New HVAC System Pricing
Knowing how to determine the average price of an HVAC system is the foundation of equipping your business or residence with the system you need at the price you can afford. After all, it's almost impossible for occupants of any residential or commercial space to comfortably go about their business without an effective HVAC system in place. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems are essential for keeping temperatures tolerable within your living space or office.
As you would expect, there are many different types of HVAC systems to consider. This article will guide you through the process of shopping for an HVAC system, especially if you're in the market for one for the first time. In each case, we'll explain how an HVAC system works, and we'll also offer some HVAC price estimates that can act as a guide when you start shopping for one.
Since there are many factors at play, finding the exact amount you can expect to pay isn't doable. Still, you can determine a general range based on the system. Let's look at some of the factors that affect HVAC system prices.
What to Consider for HVAC Pricing
One of the factors that determines how much your HVAC system will cost is the size of your home and its proportions. For example, a house that has lofted ceilings or open levels will require an AC system that commands higher prices when compared to a standard home with typical eight- to nine-foot ceilings and a regular shape like a square or rectangle.
Homes with larger square footages will also need a much larger HVAC system. Air conditioners have different outputs, which determine the amount of heat each unit is expected to extract from a home.
To explain this better here's an example. A single-ton AC unit extracts 12,000 BTUs. Another unit with thrice the output - that is, a three-ton AC - extracts as much as 36,000 BTUs.
Another factor that will impact the cost of the HVAC system is the existence of a duct system on your premises. Installing ductwork is expensive, so if you don't already have it in place, your best option is likely a ductless mini split system. This is also a great option if your existing ductwork is damaged, worn out or under-insulated.
A third factor that might affect the price of your HVAC unit is SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). You should expect to spend more for a unit with a higher SEER compared to the lower rated models. Although the initial investment will be more, the higher-rated units tend to be much cheaper to operate, saving money over time.
Average Prices for HVAC Systems
Now that you understand some of the factors that determine the cost of an HVAC system, the next part of this article will cover the average cost of an HVAC replacement.
HVAC systems are built to last. An air conditioner or a heat pump that receives regular maintenance will keep going after 10 years or more. Well-maintained furnaces and boilers are usually operational even after 15 years(1). Still, the day will come when a HVAC unit needs to be replaced.
Generally, replacement HVAC systems are cheaper than new installations as you'll be using the same ducts as before. Below is a list of common types of HVAC units and their price estimates.
Goodman Central Air Conditioning System
For a central HVAC system, you might expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000. The average cost is about $2,600. You can find Goodman central air conditioners on sale with HVACDirect.com.
Goodman Gas and Electric Split HVAC System Heat Pump
A split system consists of both outdoor and indoor components. A furnace makes up the indoor unit and is responsible for providing heat while the outdoor unit consists of an air conditioner responsible for providing cooling.
Including installation, split systems start at just under $4,000 and top out at $10,000. On average, you can expect to spend $7,000. You can find AirQuest by Carrier and Goodman split systems at wholesale prices on our heat pump page.
Oil or Gas Boiler
The price for a regular efficiency boiler starts at $1,700 and ends at $4,000. The average price is $3,250. High-end models range from $5,000 and $9,000 and cost an average of $7,000.
Goodman Gas Furnace
A gas furnace is a great way to ensure you and your family feel warm and snug during winter. You'll easily get one starting from $500 to anywhere around $2,500. On average, a gas furnace will go for $1,500.
Package Units
A rooftop or packaged unit is commonly used in manufactured homes, Southeast homes and others without a basement and/or attic. Average HVAC package unit prices are $2,700, with full variations ranging from $2,000 - $6,000, plus installation.
How Much Does a New Commercial HVAC System Cost?
As you would expect, commercial HVAC units are much larger than your regular home HVAC system. The square footage of the premises will be a key factor in how much you end up spending on your unit. Commercial rooftop air conditioners start around $4,000.
Other Variables that Affect the Cost of an HVAC Unit
Efficiency Rating
Air conditioners are assigned a SEER rating as outlined above. Heat pumps, on the other hand, have their efficiency measured using AFUE (Average Fuel Utilization Efficiency) and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). If a unit has a higher rating, it means that it's more efficient and consequently will cost more.
Capacity or Size of Unit
The capacity of your HVAC unit is measured in BTUs and tons. BTU stands for British Thermal Units and refers to equipment's ability to either heat or cool. HVAC systems that have a higher capacity have a bigger price tag. Don't try to cut costs by purchasing a unit with lower capacity; this can cause equipment failure and lead to higher energy costs.
Choice of Retailer
Different retailers sell HVAC units at varying price points. At HVACDirect.com, we have wholesale prices plus coupons that give customers even bigger savings.
Optional System Features
If you're looking for a premium experience with your HVAC systems, you might want to purchase a unit integrated with some optional features such as air purifiers, programmable thermostats, UV lamps and humidity control features. All these options are likely to increase the overall cost of your HVAC system.
Quality and Brand
Big brands will always price their merchandise higher than smaller, lesser-known brands. To get the best value for your money, you should do some due diligence on which brand will give you the best service for the longest time.
Climate and Location
Your location and climate are a big factor on how much you end up spending on your HVAC system. Units that have a higher BTU (i.e. a greater capacity) best serve cold climates while those with a lower BTU are better for warmer climates.
We hope this guide serves you as you do your shopping. You can browse some of our HVAC units on our website or call six days a week to speak with our expert sales staff and certified HVAC technicians.
HVAC Systems Pricing Frequently Asked Questions
Why is HVAC so expensive?
HVAC is expensive because the traditional model involves hiring an HVAC service company, who acts as the middleman and charges more your HVAC equipment. Not only will you pay more due to their markup, you'll also have to choose from the units they carry or prefer rather than what will work best for your space.
You can save money and improve the comfort level in your home by buying HVAC equipment online at wholesale prices. Resellers such as HVACDirect.com will ship your equipment directly to your home, and then you just need to hire an inexpensive HVAC technician in your area to install the equipment, saving money. Regardless of the system you choose, labor is going to be a part of the price for HVAC installation. Make sure you hire a certified HVAC technician that can do the job right.
How much does an AC unit cost for a 2,000 sq. ft. home?
Typical air conditioners can cool more space in a cooler climate and less space in a more tropical climate. The size of AC unit that you'll need to cool a 2,000 square foot home depends on where that home is located. In a moderate climate, a three-ton AC system will be sufficient for a 2,000 square foot home. In a warmer climate, the same size home would require a three-ton air conditioner. The average three-ton HVAC price is just under $2,500, plus installation. Comparatively, the average five-ton HVAC price is just over $3,000 for the unit itself, plus additional for installation.
How much does a four-ton HVAC system cost?
You can expect to pay around $2,000 for a four-ton AC/coil unit and another $1,500 or so for installation. This is a national average that can vary depending on your location and the HVAC installer that you choose. At HVACDirect.com, our prices for four-ton HVAC systems range from $1,802 to as much as $7,700 before installation depending on your requirements.
(1) SF Gate. How Long Will Home AC Last? Blog. SEO Article. Accessed 16 July 2020. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/long-home-ac-last-82432.html#:~:text=The%20lifespan%20of%20a%20central%20air-conditioning%20unit%2C%20which,years%2C%20according%20to%20the%20federal%20government%27s%20Energy.gov%20website.