Hypothermia leaches body heat faster than the body can produce. It’s more likely in extremely cold weather but can happen in weather above 40°F, like Sarasota or Ruskin.
It’s unwise to enter the winter months assuming you’ll be fine because “Florida is hot.” The question, “How much is a new HVAC system?” is more relevant than you think given the risk of cold weather-related harm.
You should never shop without an estimate of a household item’s costs. Keep reading and we’ll give you a reasonable heating and cooling estimate.
How Much Is a New HVAC System?
An HVAC system costs a lot because you’re paying to heat and cool your home. Your new HVAC system cost will depend on what you’re installing.
Most of our estimates come from CNN.com, which lists many ACs, furnaces, and heat pumps starting around $1,000.
However, the residential HVAC prices start at $10,000 for the system and installation. An air conditioner can cost around $100 (for a single window unit) to $20,000.
Furnaces range from over a grand to $20,500. Heat pumps start at around the same price, one grand or more. A more advanced heat pump system can cost over $30,000.
Air Conditioning Costs
Central AC, or ducted air conditioning, is the most common type across the country and one of the most expensive. A ducted system can start at around $1,500; costs can reach over seven grand.
Portable air conditioners are the cheapest ACs, with prices beginning and ending in the hundreds of dollars. Window unit prices depend on its features.
A simple knob-controlled unit can cost as little as $150. More advanced window unit costs can reach over $1,000.
Ductless mini-split air conditioners are among the most expensive options. These systems can efficiently deliver air throughout your home without the need for ductwork. While ductless systems are often installed in a single room, adding air delivery units to multiple zones can significantly increase costs. Installation expenses typically range from $2,000 to $18,000, with a national average of approximately $3,000.
Ductless mini-split prices depend on:
· Number of zones you’re cooling
· The brand names
o Bigger names have bigger costs
o For example, you’ll pay more for Mitsubishi than Panasonic
· The head style
o The “head” is where the air comes from the mini-split system
o Each zone may need a head, depending on the home layout
§ An open-plan living room/kitchen may only need one head
§ Bedrooms may need separate heads
Installers can mount the head in different areas, though most people are probably familiar with the small upper wall mount. We’ll list the Mitsubishi brand heads as an example; you can expect similar from other brands:
· High wall
· Low wall
· Standard ceiling cassette
· EZ fit ceiling cassette
· Compact ducted
Head size also influences costs. Larger rooms will need larger heads.
Furnace Costs
Getting an accurate heating or cooling estimate for furnaces depends on the kind in question. There are three types of furnaces:
· Electric
· Oil
· Natural gas
Electric units are often the cheapest but can lead to higher electric bills. Oil furnaces were once the gold standard but aren’t looked upon too kindly today thanks to their cost and environmental unfriendliness.
Natural gas units are preferred in colder environments because they’re more powerful and are more energy efficient. Here are the average costs of each furnace:
· Electric: $1,600 to $20,500
· Oil: $3,500 to $10,000
· Natural gas: $6,000 to $10,000
Some areas in the United States are phasing out oil furnaces entirely; however, you can still have them installed in Florida. An oil furnace can last a quarter of a century, while a gas furnace may last over two decades.
Electric furnaces have the greatest life expectancy, with a potential lifespan of three decades. How long your furnace lasts depends on how well you maintain it.
Heat Pump Costs
Heat pumps have higher HVAC installation costs than furnaces. Labor costs are expensive, your home may need significant upgrades, and energy-efficient units have higher upfront costs.
The type of heat pump also influences the price. A ductless mini-split will be the cheapest. They start at $1,300 and can range up to $14,000.
A dual-fuel (or hybrid) heat pump is a heating or cooling system that combines an electric heat pump and a gas or propane furnace. These systems cost $2,500 to $15,000.
The HVAC unit replacement cost for a gas-fired heat pump ranges from $3,800 to $10,000. An air source heat pump (ASHP) can cost $4,500 to $14,000.
Geothermal heat pumps are the most expensive. The lowest a homeowner should expect this unit to cost is around $6,000, although prices can balloon to $35,000.
Setting up a geothermal heat pump requires installing an indoor unit and a system of underground pipes. Much of the cost comes from infrastructure set-up and labor.
Additional Cost Considerations
HVAC ducting can range from $10 to $40 per linear foot. An air purifier costs $400 to $4,900. Dehumidifiers cost between $1,000 and $4,900, while humidifiers cost less, with prices starting at $450 to $2,000.
UV lamps are $100 to a grand. Smart thermostats are the cheapest additional feature you can buy. Cost and installation can be as low as $120 and reach prices as high as $425.
We mentioned that labor costs and branding affect how much you’ll pay for a mini-split cooling system. You can expect these to influence any HVAC unit replacement cost.
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures the efficiency of your air conditioning system and heat pump. The higher your unit’s SEER value, the greater its efficiency. However, the initial cost is greater.
Financing can help keep more money in your bank account. Remember, loan terms and interest rates can increase your HVAC installation price.
Estimating HVAC Unit Replacement Costs
Answering the question “How much is a new HVAC system?” depends on what you want to install. Cost is important when finding your new HVAC system, but you should also consider who will do the installation.
Air Shield Heating and Cooling has provided reliable professional service to Floridians for a decade. We offer top-notch products and offer free estimates for our clients.
Air Shield Heating and Cooling provides various financing options, including our Club Membership Plans, which start at $24.95 monthly. Contact us today to get started on your new HVAC installation!
