New AC Installations: What Does a New Air Conditioner Cost in Elkhart? How much a new air conditioning, heating, or air filtration system will cost varies quite a bit depending on many factors. These variables usually fall into three categories: Lifestyle Factors: The health conditions of the home's inhabitants (allergies, respiratory issues, and sensitivity to surroundings) How the inhabitants "feel" comfortable (preference to cooler or warmer temperatures) Hobbies and activities happening inside the house (musical instruments, crafts, wine) Building and Environmental Factors: The number, style, and size of windows currently in place, the direction the home faces, and age of the home Type of building, roofing, siding, ductwork, and amount of insulation present Geographic climate, lot size, city regulations and surrounding environment including typical humidity, nearby industries, available land, and codes required Utilities required or available; solar, geothermal, gas, electric, LP, oil Contractor Risk Factors: Contractor licensing, insurance, bonding, and financial strength Legitimacy, ability, and certification level of the employees installing the equipment Satisfaction Guarantees and service level (obtainability and commitment to customer satisfaction) All of these aspects and more help to determine the design, size, and level of work needed to correctly heat and cool a home, which normally goes into the expense associated with the new system. What Can You Expect to Pay? Ranch or Smaller Residence Up to 2000 square feet 1 or 1.5 Story $40-$250 per month with approved financing, or $6,000 - $15,000 Average Suburban Home 2000-3500 square feet 1-3 Story $100-$500/month with approved financing, or $8,000 - $25,000 Luxury Home 3500+ square feet Various levels or highly custom $250+ per month with approved financing, or $18,000 - $60,000+ Potential pricing may vary depending on geographic location, personal lifestyle, system settings, equipment maintenance and installation of equipment and duct system. Since every home’s heating and cooling system must be fully custom designed and installed, it is quite difficult for reputable contractors like BW/Cook Service Experts to provide a specific estimate without investigating all the factors on-site that can be found during an in-home comfort analysis. However, we can recommend broad ranges of the potential HVAC system price based on the general size of a home that isn’t yet 30 years old. It’s important to note that, even the price ranges above can vary much more, depending on all the factors and circumstances of a particular home and homeowner. How HVAC Systems Are Priced by the Manufacturer (MSRP) Central heating and cooling systems are comparable to vehicle classes. Systems usually fall into large (and sometimes misleading) ranges of "economy", "mid-level", and "premium". However, because every homeowner is different, each new heating and cooling system is manually installed, and because of all the prior factors mentioned, the process and ultimate pricing of a heating and cooling system could be compared to selecting vehicle "Options." Home Comfort Options Home comfort Options include size and efficiency, in addition to air quality control, such as the efficiency of air cleaners and air filters. Air quality control systems are essential for homeowners with infants and children, people in the home with allergy or respiratory problems, or climate control issues that necessitate humidification controls. Thermostat controls are also a big part of the home comfort puzzle, and a large selection of mobile and Wi-Fi options are out there. Other home comfort options include adding the recommended amount of insulation or redesigning, correcting, and cleaning ductwork to be sure the system operates efficiently. Some selections can be added as a set, but a lot of these options must be figured out through a complete Home Comfort Analysis, which is a free service we offer. All of these options need to be contemplated very carefully, since the best air conditioner or furnace can’t correctly control the comfort of the home if the duct work, attic insulation, or air filter is inadequate for the home and its residents. To read more or get your no-obligation Home Comfort Analysis, which includes your individualized new system estimate, call 574-218-6404 now, or download our free eBook "Home Heating and Air Conditioning for Dummies".