How Much Does it Cost to Install a New HVAC System? We're asking readers to share how much they spent on a given item, project, or upgrade in the home. We hope this information proves helpful to anyone needing to get a basic sense of how much something costs, and how much you can expect to pay to hire someone. How much did it cost to buy & install your HVAC system? If you can, let us know the type of system you chose, how large your space is, and specify materials vs. hired labor if needed. Since costs vary, your region of the country is always helpful too!When you need to buy a new HVAC system or replace your old one, you are facing a major expense. Once you get a quote, your next question will be where to find a better deal. It can cut deeply into your savings or require financing. But you know you can't simply do without heating, cooling, and ventilation, so you will need to bite the bullet. What can you do to make it less painful? Follow a few simple steps, and you could save thousands on your new system or replacement costs.

How to Find Deals and Rebates on HVAC SystemsCheck to see if your state or local utility company offers any rebates or incentives for replacing an old HVAC system. how to replace a capacitor in an ac unitYou can usually stack offers, so if your state and local utility company both have promotions, you have struck gold. split air conditioner outside unitSubmit for both to take a big chunk out of the cost of your new HVAC system.adding a second ac unit to rvLook Up HVAC Rebates and Incentives By StateReview the current rebate offers from all of the leading HVAC manufacturers before you call anyone for estimates. You'll find them here:Carrier RebatesLennox RebatesTrane RebatesNote: Keep in mind that these offers usually apply to their most expensive models, so you may be able to get a better deal by purchasing a mid-level unit that isn't eligible for a manufacturer's rebate.

Prices vary widely from one HVAC company to the next, so get several quotes before making your decision. Normally three quotes will be enough, but you may find it's worth getting a couple extra. The drawback to this is that many times you have to wait days or weeks to be scheduled to get a quote from each company. If your system hasn't failed and you aren't desperate for a replacement, start getting quotes two months before you will need the new system. Check with warehouse clubs such as Costco if you are a member. They may offer a better deal or a store rebate card if you purchase a new system through their partner.Angie's List may have deals on HVAC, check there if you are a member. If you aren't, it is a good source for finding local contractors and reading reviews from customers and it may be worthwhile to join. Wait to have your new system installed in the fall or spring, when HVAC contractors aren't as busy. Then, ask for an off-season discount.Tips for Buying HVAC SystemsCheck the Better Business Bureau ratings before choosing a contractor.

The cheapest quote may not be the best deal if the company has lots of unsatisfied customers. You can also check them on Angie's List and Yelp and read their reviews from customers. These can reassure you that you've chosen wisely or steer you away from companies that have poor reviews.If you are on the fence about whether you should replace your HVAC, find out when Energy Star recommends a replacement.You may save enough in energy costs to easily justify the expense. Pay them now or pay them later!Home  Resources Tips & ArticlesHigh Efficiency Air Conditioners Drastically Reduce Energy Costs! Calculate How Much You Can Save by Upgrading to a New Energy-Efficient Cooling System We all love air conditioning in the summertime; except, of course, when we see our electric bill! The air conditioning systems we grew up with were extreme energy hogs…and we usually paid a price for the cool comfort they delivered. Fortunately, times have changed, and we can enjoy substantial energy savings by installing and using today’s more technically advanced and efficient cooling systems.

The efficiency at which air conditioners produce cooling is refered to as its SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and is a ratio of the amount of cooling produced (BTU) divided by the amount of electricity (watts) used. The higher the SEER, the greater the air conditioner’s efficiency. Older air conditioning systems have a SEER rating of 10 or under. Today’s more efficient air conditioning systems have SEER ratings as high as 23.  The United States now requires that residential air conditioning systems manufactured after 2005 have a minimum SEER rating of 13 (window units are exempt from this law, so their SEERs are still around 10). The SEER rating is usually shown on a yellow and black EnergyGuide sticker attached to the outside unit of the air conditioner. How much energy and money can you save by upgrading from your old air conditioner to a modern, more efficient model?  Let’s suppose your older air conditioning system had a SEER rating of 9.

If you were to upgrade to a SEER 13 air conditioner (the lowest efficiency available), you would reduce your power consumption by about 28%.  That can translate to energy savings up to $300 per year (depending on your usage rate and the cost of electricity). The Numbers Don’t Lie! The tables below will give you an estimate of the electricity you can save by upgrading to an air conditioning system with a higher SEER. Existing Air Conditioner Efficiency: New Air Conditioner Efficiency Expected Reduction in Electricity How High a SEER Do You Need? Central air conditioners that are in the top 25 percent of efficient models may carry the Energy Star® label. To qualify, they must have a minimum SEER efficiency level of 14. So, does all this mean that you should get the air conditioner with the highest SEER possible? SEER ratings only represent the potential efficiency of the system under perfect conditions. Over half of the system’s efficiency depends on correct equipment sizing for your home and proper installation. 

So while looking for an air conditioning system with the EnergyStar® label is certainly the right start, what you really want and need is the right sized equipment operating at its optimal ratings within varying conditions, for your optimal comfort and savings. Your Horizon Services comfort specialist will perform a thorough In-Home Energy Analyis to help you identify the most efficient system for your home, your needs and your budget…and see to it that they system is properly installed for optimal performance. Schedule a FREE In-Home Energy Analysis! Learn More About Upgrading to an Energy Efficient Air Conditioner! Learn More About Our Air Conditioning Services! Horizon Services has been proudly meeting the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, drain cleaning and sewer & water line needs of businesses and homeowners in Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania and Maryland since 1989. Horizon Supports Local Sports Teams Horizon Services is a Proud Partner of the Wilmington Blue Rocks, Philadelphia Union and the Trenton Thunder.