Burning up in your own home and don’t know what to do? The AC is blasting but doesn’t feel like it’s doing anything! It might be time for an AC replacement. While this is no small task, the HVAC company you go with can make all the difference and is a very important decision.
The cost of AC replacement in the Bay Area can vary greatly depending on the system you need and the company you hire to do the job. It is important to note that choosing an unlicensed contractor may save you money in the short-term, but if you want to have longevity with your system, it is best to always go with a professional!
The cost of AC replacement includes new equipment followed labor, part removal, permits and equipment disposal.Barring unforseen circumstances your HVAC company does not offer to remove/dispose of your old furnace unit for you, consider taking your business elsewhere.
The Cost Of AC Replacement Depends On A Few Things
When looking at the type of AC unit that is right for you, the cost heavily depends on what type of unit you have. If you have a window unit or portable AC, prices are often quite low, and it will only cost a couple hundred dollars to replace. From there, on average Central AC systems are often the most expensive, however, ductless systems can go over $15,000 to replace.
The most obvious cost factor is the size of your household, but that doesn’t stop there. The brand, weight, and SEER rating of the new unit play major roles in determining how much you are going to pay. Also be sure to check the rates of labor in your area to be sure you are getting a fair deal.
If You Get A Quote Without This One Thing…It’s Not Legitimate!
No HVAC company is right for installing systems in your home without preforming a thorough inspection. We preform what is called a Manual J Load Calculation. Simply measuring the size of your home is not enough. We take into account, among other things: heat gained by walls and windows, occupancy, electrical appliances, outside air, home construction type, mechanical ventilation, duct leakage/gains/losses, and customized consumer requests and preferences.
HVAC Financing In The Bay Area
Repairs and installation can be costly – and they always seem to come up when you’re saving for the holidays or that big vacation. Certified offers flexible financing for any budget. And Certified will do all of the paperwork for you!
Options:
- Bronze Plan: Special Rate of 7.90% APR with custom monthly payments of 2%
- Silver Plan: 0% APR with 72 equal monthly payments
- Gold Plan: No interest if paid in full within 18 months
How To Save On AC Installation Costs
- Time it right: Many homeowners pay top dollar for AC installation because their unit breaks at the most inopportune time and they are forced to replace it on short notice during peak season. If you think your AC is on its last legs, it would behoove you and your family to consider replacing a unit in the off-seasons. This not only cuts costs but reduces stress and gives you the time to do the proper research and make the right decisions.
- Look for tax incentives and rebates: Installing a new AC can offer great tax incentives or rebate programs to help you save money. Research what kind of incentives you can get for installing in your Bay Area home.
- Know what type of system is right for you: Are you a lone homeowner or do you have a family of five? If you have three room condominium and are not home often, a ductless mini split may be more viable. Consider your living habits and conditions before you dive into specifics of getting quotes. This can help guide your contractor toward a unit that best suits your needs.
Be Careful of HVAC Companies That Do This
- Overquoting a “high-quality system”: Some contractors will sense that you might have the penchant for having the best of everything and are unwilling to shop around. Remember that quality does not exactly equal value in an HVAC system. With few exceptions, the best system is the one that is sized and installed properly by the contractor.
- Underbidding for the lowest price: On the opposite end of the spectrum, some contractors will give you what seems to be a “steal”. But if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Any price that seems very low is likely a system that won’t be sized properly or installed with professional grade care.
- Pressure on repair appointment: Be skeptical of AC replacement quotes in times of desperation. Some HVAC contractors know you are in need and will take advantage of this. At Certified Heating and Air Conditioning, we encourage you to get second opinions — we offer them FREE. We promise fair quotes and top-notch support.
External Resources On The Cost Of AC Replacement In The Bay Area:
- Home Advisor
- Trane SEER Rating Guide
- Pick HVAC Brand Review