Cost of New Central Heating and Air Conditioning? (furnace, grills, heater)

[greg92040]

I own a rental house that is a 2 story with 3,000 square feet. The gas furnace is 28 years old. I am considering replacing it with a new one and adding central air conditioning for the first time. The existing heater is 120,000 BTU. I was wondering if anyone has purchased a new HVAC would be willing to share what they paid for their new system so we would know what to expect. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[LivingDeadGirl]

I bought a large unit with an additional splitter unit for the 2nd story, combination AC-gas heat, installed on the roof, for $12,000 3 yrs ago, here in NM. My home is 3910 sq ft and I do not know the specs. The new unit is VERY effective and has reduced my gas/electric bill with its efficiency. I takes 2 large filters and the splitter unit's filter is washable.

Thankfully, my ducting system was fine so no other work was needed.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Here @C-D you'll get prices all over the place.
There are a lot of factors to take into consideration today versus a "rule-of-thumb" that was used 20+yrs ago.

The best answer is to contact 3-4 contractors in your area and get a quote from them that is derived from a Manual-J calculation.

[btuhack]

If you add A/C the ductwork and grills will have to be increased in size...A/C requires that more air be moved. If it's a legit outfit, you'll be getting a permit which entails having the entire system checked for duct leakage and kept below 15% (if 92040 is your zip code). The electrical service may have to be upgraded to accommodate the 60 amp A/C add so that's more money. Efficient equipment runs the price up but the renters pay the utilities so base equipment is probably the way to go. Line set, thermostat wire change, condensate drain, pad, electrical run, permit...done right you'll be spending 20k. Done by a cut and run moonlighter you'll probably spend 1/2 that, then have to pay someone else to make all the corrections for 15k once you figure out what you were (weren't) sold.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by greg92040

The gas furnace is 28 years old.
I am considering replacing it with a new one and adding central air conditioning for the first time.

The return air is what will require your attention.

2 story with 3,000 square feet. The existing heater is 120,000 BTU.

The new HIGH EFFICIENCY furnace will be smaller. Maybe a LOT smaller.

willing to share what they paid ...what to expect.

The HVAC work alone... $6-9,000
The "add AC to a house that never had it" work? another $3-10,000
The range is mostly depending on labor rate in your area.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

1) The "engineering" in that business is valid but it's also complicated
and almost every operator supports the 'man behind the green curtain' approach to details.
2) The difference between comparable makes/models is about nil.

For these and similar reasons focus on the COMPANY and the PEOPLE.
Find someone you believe you can trust.

[greg92040]

Now I know what to expect. I'd like to thank everyone for their contributions. I'll feel a lot more confident when if receive bids, knowing what to look for. Thank You