EDMONTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Central air conditioning was once considered a luxury, but now comes standard in most homes. Central air conditioning can be retrofitted into most HVAC systems, with a large unit installed outdoors. The cost of an air conditioner depends on several factors including:
The brands and manufacturer. Like any products, consumers will pay more for top brands. High end brands can range between $3,500 to $6,000 and include Lennox and Carrier. Economy brands can range between $2,800 to $3,800 and include York, Goodman and Keeprite. Mid-range brands include Amana, Bryant, Rheem, Trane, American Standard and Napoleon.
The size of the air conditioner. Larger homes require a larger air conditioner. The bigger the air conditioning unit, the higher the cost.
The intricacy of installation. Homes that require a major renovation to retrofit the new central air conditioner to their HVAC system will have higher labour costs. Most HVAC companies include the cost of installation with the unit, but homeowners should know that about $500 to $1,000 is added to the cost of their AC unit for installation.
Where you live. Where you live in Canada can have a small impact on the cost of central air conditioning. Market prices vary slightly from city to city, ranging $2,500 to $5,000. Find rough cost estimates came from Calgary HVAC companies.
The HVAC company you choose. HVAC companies should have competitive pricing for the local market. However, cost will vary depending on the brands they carry, size of the company, experience of their technicians, etc.
The on-going cost of owning an air conditioner. Homeowners should also consider how much it will cost for maintenance and on-going energy costs to run the central air conditioner. For best performance and efficiency, air conditioners require annual service. Expect to pay between $3,00 to $1,000 a year to run the air conditioner. This cost estimate depends on the type and size of your AC unit. Here is a Air conditioning maintenance checklist.
“When choosing an HVAC company, do your research and find a company that has a good reputation and lots of experience,” said Keith Riley, Founder of RenovationFind.com. “You want to make sure you’re getting the right size of AC, and that the company installing it knows what they’re doing.”
Find more information about how much does central air conditioning cost.
RenovationFind.com is a free online directory of trades, contractors and renovation companies that have passed a stringent screening and accreditation process. All companies listed on RenovationFind’s directory have been vetted and are continually monitored on seven important criteria including legal background checks, credit background checks, Better Business Bureau (BBB) membership, business license, business insurance and Workers Compensation Board (WCB) Coverage.