A lot of people ask what’s the cost to replace their air conditioning system. The honest answer is there is no set price to replace an air conditioning system. Things that must be taken into consideration is how efficient does the customer want their new system to be? Minimum standard at the moment is 14 SEER, which will more than likely going up to 15 SEER come 2023. Another thing to consider is how many code upgrades must be made, even if a person lives out of the city proper where permits are not required, as a HVAC contractor and the laws of the state everything needs to be brought up to code and if there is no prevailing code then by manufacture installation requirements.

When replacing your air conditioning system if it’s natural gas, LP gas, Heat Pump or basic system with electric heat the new system must be brought up to code. System must have platform decking from end to end and a 30” service platform with no obstructions on the service side of the equipment. With higher efficiency systems air flow is critical so replacement of air boxes of the supply and return air side are required so air flow isn’t restricted.  Refrigerant lines and electrical may need to be upgraded as well along with additional return air intakes and balancing dampers.

So, when looking at what a system costs to replace all these things need to be taken into consideration so that the system operates at designed efficiency and doesn’t shorten the systems life. Options available to homeowners as far as efficiency are 14 SEER up to over 20 SEER systems, and just like MPG on your vehicle the higher the SEER the less it cost to operate. Both systems will cool the home if they are sized correctly just the higher efficiency system will have a higher upfront cost that reduces operating cost and helps pay for itself over time, where a basic system will have a lower upfront cost with less payback.

It is always best to have someone come and look at what is there existing and what upgrades will be needed, perform a heat load analysis to make sure the system is sized correctly and address and humidity, IAQ and airflow concerns so that when a price is given it will be to correct any other issues so that the new system runs as efficient as possible and that nothing pops up during the installation where the contractor might ask for more money to fix these other issues. With over 35 years in the HVAC industry most reputable companies have straight forward pricing that includes code upgrades, and everything needed to install the equipment per manufacture specifications and that meets all code requirements. It would just be the one offs where the refrigerant lines, electrical or decking would have to be altered that would add to the cost of system replacement which should be addressed as part of the purchase process especially if financing will be used to purchase a new system.