How Much Does An HVAC System Installation Cost?
The installation of a good HVAC unit in your home ensures that you have a comfortable home. Moreover, it can save you from unnecessarily spending on insurance, medical, energy, and repair costs. For example, an HVAC system that functions properly means that it can protect your family from weather-related illnesses, like heat stroke, pneumonia, heat exhaustion, and more. Having optimum indoor temperatures at all times means your HVAC system can keep your pipes from freezing and bursting, therefore, protecting your home from water damage. HVAC installation cost typically depends on various factors like those discussed in this article.
How Much Does An HVAC System Installation Cost?
Contents
- 1 How Much Does An HVAC System Installation Cost?
- 2 Factors That Affect The Installation Of An HVAC System
- 3 Average Cost To Install A Heating System In New England
- 4 How Much Does It Cost To Install Central Air Conditioning In New England?
- 5 Call Townsend Energy For Your HVAC Installation Requirements
Generally, the HVAC system installation cost is different across the board per specific factors. For example, a ducted system needs to have a network of ducts, which will add to the installation cost if your home isn’t already fitted with HVAC ducts. On the other hand, a ductless system means you don’t have to install any ductwork. However, a ductless system might be generally less costly to install but might cost more to buy.
Factors That Affect The Installation Of An HVAC System
As aforementioned, the average cost of installing an HVAC system in New England relies on various installation factors. These include:
- how complex the installation is
- the square footage of your home
- the HVAC system type
- the number of HVAC zones
- how efficient the system is
- heating and cooling capabilities
- additional accessories
- and more
HVAC contractors typically charge per square foot. Therefore, it will cost more to install an HVAC system if you have a bigger home. If there is a need to divide the house into HVAC zones, it will likely cost more as additional dampers are needed to redirect air into these different zones. The HVAC system’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) will also impact the cost. A highly efficient system costs more and vice versa. For instance, the Air conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) report that an air conditioner’s SEER rating usually ranges from 13 to 28, with the cost increasing as the efficiency increases. HVAC systems equipped with additional accessories, like indoor air purifiers, UV lights, dehumidification systems, and whole-house humidifiers, are also likely to drive up the HVAC installation cost.
Average Cost To Install A Heating System In New England
Below, we discuss the costs of the installation of various heating systems in Northeastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Maine:
What Is The Cost Of Installing A New Boiler?
Around nine million US households utilize boilers for home heating. One benefit of using a boiler is that they provide dependable and stable heat to keep your home warm. However, this still depends on the unit’s efficiency. The cost of the boiler installation in your house basically depends on your home’s square footage, with bigger homes costing more than smaller ones. In New England, installing a boiler can cost you from $11,500 to $15,900 for an oil boiler that does not provide hot water. For an oil boiler with an indirect water heater, the installation costs can range from $15,500 to $19,900. An 85% gas boiler ranges from $13,00-$15,00, whereas a 95% gas boiler installation ranges from $15,900 to $24,900.
Factors That Influence Boiler Installation Cost
Some of the other factors that can impact the installation cost of your new boiler are:
- Location: When choosing the boiler’s size for your home, you should consider the region’s climate. This is the reason behind the varying cost of boilers in different locations. Moreover, the price also differs from state to state.
- Boiler Size: Bigger homes typically need larger boiler units to ensure efficient heating and vice versa. Installing bigger boilers costs more than installing smaller units. Specifically, larger boilers need more infrastructure and labor, and these require additional costs. Keep in mind that installing an oversized unit increases your heating costs unnecessarily, resulting in an uncomfortable home. Therefore, consult a professional HVAC contractor to help you find the best BTU for your home and the correct boiler size.
- Boiler Type: Common boiler types are conventional boilers, system boilers, and combination boilers. The last type is generally less costly than conventional ones. They also have varying efficiency levels.
