How much should Central A/C cost?

My English Castle · #1 (**permalink**) 04-28-2009, 09:47 PM

We have a 3000 or so sq foot home with forced-air heating. I'd like to install Central A/c but wonder if anyone has a ballpark figure so I can figure out how much to budget for it?

creditoria · #2 (**permalink**) 04-28-2009, 11:37 PM

Cases do vary because of the specifics of each one. Get a local contracotor do the estimation for you. Try solidcontractors com for example. It should not cost you a dime to get several price estimation

PetMom · #3 (**permalink**) 05-26-2009, 09:43 PM

We live in a much smaller house than yours had to get a new one.

I was quite surprised that a new a/c goes for: $3500. (people used to use cheap window units - a rare few still do)

We are having a lower utility bill though with the better energy use.

irmanator · #4 (**permalink**) 05-27-2009, 07:21 AM

I am one of the rare ppl still using a window unit. until last year i didn't even have that. So are you saying central is more energy efficient? I thought the window ones would be cause you are just cooling where you are.....

PetMom · #5 (**permalink**) 05-27-2009, 10:02 AM

I am in Texas where I think for our situation the central a/c (and it is a more powerful unit) really keeps the house cooler and for about $100.00 less on our electric bill (old large appliances really can drain the electricity).

but if you are in a cooler area and do not need to run it I think the window units are great. Surely they do not cost thousands of dollars.

People used to have a window unit in just a few rooms and hang out in them (such as kitchen area and family room) and go to the bedrooms at night with the windows opened when it was cooler. Houses were also built to facilitate this with cross ventilation windows.

In these hot summers that would not be an option for us right now but at the prices of central a/c it is great people have this as an option.

Be sure to look up how to make how it is installed as some burglars can gain access if you do not put in in a certain way. Some are installed where they can pull them out and go right in.

My English Castle · #6 (**permalink**) 05-27-2009, 04:22 PM

We have window units, but even with three of them, they just can't keep up, especially with our high-ceilinged family room. Plus we all have summer allergies and I'm hoping the central A/C will help us with that.

disneysteve · #7 (**permalink**) 05-27-2009, 04:25 PM

Your high ceiling family room needs a ceiling fan or two.

My English Castle · #8 (**permalink**) 05-27-2009, 04:33 PM

Yep, it sure does.
It's on my lengthy "to-do" list.
But I'm too busy listing things for the ebay challenge to get to that stuff!