Installing Central Air Conditioning (how much, house, square footage)

[jrzygal]

Hi, Was wondering if anyone had some idea how much it costs to install central AC. Figure a 4 bedroom home, 2 zones. I know a lot depends on whether or not the duct work is already there. So if someone knows how much it is roughly with and without duct work already being in the house, that would be helpful.

[Roselvr]

It also depends on where the ductwork needs to go.

I would look in the phone book to get estimates. If you post what area you're in, someone may be able to recommend someone. I can tell you who not to go to if you're in my area

[uk-mike]

Try Refrigeration Engineer.com forums
(Though most of the guys there are industrial),

They will also be unable to help you without details of the pipe run/location of electrical and run for condensate drain pipe.

In general they are a friendly crowd.

Good Luck.

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by jrzygal

Hi, Was wondering if anyone had some idea how much it costs to install central AC. Figure a 4 bedroom home, 2 zones. I know a lot depends on whether or not the duct work is already there. So if someone knows how much it is roughly with and without duct work already being in the house, that would be helpful.

Check out this site
SpacePak central air conditioning ductless system (http://www.spacepak.com/html/news.asp?id=72 - broken link)

[brook2ga]

We had ours put in the attic. We have ceiling vents which works out well since cold air drops. We don't have 2 zone though; paid $6500. You can check if the utility company is giving out any rebates for energy efficient units. Cost also depends on square footage of house.

[centralcostac]

Adding central air conditioning to an existing forced-air heating system in a 2,000-square-foot house averages $3,500 -$4,000, and can be done by two technicians in 2-3 days, with little or no change to the existing ducting; if ducts must be added, the work time doubles, as does the cost to $7,000 -$8,000 or more!

Estimates for a older, smaller house of 800-1,000 square feet with no existing duct work run $2,100 -$6,000, or as high as $10,000 or more, depending on the type and quality of equipment installed, the amount of space available for installing ducts and vents, and the local economy.