All Texas residents know how valuable air conditioning can be, especially during the summer. However, when shopping for a new air conditioning system, it can be hard to know just how much you’ll need to budget for the new unit as well as the installation.
So how much does central air installation cost in Dallas? What factors determine air conditioning installation costs? In this blog, we’ll answer these questions and more, ensuring you can make informed decisions about your home’s new cooling system.
If you’re looking to have a new central air unit installed in your home or business, the Dallas air conditioning installation professionals at Aire Texas Heating and Air Conditioning are here to help. Every installation project is unique, so when you reach out to us, we’ll discuss the factors that can influence the overall cost of your new unit, providing you with a clear understanding of what to expect.
Call us at (972) 424-2473 to schedule our services or to receive an estimate for a new central air system.
What is Central Air Conditioning?
A central air conditioner is a cooling system that uses a centralized unit to distribute cooled air throughout a building via a network of ducts and vents. Unlike a traditional window unit or portable air conditioner, which can cool an individual room or small space, a central air conditioning unit can provide uniform cooling throughout an entire home or building.
The central unit, typically located outside or in a utility closet, contains a compressor, condenser coil, and refrigerant, which work together to extract heat from indoor air and expel it outside. The cooled air is then circulated back into the building through ducts connected to vents in each room.
How Much Does it Cost to Put Central Air in a House?
The cost of installing a central air conditioning system in Dallas, TX, can vary depending on several factors, but generally, the cost of a basic system can range from $3,000 to $8,000.
Cost To Install Central Air With Existing Ductwork
If your home has existing ductwork, you can expect to pay about $3,000 to $5,000 for your central air conditioning installation. However, it’s still advisable to consult with a local HVAC professional to receive a more accurate estimate of the total cost.
Cost To Install Central Air Without Existing Ductwork
If your home doesn’t have pre-existing ductwork, the cost to install central air conditioning in your home will be higher than average. Installing ductwork can end up adding around $3,000 to $5,000 to the final cost, so your central air installation will likely cost around $7,000 or more.
How Much Does it Cost to Put Central Air in a Commercial Building?
The average cost of installing a central air system in a commercial building in Dallas is around $8,000 to $17,000. However, the cost of the installation may be much higher depending on the size of the building and many other factors.
Other Factors To Consider When Determining Average Central Air Cost
In addition to ductwork, there are many different factors that can affect central air installation costs, which can make it difficult to provide an accurate estimate of the overall cost. Below are some of the largest factors that can affect the total cost of your new central air unit, as well as the cost of the installation.
Size and Capacity of the Unit
The size and capacity of the central air unit play a significant role in determining its cost. Larger homes or buildings require more powerful units with higher capacities to effectively cool the space, which can result in higher upfront costs. On the other hand, smaller units designed for smaller spaces generally come with lower price tags.
To estimate the cost of your new central air conditioning unit, you can take the square footage of your home or business to determine the tonnage, or cooling capacity, your new system will need. A 1-ton air conditioning unit can cool about 500 to 600 square feet of space. Below are the average costs of various air conditioner sizes.
- 1.5 tons: $2,500 – $4,500
- 2 tons: $3,100 – $5,100
- 3 tons: $3,400 – $5,400
- 4 tons: $4,200 – $6,200
- 5 tons: $4,300 – $6,800
You can also use your home or business’ square footage to calculate the British Thermal Units (BTUs) your system will need. An air conditioner needs about 12,000 BTUs to cool about 500 to 600 square feet of space. Most air conditioners will use both metrics to indicate the size and capacity of the unit.
SEER Rating
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of a central air system influences both its initial cost and long-term operating expenses. Higher SEER-rated systems are typically more expensive upfront but offer greater energy efficiency, leading to potential savings on utility bills over time.
The average homeowner or business owner will want to look for a central air conditioner with a SEER rating between 16 and 20. While units with higher SEER ratings are more energy efficient, they’re likely to have higher upfront costs and negligible utility savings, making it difficult to break even on the investment.
Type of System
Another factor that can affect the average cost of installing central air is the type of unit chosen. Most central air units are either split system units or package system units. Split systems, which consist of an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor evaporator coil, are the most common and generally more affordable option.
Packaged systems, however, house all components, including the compressor, condenser, and evaporator, together in a single unit, which is typically installed either on the roof or next to the building. Since they only consist of one unit, packaged systems tend to be less expensive to install. However, split systems are more affordable and energy efficient, making them more cost-effective overall.
In addition to split and packaged systems, people can also choose to install a ductless mini-split, which consists of an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air-handling units.