- Fuel Type: Consider the fuel cost when calculating residential boiler prices. A few of the fuel types used to power boilers are gas, heating oil, and electricity. The prices of these power sources tend to fluctuate depending on the market forces and season. Therefore, consider these when choosing the fuel type for your boiler.
- Special Features: Switching from one boiler or fuel type to another means that the HVAC contractor will need to modify or upgrade your home during installation. Features like oil tanks, ducts, electric cables, and valves might be required, depending on the boiler type. These factors will drive up the cost of installation.
What Is The Cost To Install A Furnace?
Installing a furnace in New England has an average cost that ranges from $7,500 to $9,000 for an oil furnace. A gas furnace installation ranges from $6,500 to $8,500. This cost changes depending on the HVAC contractor and the house’s square footage.
Factors That Influence Furnace Installation Cost
The following are other factors that impact the furnace installation cost:
- Installation Complexity Of The Furnace: It takes around 4 to 8 hours to install a furnace in a residential structure on average. More time might be needed when there are some complexities involved, such as gas lines, HVAC ducts, and modifications on electrical wiring. An HVAC contractor will likely charge more if these complexities are present during installation.
- Furnace Energy Source: The fuel type used in the furnace can affect the cost of installation directly. For example, furnaces powered by electricity usually cost less to install but typically have a high energy cost. Gas furnaces are cheaper than oil furnaces as well. However, heating oil burns hotter than natural gas, and hence, is cheaper to use in the long run.
- Furnace Size: The price of furnace installation increases with the unit’s size. Ask an expert HVAC contractor to conduct a Manual J load calculation for your home to determine the right furnace size. Having a furnace that’s too small will not provide sufficient heating, while a furnace that’s too large will hike up your heating bills and dry up the humidity in your home.
- Efficiency: Highly efficient furnaces are typically more expensive at the onset. Fortunately, they can significantly reduce your long-term energy bills. Consult an experienced HVAC contractor to help you choose an energy-efficient furnace with a superior AFUE rating.
How Much Does It Cost To Install Central Air Conditioning In New England?
Here are the typical costs included in the installation of various cooling systems in Northeastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Maine:
Installing An AC In A House That Has Ductwork And An Existing Furnace
Additional features like installing HVAC ducts can cause the installation cost of your HVAC unit to increase. If you already have ducts and a furnace installed, you will probably save on the installation costs of your central air conditioner. Moreover, it will be easier for HVAC technicians to install a central air conditioning system in a home already fitted with ductwork and a furnace.
Keep in mind that the condition of the ducts and furnace may influence the costs when installing a forced-air AC system. For example, old and worn-out ducts need refurbishing or replacing to maintain the high efficiency of your central air conditioner.
The furnace might also require servicing if it isn’t in excellent working condition. If the furnace works perfectly, you are likely to have big savings on the installation costs. This type of installation ranges from $7,000 to $10,000. Naturally, this depends on various factors.
Factors That Influence Central Air Conditioner Installation Cost
Listed below are a few of the factors that affect the central air conditioner installation costs:
- Type Of Air Conditioner: Air conditioning systems come in various sizes, shapes, and functionality. For example, systems can come in single-speed or variable-speed air conditioning. The air conditioner type you select will have a direct impact on the installation costs.
- Air Conditioner Size: Larger air conditioners are likely costlier because they provide air to a more expansive square footage.
- AC Efficiency: Air conditioning systems with a high SEER rating usually have a higher cost. One of the advantages of such a system is that you will have more savings when it comes to long-term energy costs because of the system’s high efficiency.
- HVAC Installation & Labor Rates: HVAC contractors charge different installation prices, depending on the air conditioner size, complexities, and other factors. You can significantly lower your installation costs without compromising the quality of the air conditioner installation when you hire the experts at Townsend Energy Residents in Northeastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Maine should call today for a free consultation.
- HVAC Ductwork Condition: As previously mentioned, installing a central air conditioner in a house already fitted with ductwork generally costs less. This is assuming that the ductwork doesn’t need to be replaced or renovated. If the HVAC contractor needs to install everything, including the ducts, from scratch, you are likely to have increased HVAC system installation costs.
