Average CostThe average cost to install all air conditioning units is roughly $4,700. Nonetheless, your AC unit cost will largely depend on the size you need. You might be asking, how much does it cost to install central air in an older Lehighton home. If your home is 1,600 square feet, a 2.5 ton air conditioner will cool it well and cost between $3,000 and $5,000. There are platinum models that could potentially cost $10,000, but these are a luxury and not a necessity. If you're looking to install central air rather than a window unit, it may be cost effective to install central heating at the same time, as both usually utilize the blower from the furnace. If you already have central heat, you can use the existing fans and system when installing central air.
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BTUsAir conditioner strength is measured in "tons," a measurement that refers to the amount of heat your AC unit can remove in an hour. Each ton corresponds to 12,000 British thermal units (BTUs). Be careful when calculating this, because bigger isn't necessarily better. If your unit is too large for the space of your home, it will switch on and off repeatedly, wasting energy and costing you money.
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R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S
Ductwork and Insulation
If your house was not built with ductwork, you will have to pay even more for the installation of these ducts. We recommend that you buy a ductless system which will save you money in the short term and long term because they are equally as efficient as a central air system. Central air systems are the most expensive, and requiring ductwork to be installed can cost around $3,000. Unless you have a lot of money to spend, a ductless system is your best option if your house was not built with ductwork.
Another part of the installation process is taking account of your insulation. The windows and doors of your house and how insulated will play a big part in saving money, as well as where the HVAC system will be placed. If the system is placed near a door or window that is poorly insulated, you may be adding unnecessary costs to your gas and electric bill every month. HVAC systems should be placed away from direct sunlight as well, because direct sunlight might cause the unit to think the room is warmer than it is and make the room colder than it was set to.
Another part of the installation process is taking account of your insulation. The windows and doors of your house and how insulated will play a big part in saving money, as well as where the HVAC system will be placed. If the system is placed near a door or window that is poorly insulated, you may be adding unnecessary costs to your gas and electric bill every month. HVAC systems should be placed away from direct sunlight as well, because direct sunlight might cause the unit to think the room is warmer than it is and make the room colder than it was set to.