The indoor units are connected to the outdoor compressor through refrigerant lines rather than air ducts, which makes them cheaper to install if there’s no existing ductwork. However, due to the complexity of these systems and the upfront cost, mini-splits may cost more than some traditional central air systems.
Brand and Model
The brand and model of the central air conditioning system can significantly impact its cost. Established brands with a reputation for quality and reliability often come with higher price tags compared to lesser-known brands. Additionally, premium models equipped with advanced features like variable-speed compressors or smart technology offer improved performance, efficiency, and durability, but tend to cost more upfront.
Electrical Upgrades
Installing a new AC unit in a building may require electrical upgrades to ensure the electrical system can safely accommodate the new equipment. These upgrades often include dedicated circuits, upgraded electrical panels, and enhanced wiring, which may increase the overall installation costs.
Additional Features
Additional features and accessories can enhance the functionality and comfort provided by a central AC unit, but may also increase installation costs. Features such as programmable or smart thermostats, zoning systems, air purifiers, and humidity control devices offer added convenience and comfort, but each additional feature comes with its own price tag.
While these features may provide increased comfort, convenience, and functionality, many of them are considered optional luxuries. Homeowners should carefully evaluate their needs and budget to determine which additional features are worth the investment.
Warranty and Service Plans
Another factor to consider when calculating central air costs is the cost of any warranty or service plan. Some manufacturers provide comprehensive warranties that cover parts and labor for an extended period, which can offer peace of mind and help decrease future repair costs. Additionally, investing in a preventative HVAC maintenance plan can help prolong the lifespan of a central AC system and ensure it operates at peak efficiency for as long as possible.
Rebates and Incentives
Exploring available rebates and incentives can offset the average cost of a central air system installation. Many utility companies, as well as federal, state, and local governments, offer HVAC rebates and tax incentives for installing energy-efficient HVAC equipment.
At Aire Texas, we offer our clients financing options as well as discounts and promotions, ensuring you’re able to enjoy indoor comfort at an affordable price.
Season and Demand
The time of year and prevailing demand for HVAC services can also greatly influence the average cost of central air installation. There’s normally a higher demand for central air units during peak cooling seasons, which can cause the price to fluctuate. Planning installation during off-peak seasons or scheduling in advance can help homeowners secure better pricing and avoid potential delays due to high demand.
Labor Costs
Labor costs are a significant factor to consider when determining the average cost of central air installation. Labor rates often vary based on local market conditions, contractor expertise, and project timeline. On average, the cost of labor to install central air costs $500 to $2,000.
If you’re looking to have central air conditioning installed in your home or business, it’s important to obtain multiple quotes from reputable HVAC contractors in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Make sure that they include detailed breakdowns of labor costs in their estimates so you know exactly what you would be paying for.
Benefits of Installing a Central Air Unit in Your Dallas Home or Business
It’s impossible to live in Dallas comfortably without an air conditioning system, but a central air conditioning system can have numerous benefits when compared to other cooling systems. The benefits of installing central air conditioning in your home or business include:
- Uniform cooling
- Consistent indoor temperature
- Advanced temperature control
- Improved indoor air quality
- Lower utility bills
- Better humidity control
- Increased property value
- Minimal noise
Should You Install a Central Air Unit Yourself?
No, you should not install your own central air unit. Central AC systems are incredibly complicated pieces of equipment and require specialized knowledge and expertise to install properly. Improper installation can result in various issues such as inadequate cooling, inefficient operation, and even safety hazards like electrical fires or refrigerant leaks.
Additionally, while a DIY installation may save you on labor costs, it may end up costing you more in the long run. DIY installation may void warranties or insurance coverage, leaving property owners liable for any future AC repairs or replacements.
Ultimately, it’s best to entrust the installation of your central AC unit to local qualified professionals. This not only guarantees the system’s effectiveness and safety but also provides you with peace of mind, allowing you to experience indoor comfort without fear of malfunctions.
Looking to Install Central AC? Call the Dallas-Fort Worth HVAC Experts at Aire Texas Today!
If you’re considering installing central air conditioning in your Dallas-Fort Worth area home or business, look no further than Aire Texas Heating and Air Conditioning. With our years of experience serving the local community, we have earned a reputation for excellence in our Dallas air conditioning services.
At Aire Texas, we prioritize customer satisfaction above all else. From the initial consultation to the final installation, we strive to exceed your expectations with our professionalism, expertise, and attention to detail. We work with leading manufacturers to offer high-quality central AC systems that deliver optimal performance, energy efficiency, and reliability.
Call us at (972) 424-2473 or contact us online to receive an estimate or to schedule our services today!
