How Much Does HVAC Installation Cost?

FACTS ABOUT HVAC COST
The average cost to replace your HVAC system is between $4,500 and $10,000 dollars which would include a central air conditioning unit and a gas furnace. The cost to have those installed along with new ductwork throughout the house can cost on average between $6,500 and $12,750.

Of course, the price will vary depending on the exact work your home or space requires. What unit you get, (whether you choose a high-end unit vs a low-end unit), how extensive the labor will be (labor will usually be between $100 to $175 an hour), and if you are getting ductwork installed will all determine the overall cost for a HVAC service. Ductwork on average costs between $33-$57 for every linear foot. The average single-family home needs, on average, 60 linear feet. On average, with labor and material, you will spend about $2500 just to replace the ductwork which is the insulated tubing that directs air throughout the house and leads it to the vents.

WHAT IS HVAC?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It is what is used to control the temperature inside your home. It is known as the system that is used to keep you warm in the winter months and cool on hot summer days. HVAC is also what cleans and filters the air that it uses to keep you and your household healthy and safe. You will also find that it works to maintain the humidity levels in your home.

HVAC COST BREAK DOWN

Cost HVAC Installation By the Unit	Lowest End	Highest End
Central Air Conditioner	$3,364	$8,623
Electric Furnace	$1,482	$3,990
Gas Furnace	$3,385	$5,011
Oil Furnaces	$5,778	$7,678
Heat Pump	$5,038	$7,222
Geothermal Heat Pumps	$19,284	$27,058

HOW TO KNOW WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR HVAC SYSTEM?

Some of the best signs to know its time to replace your HVAC system is:

Having trouble maintaining the temperature in your house
Your system is 10-15 years or older
If you have problems with an older system and the repair will cost a lot its probably time to get a new one

HOW LONG DO HVAC SYSTEMS LAST?

HVAC systems typically will last you quite a while. The average life span is around 10-15 years but can last longer depending on the units/systems you have.

HVAC SYSTEM:

The main functions of an HVAC system are providing acceptable indoor air quality and thermal comfort. Your heating and air conditioning system are often one of the most complicated and extensive systems in your home, but when it stops working you’ll notice!

Air Return

Your air return is the part of your system that marks the starting point of the ventilation cycle. This return sucks in air, draws it through a filter, and then passes it into the main system. Pro tip: Make sure to dust your returns frequently as debris and dust can easily build up on your filters.

Filter

Your filter is the second part of the air return in which the air is drawn through. Pro tip: Make sure to change your filters regularly to keep your system in tip-top shape.

Exhaust Outlets

Another part of your system is the exhaust outlets where the exhaust created by the heating system is expelled. Pro tip: Check your chimney flue or vent stack annually and tune it up if necessary.

Ducts

Your ducts are the channels in which the heated or cooled air passes through. Pro tip: Get your ducts cleaned every 2 to 5 years in order to keep everything in working condition.

Electrical Elements

This part of your system can be a bit trickier, but often problems originate here first. Pro tip: If something isn’t working right check for a tripped breaker or dead batteries in your thermostat.

Outdoor Unit

This is likely the part of your system you think of when someone mentions an HVAC system. The outdoor unit houses the fan which provides airflow. Pro tip: Keep your unit clear of debris and vegetation as it can cause serious problems if plants are sucked into your fan.

Compressor

As a part of the outdoor unit, the compressor is responsible for converting refrigerant from gas to liquid and sends it to the coils. Pro tip: If something isn’t working quite right, check your compressor. It is often the cause of many system failures.

Coils

Usually another part of the outdoor unit, coils cool the air as it passes through with a little help from the refrigerant. Pro tip: Check your coils annually. If they freeze up you may want to check your filter and/or refrigerant levels.

Blower

The blower draws in warm air through the main section of the unit. Pro tip: The more efficiently this air moves through, the more durable your system will be.

(all of how it works was brought from brennanheating.com but I thought was broken down really good and not worded too complicated so just change it up a bit)

Things to consider when replacing:

Equipment Cost: The wholesale cost of the right equipment for the home’s needs
Installation Supplies: This often includes sheet metal or pre-built plenum, refrigerant and line set, AC pad, thermostat
Labor: Estimated hours of labor. Price varies. For example, a certified installer might be paid $50 to $75 per hour and have a helper being paid $20 to $35 per hour.
Travel: Time and mileage to the job
Fair Profit: Profit doesn’t all go in the pocket of the company owner. It is first used to pay overhead expenses. These include vehicles (and their maintenance and repair), possibly warehouse or storage space, liability and unemployment insurance, license and bonding fees, and more. What’s left from all that is “pure profit.”

Different types of ductwork:

Ductwork is what directs the air throughout the house to either cool or heat up each room so what are the different types of ductwork and why is it important?

Ductwork is a part of an HVAC system that serves one of the most important purposes. Ductwork is responsible for transferring cooled or heated air throughout your home or commercial space. There are many different types of ductwork material and shapes you can choose from. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages.

The most common type of ductwork for houses would be sheet metal. Because of how they are made and the material it is made of it is known to be very durable. The inside is known to collect dust but since it is made with very smooth walls they are very easy to clean.

Materials Used	Tips	Price per linear foot
Flexible non-metallic	Helpful for winding through difficult spaces Lightweight Tears easily	$1.15-$2.10
Flexible aluminum	Moves through complex spaces Lightweight	$1.28-$4.33
Sheet metal	Strong Not easily insulated Great for straight lines	$1.78-$6.27
Fiberglass duct board	Easy to size and shape when cutting Pre-insulated Perfect for straight lines when temperature control is required	$4.01-$6.59

Now that you have a clear understanding of the ins and outs of your HVAC system you may find the prices easier to understand a calculate your home’s personal needs. We want to help you find the right HVAC installation or replacement services today!