The recent weather changes and subsequent heat waves across the country have become a catalyst for home owners to explore adding air conditioning to their existing home. There are a few key things you need to consider before making the purchase. With the weather only getting more extreme, adding air conditioning is a logical choice – both for your immediate relief from the heat and to add value to your home. So what do you need to know about adding AC to your house? We’ll try to give you some answers to help make this process easier.

Background

Installing central air conditioning in your home is not as difficult as you might think. If you have a central heating system, then adding AC will be a breeze. Most central heating systems use forced air – meaning that there is already ductwork in place to distribute the cooled air throughout your home. All you need to do is add an AC unit to your furnace and you’re good to go! If you don’t have central heating, then you’ll need to install ductwork before you can add air conditioning. Alternatively, you can also opt for a more budget friendly window AC unit or a portable AC unit.

Cost

The cost of adding air conditioning to your home will depend on a few factors. The first is the size of your home. The larger your home, the more BTUs (British Thermal Units) you’ll need to cool it – and the more BTUs you need, the more expensive the unit will be. The second factor is the climate you live in. If you live in an area with a mild climate, then you won’t need as many BTUs to cool your home and the unit will be less expensive. However, if you live in an area with a hot climate, then you’ll need a unit with more BTUs and it will be more expensive.

The cost of adding central air conditioning will vary depending on a few factors. The size of your home, the type of HVAC system you currently have, and the climate you live in will all play a role in how much it will cost to add air conditioning. In general, you can expect to pay between $3000 and $5000 to add air conditioning to your home (this is for a 2,000 square foot house). The energy cost of running an air conditioner will depend on the size of the unit and the climate you live in. In general, though, it will cost about $1.50 per hour to run a central unit.

The cost of window AC unit is between $150 and $1,700 which doesn’t include installation. The cost of a portable AC unit is in the $300 to $500 range. While these options are much more budget friendly, they won’t add to the value of your home.

Different Types of AC Units

There are a few different types of air conditioning units available on the market. The most common type is the central unit, which we’ve already discussed. This type of AC unit is connected to your furnace and uses ductwork to distribute cooled air throughout your home. Another type of AC unit is the window unit. This type of unit is less expensive and easier to install, but it can be less effective at cooling your home. Window units are best suited for smaller homes or rooms. The last type of AC unit is the portable unit. This type of unit is the most expensive and the hardest to install, but it can be moved from room to room as needed. The energy cost to run a portable AC unit is also higher than the other two types. Running a portable AC unit costs about $0.75 per hour, but it won’t cool your entire house.

Choosing the Right AC Unit

When choosing an air conditioning unit, it’s important to choose one that is the right size for your home. If you choose a unit that is too small, it won’t be able to effectively cool your home. If you choose a unit that is too large, it will use more energy than necessary and will be less efficient. The size of the unit is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). To find the right size for your home, you’ll need to know the square footage of your house and the climate you live in.

If you’re not sure which type or size of air conditioning unit is right for your home, then it’s a good idea to consult with a professional. A professional can help you choose the right unit and can also provide guidance on installation. Adding air conditioning can be an expensive proposition, depending on what your goals are (immediate cooling or value add to your home). Make sure that you get multiple bids before you select a HVAC vendor – costs can vary by $$$$’s – do your research.

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