Having a functional AC system is essential for dealing with heat and humidity in Leesburg, FL. If your existing AC is nearing the end of its useful life or you’re thinking about upgrading to lower your electricity bills, surely the first thing you want to know is how much you’ll have to pay for the replacement.
AC costs have increased over the past few years to the point where most Florida homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $7,000 to $15,000+. If you have a much larger house or opt for a top-of-the-line system, you could potentially end up paying $20,000 or more. The reason that the cost can vary so much is simply that there are so many different factors that can impact it.
In this article, we’ll explore these factors so you know what you can expect and what you need to consider when replacing your AC.
Cooling Requirements and AC Size
The size of the AC condenser unit is one of the main factors that impact the installation cost. The price goes up the larger the unit is. Most homes in Florida need between a 3- and 5-ton AC condenser to effectively stay cool, but homes under 1,000 square feet may only need a 2-ton unit.
The general rule of thumb in Florida is that it takes around 45 to 50 BTUs to cool one square foot of space (this is higher than the national average due to Florida’s extreme heat and humidity). However, this rule isn’t applicable in all cases since the square footage of your house is just one of the variables that determine your cooling requirements and what size unit you need.
You also need to account for things like the number of windows, skylights, and exterior doors, along with the size of windows and skylights, and the direction they face. Numerous large windows, especially ones that face south or west, make your cooling requirements higher due to how much of heat from the sun they let in.
The age of the house can also play a role. Newer homes are typically quite well insulated and have a nearly airtight exterior structure, both of which help to keep heat out. Older homes are often leaky, meaning there are numerous places where hot air can continually seep in from outside. If your home is leaky and/or poorly insulated, you’ll need a larger AC to account for the increased heat gain.
In this situation, it’s often worth reinsulating your house or having it professionally air-sealed before you replace your AC. Not only will this allow you to install a smaller AC, but it will also improve your comfort and save you a significant amount on your air conditioning costs.
AC Model and Type
In addition to the size of the unit, the model and type are the other main factors that affect the installation cost. Some brands produce much higher-quality units and charge more for their products, but this is one area where it’s always worth spending that little bit of extra money.
The more energy-efficient the unit is, the more you may pay upfront. In Florida, all new ACs must have a minimum efficiency rating of 14.3 SEER2. If you were to opt for a 20 SEER unit from the same brand, the cost would usually be at least $2,000 to $4,000 more. You can find units that are rated as high as 28 SEER. While this type of unit will save you a huge amount on your electricity bills, you should expect to pay close to $15,000 or more just for the unit itself.
The type of compressor the unit has can also make a major difference in the cost. The most basic AC units have a single-stage compressor that only has one speed. Two-stage units are more expensive, but they cool much more effectively and provide more even temperatures across the house than single-stage units.
They use much less energy as well since the compressor mostly runs at a lower speed. Units with a variable-speed inverter compressor cost the most, but they work the best and tend to use far less energy than single-stage and two-stage units. Another benefit of choosing a variable-speed unit is that it will be much quieter than the other options.
Labor and Material Costs
Labor and installation typically account for approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of the total AC replacement cost. However, this amount can vary depending on the HVAC company you choose. It also depends on how easy the installation is, what additional work needs to be done, and if the technicians encounter any unforeseen problems.
Installing a roof-mounted unit is obviously more difficult and is going to cost more than installing a wall-mounted unit or one that sits on the ground. Similarly, you can typically expect to pay at least a bit more in labor costs if the indoor part of the system is in the attic or crawl space where it’s cramped and more difficult for the technicians to gain access.
It’s not always necessary to replace the existing refrigerant lines if they are still in good condition and the right size for the new system. If the technicians do need to run a new set of lines, the installation will usually take a couple of hours more, and you’ll also have to pay the additional cost for the copper lines.
Making any changes to the existing ductwork will increase the labor and material costs as well. If the entire ductwork system needs to be replaced, you should plan on spending at least a few thousand dollars more. You should also expect the job to take anywhere from one to four days more on top of the one to two days it takes to remove the old AC and install the new system.
Depending on the model you choose, you may also need to pay a few hundred dollars more to purchase a smart thermostat and have it installed. That’s because many of the more advanced, higher-efficiency AC systems are only compatible with smart thermostats.
Even if the AC you choose works with a traditional thermostat, it’s worth having a smart thermostat installed during the replacement. Compared to a traditional thermostat, a smart thermostat will typically lower your air conditioning costs by around 10 to 12%. That means it will usually end up paying for itself within just a few years.
With more than two decades of expert experience, M&S Air Conditioning is the place to turn for reliable cooling and heating services in the Leesburg area. We provide top-notch installation services and will make sure that you get the right replacement AC system for your home or business. We carry a wide range of quality central ACs, ductless ACs, and heat pumps from trusted brands, like Mitsubishi Electric, and can advise you on the best options in your price range. Ask us about
We back our services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee so you can be certain that your new AC system will work exactly as it should. We’ve also partnered with GreenSky to offer financing for new installations on approved credit.
To schedule a consultation for your AC replacement or any other cooling or heating service in Leesburg, contact us at M&S Air Conditioning today.
