Installing a new air conditioner is a major investment in your comfort and the value of your home. A more modern air conditioning system can help bring your home into the 21^st century, providing efficient temperature control all summer. Of course, nobody likes a surprise bill, no matter how perfectly your new air conditioning suits your home.

The best way to avoid surprises when installing a new air conditioning system is to work closely with your installer through every step of the process, from the initial estimate to install day. However, you might want to prepare for your likely costs even before your first meeting. These three points will help you understand the cost breakdown of a typical install with a few tips to save some money.

1. Ductwork Installation, Repair, or Modification

Any work performed on your ductwork will often be the costliest part of your installation project. If you're installing all new ductwork, you may need to pay up to $10,000 for the ductwork installation alone. Depending on your other installation decisions, this may be a substantial amount of your total installation costs.

Note that you may need to modify or repair some ductwork even if your home already has a central air or forced-air heating system. Your installer will need to confirm your existing ductwork is suitable for your new system and, if necessary, make adjustments. Ductwork costs are generally unavoidable, although you may want to consider a ductless mini-split if installing new ductwork is too costly.

2. Equipment Selection

Of course, the equipment you select will be the largest variable when installing a new air conditioning system. Standard efficiency, single-stage air conditioners will typically cost the least, with high-efficiency, variable-speed systems costing significantly more. The installation steps for these systems are generally similar, so the system you choose shouldn't significantly impact your labor costs.

If you're trying to save money, consider your installation costs versus your long-term operating costs. An online SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) calculator can show you how much money you'll save by installing a more efficient system. You might find it worthwhile to spend a little more on a system with a slightly higher SEER rating to reduce your overall ownership costs.

3. Installation Labor

Aside from any new or modified ductwork required, installation labor costs are usually relatively straightforward and static. Unless there are major unexpected hurdles, your contractor's initial labor estimate should usually be reasonably close to your final cost. There may be some added costs if there are issues removing the old unit or unexpected incompatibilities with your existing ductwork.

Remember that a professional installation is one of the best ways to ensure your new system lasts as long as possible. Paying for experienced and qualified labor means you can trust your system to provide reliable and efficient cooling for many years, maximizing your investment over the long run. 

For more info about air conditioning, contact a local company.