An air conditioner installation is a job that will likely take the entire day, if not several days, to finish.
Not all air conditioner installations are the same, and they don’t all cost the same. Depending on your home, you might find that it takes longer and costs more than you initially expected.
What To Expect During An Air Conditioner Installation
Your typical air conditioner installation will take anywhere between 8 and 14 hours.
To prepare your home, you will need to make sure that:
- The area where the AC system will be installed is clear
- There is extra space in the driveway and yard for your installation team’s vehicles
- Any items that you don’t want damaged should be moved out of the way of the installation team
The crew and contractor will assess the site and protect the work areas with a drop cloth or protective paper.
Cover all immovable furniture with plastic.
The crew will remove the old equipment which means they will need access to your HVAC system. It may be in the crawl space, the basement, or the attic.
They may have to repair or modify the ducts, and this will heavily impact the time of the installation.
After all necessary ductwork is fixed or modified, the new AC equipment will be installed. Depending on the part installed, a licensed electrician may be required.
In case of unforeseen consequences, your contractor will let you know if what they find will increase the cost. For this reason, be prepared for things like drywall repairs, electrical upgrades, and replaced ductwork and ask about potential costs beforehand.
Air Conditioner Replacement Costs
Every replacement is different, and the costs can vary widely. The average full air conditioner replacement or installation costs around $4,600, including the cost of the unit itself. If you have a less expensive unit, the cost will be lower.
Before you commit to work, ask your contractor for an accurate quote. Don’t forget to ask about potential additional costs in case of necessary work.
How to Choose an Air Conditioning Contractor
To choose an air conditioning contractor, you will need to be aware of their experience, what kind of crew they have, and how other people have considered their experience with them.
Hire a contractor with more experience, even if it costs more. A trustworthy contractor is ultimately less expensive than having to do a shoddy job twice!