How much does HVAC installation cost?

If you’re thinking you’ll have to buy a new heating and cooling system soon, you may be looking at your budget and trying to figure out how much an HVAC installation will cost. This is the number one question we get from customers who are shopping around for a new air conditioning system.

The short answer is: it depends. A number of factors will influence the cost of your HVAC, such as type of system and who you hire. As a homeowner making a big investment, it’s critical that you understand these factors if you are price shopping. Two quotes may look similar, but contain totally different HVAC systems. So, it’s important to understand what goes into a quoted price for HVAC installations. Here are the three main factors that will definitely change your AC replacement pricing.

1. Equipment Size and Features

All air conditioners are not built equally! The first and most important factor in your HVAC system cost will be the size of your unit. HVAC systems are sized by a unit called tons – with most homes ranging in size between 2 Tons to 5 Tons. You might think your new HVAC unit needs to be the same size as your old unit. Before you go down that road, ask yourself some questions. Have your AC reliably been cooling your space to your desired temperature? If not, you may need a larger size. Are you expecting to do any add-ons or other renovations that may require more spaces in your home to be heated or cooled? If so, you may consider up sizing. Have you noticed your AC turning on and off repeatedly, only running for a few minutes at a time? In this case, your HVAC may be too large for your space – and this short cycling can run up your energy bills and shorten the life span of your unit! So, having a professional help you choose the right system size is important.

With the advancement of HVAC product development, you can install a very feature-rich heating and air conditioning system in your home. Before speaking with a contractor to get a quote, you might consider what is most important to you in an air conditioning system. Do you want technology features such as high-tech controllers, or setting temperature with a smartphone app? Or, are you looking for an energy-efficient system, something that will reduce your monthly energy bills. Zoning systems such as ductless technology can add next-level comfort to your home allowing for a different setpoint in every room. Or perhaps you are looking for the most affordable system on the market. Different air conditioning systems offer a variety of different features. As recognized experts in HVAC, we can help you narrow down the systems available and provide you with a recommendation that meets your needs.

2. Difficulty Level of Project

The project difficulty of an HVAC installation will also impact how much your total cost. For example, you may need to replace old or leaky ductwork, which would make the project much more challenging than a standard equipment replacement. The result? Your project cost will be significantly more than if you’re just getting a new A/C installed.

Something else that impacts project difficulty is your home’s age. Many beautiful, historic homes will require an HVAC replacement at one point or another, especially if you’re thinking about selling your home. The cost of these HVAC projects may be higher, because getting a modern system installed around a historic home’s features can be a very time and labor intensive project. Newer homes are built with heating and air conditioning systems in mind, and that will be reflected in the quoted price.

Most homeowners won’t be familiar with how difficult of a project their HVAC replacement may be. That’s where an experienced HVAC contractor comes in. You will want to consult with a respected Los Angeles HVAC company to understand the requirements of your project and the costs. After performing a walk-through of your house and getting to know more about your needs and preferences, they will be able to give you an accurate quote on the project costs.

3. Quality of HVAC Contractor

This installation cost of an HVAC will also depend on the HVAC company you decide to work with. Before choosing the company that offers the lowest price, do your research on what to look for in an HVAC contractor. Working with a less than reputable company can have major consequences that will cost you more in the long run.

It is important that your HVAC is properly installed, because if it not then you will not realize the promised performance of the system. Longer term, a poor installation may result in more maintenance and repairs as well as higher energy bills. In short: you’ll wind up with higher costs than if you had just hired a well regarded and experienced HVAC contractor in the first place.

At Brody Pennell, we receive calls all the time from customers with installations gone poorly seeking our help and guidance. We know the additional costs and frustrations that an improper installation can lead to. If you want the best installation quality possible, work with a reputable HVAC company that has years of experience installing new heating and cooling systems in the Southern California area.

Ready for a Quote?

Our trained professionals at Brody Pennell are ready to meet with you to discuss your new HVAC system. Since we opened our doors in 1945, we have worked hard to provide quality HVAC services for our customers. Call us anytime, 24/7: (310) 896-4911