- Additional HVAC Equipment: Additional accessories in your central air conditioning system, such as air purifiers or whole-house dehumidifiers, will increase costs.
- HVAC Zones: If various parts of your house have different heating and cooling needs, you will require an HVAC zoning system to ensure that the system can supply air per the household’s needs. The number of dampers that need to be installed depends on how many zones are created. Unfortunately, this will lead to an increased installation cost.
Installing A Central Air Conditioner In A House That Uses A Boiler For Heating
This section includes a discussion on the usual costs of installing a central air conditioner in a house that doesn’t have ducts but is already fitted with a boiler. Without ductwork, installing a central air conditioner will cost somewhere from $25,000 to $35,000. This amount is considerably higher than what you’ll spend if you already have ducts in your home. If the house has no ducts, the HVAC contractors must construct the ducts from scratch. This might include tearing down and rebuilding ceilings and walls to create some space for the ducts.
However, there might not be any room to fit the ductwork, depending on the house’s design and layout. Many older homes have plaster walls that can be a challenge to modify. Therefore, it can be difficult to install ductwork if you live in such a house. The HVAC installation team might somehow be able to install the ducts, but they will likely compromise your home’s structural integrity as different parts of the house are modified. Prevent this by installing a ductless air conditioner instead. This will keep the costs of installation low while also maintaining your home’s structural integrity, which is especially important if you own an older, historic home.
Ductless Air Conditioning In Specific Rooms To Cool Room by Room
Some rooms in your home might have particular heating and cooling needs at times. For example, you might have a newly-built sunroom that’s hotter in the summer than other rooms around your home. Therefore, zoned cooling becomes a requirement. A ductless air conditioning system lets you control that room’s temperature without any modifications to your home’s structure or the need to install ductwork. Single-zone ductless mini-split systems are very helpful in providing supplemental cooling or heating in particular rooms. When you heat or cool specific rooms as needed, you can significantly lower your energy costs, making ductless zoned systems more efficient. A single zone tends to cost $7,000-10,000.
Ductless For The Entire Home – Multi-Head Ductless Install
If you want to heat or cool various rooms independently via a ductless system, you can do so with a multi-zone ductless HVAC system. A single compressor can handle up to 8 indoor air handlers, so you can control the airflow in these different rooms or zones. Depending on the heating or cooling needed, each room can be set with different temperatures on its thermostats. You can even turn off the heating or cooling in rooms that aren’t occupied, allowing you to save energy costs. Multi-zone ductless HVAC systems are usually for two-story homes, older homes not fitted with ductwork, and other configurations. Installing such a system in your home can cost anywhere from $9,800 to $24,00+ in New England.
Conclusion
Determining the HVAC system’s installation cost in your home means considering all factors discussed above. A professional HVAC contractor can assist you by providing an accurate cost estimate based on your home’s size, the HVAC system’s size, and your household’s expected heating and cooling needs. Fortunately, homes in Northeastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Maine can rely on Townsend Energy to install, replace, and maintain any kind of HVAC system.
Call Townsend Energy For Your HVAC Installation Requirements
For all of your service needs in New England, make sure to call Townsend Energy. We have professionally certified and highly skilled technicians who can conduct high-quality heating and cooling, including HVAC installations, AC maintenance, furnace upgrades, boiler replacements, and more. All our friendly techs have extensive experience and knowledge to service any HVAC make and model accurately.
Our company has highly affordable HVAC service prices in the area. Our tune-up services guarantee to help improve your indoor air quality, comfort, energy efficiency, and more. When looking for HVAC repair or replacement options, we can recommend the best one while staying within your budget. Your satisfaction is important to us, so all our work is backed with a guarantee. Schedule your next HVAC maintenance or service appointment with Townsend Energy today. Be sure to ask about our free, in-home estimates.
Contact us now at (800) 722-4101 to find out more!