new system.
Additional accessories purchased with a new system
Many buyers may choose to purchase additional accessories along with their HVAC systems. These accessories may improve the system’s performance or indoor air quality; however, they add to the cost of full HVAC system installation.
Humidifier
It serves the purpose of enhancing the moisture content in the air and regulating the humidity levels indoors. This leads to better sleep for occupants and ensures wooden floors and furniture from cracking.
Dehumidifier
Homes that have too much humidity need an HVAC accessory to filter out moist air from the property. A dehumidifier helps remove the excess moisture from within a home and prevents issues like allergen spread and mold growth. Homes with a basement prone to flooding often require a dehumidifier.
Efficiency ratings
Every air-conditioning system and HVAC unit comes with a unique performance and efficiency rating. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) provides numerical proof of how well or poorly an AC system performs in a home. For instance, older and existing units tend to have a SEER of 14 or less, while newer ones rate up to 25 or higher.
Essentially, the higher the efficiency rating of an HVAC system, the higher its cost to customers. Apart from these factors, the brand and type of HVAC system also contribute to how much a new HVAC system costs.
Average costs of installing different HVAC systems
The overall expenses associated with new HVAC systems include the cost of the system and the installation price to set up these systems in a home. Generally, there are two types of HVAC systems, each with varying installation charges.
For HVAC systems with ductwork, installing a two-ton system can cost between $8,000 and $12,000, installing a three-ton HVAC system can cost between $9,500 and $13,500, and installing a four-ton HVAC system can cost between $11,500 and $15,500. The choice of brand also affects the installation costs.
It is important to note that these numbers do not reflect the added cost of installing new ductwork. The cost of installing new ductwork ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 per ton of HVAC capacity, and the location and accessibility of the home influence the service costs.
For ductless units, the cost of the system itself ranges from about $1,500 to $15,000, and the installation and labor charges range between $1,000 and $10,000.
Average installation costs of new HVAC system components
There are multiple costs associated with installing individual components in an HVAC system. For example, the average cost of installing a portable AC ranges from $100 to $500, the average cost of installing a window AC unit ranges from $200 to $1,300, the average cost of installing a ductless mini-split AC ranges from $2,000 to $14,000, while installing a central AC will cost users anywhere between $3,700 and $7,400.
A brand-new furnace is needed for optimized heating. The installation costs for an electric furnace range from $2,000 to $6,300, while for natural gas furnaces and oil furnaces, the installation cost ranges are $3,500–$9,000 and $6,000–$10,000, respectively.
Heat pumps provide homeowners with an alternative heating option for their homes. Heat pump installation costs are higher than electric or natural gas furnaces, but these systems are known for their low operating costs and energy efficiency in the long run.
The installation cost range for ductless mini-split heat pumps is $2,000–$14,000; for dual fuel/hybrid pumps, it is $3,000–$15,000; for gas-fired pumps, it is $4,000–$10,000; for air-source pumps, it is $5,000–$14,000; and for geothermal heat pumps, the cost range is $10,000–$35,000.
How to save on HVAC system installation costs
Some of the ways in which people can reduce the installation expenses of brand-new HVAC systems include comparing multiple quotes from different contractors, investing in energy-efficient units, keeping one’s existing HVAC system in good shape to avoid premature replacement, utilizing existing ductwork instead of installing a new network, and scheduling HVAC installations during off-peak seasons when contractors offer lower rates.
