Although replacing your AC system requires a substantial investment, it’s a great way to boost your comfort and lower your energy bills. When needing a new air conditioning system, the first thing most Ohio homeowners want to know is the AC replacement cost. The truth is that central air replacement costs can vary wildly, as they are directly influenced by factors like the size, type, and energy efficiency of the system you choose and how complex the installation is.
Let’s look at how these factors affect AC replacement cost in Ohio and how to know when air conditioning replacement is the right decision.
System Size
Ensuring your new AC system is the proper size for your home is crucial. Undersized and oversized systems always consume more energy and don’t cool as evenly or as effectively. They’re also much more prone to breaking down and typically end up failing much sooner.
Larger homes obviously need a larger, more powerful AC system. That means the bigger your house is, the higher the air conditioner replacement cost will be. However, the size of the house isn’t the only thing that matters. The local climate is another major factor, as homes in places that experience extreme heat and/or high humidity also need a larger system compared to places that have milder summer weather.
The age of the house can sometimes also play a role. Many older homes aren’t well-insulated and have numerous areas where hot air can leak in from outside. Both of these issues contribute to increased heat gain, which necessitates a larger system to ensure the house stays cool. Even the number of windows and exterior doors matters in AC sizing, as windows and doors also contribute to heat gain.
System Type (Single-Stage, Two-Stage, or Variable-Speed)
How much you can expect a new AC unit to cost also depends on the type you choose. Single-stage units cost the least, while variable-speed units are the most expensive. The terms single stage, two stage, and variable speed refer to how many speeds the AC compressor has. As you would expect, single-stage compressors have one speed, and two-stage compressors have two speeds. Variable-speed compressors can adjust the speed in 1% increments from around 30% to 100%.
Single-stage ACs are less efficient since they always operate at full power. They also continually cycle on and off, which can lead to the temperature frequently fluctuating or some rooms not getting fully cooled before the system shuts off. Two-stage ACs operate mostly on the lower speed, allowing them to use less energy and provide more even, consistent cooling in every part of the house.
Variable-speed ACs run almost constantly at the lowest speed possible and continually adjust their speed based on the current indoor temperature. Despite running much more, they use far less energy and will always ensure that the temperature in the house remains almost exactly at whatever the thermostat is set to.
Energy Efficiency
SEER2 ratings are used to express how energy efficient AC systems are. The higher the SEER2 rating of the system you choose, the more the installation will usually cost. Nonetheless, choosing a more efficient system almost always pays off since it will save you a fairly significant amount on your energy bills.
The minimum SEER2 rating in Ohio is 13.4. By opting for something in the 16 to 20 SEER2 range, you can actually end up spending less overall in the long run due to how much less energy it will use. The most efficient systems currently available are 26 SEER2. While this type of system will greatly lower your energy bills, the energy savings may not be enough to offset the much higher upfront cost.
Installation Complexity
How complex the installation is also impacts the cost. For instance, mounting the AC condenser unit on the roof is more difficult and costs more than mounting it on the ground next to the house. Similarly, if the indoor part of the system is in the attic, the replacement cost will usually be a bit higher than if it’s on the ground floor or in the basement.
In terms of complexity and the full scope of the project, one of the biggest factors is the age and condition of the ductwork. Most HVAC professionals recommend replacing the existing ductwork when installing a new AC system, unless it’s no more than 10 years old and still in good condition. If you also need to replace your ductwork, you can usually expect to pay several thousand dollars for this alone.
When Replacement Makes More Sense Than AC Repair
Central AC systems last for around 15 years on average. If your AC breaks down and it’s more than 12 years old, replacing it usually makes more sense financially than repairing it. Repeated breakdowns that require continual repairs is another sign that it’s probably time to replace your AC.
At Comfort Control, we offer the full range of professional air conditioning services, including installation, repair, and maintenance. If you’re planning on replacing your AC, we can guide you through the entire process and help you choose the best system that fits your budget. We also offer financing for new AC systems on approved credit.
To schedule a consultation at your North Central Ohio home and receive an estimate for an AC replacement, contact us today.
