How Much Does Central Air Conditioning Installation Cost in McKinney, TX?
Home Advisor's Central Air Installation Cost Calculator shows a US average of $5,623. The typical range, however, is from $3,800 to about $7,500. Smaller homes often pay less, while larger homes that require more ductwork pay more.
Keep in mind, however, that the cost of labor in McKinney, TX, can be a bit higher than the US average. The Dallas-Fort Worth, TX area, after all, had a 3.5% increase in compensation costs as of June 2020. As such, it's best to prepare for a final HVAC installation bill that may be higher than the country average.
On that note, your final bill will depend on other factors, with one of the key ones being the size of the cooling area. This, in turn, influences the extent of the required ductwork. If you do have ducts, then your cost will vary based on whether you need to repair or upgrade their materials.
Let's take a closer look at all the key variables that can impact the cost of your new central air unit.
Size of Cooling Area
This is the amount of space that you'd want the air conditioner to cool all at the same time. The bigger it is, the higher the "tonnage" the AC should have. "Tonnage" is the measurement of the cooling ability of an air conditioner.
Keep in mind that sizing affects the overall efficiency of air conditioners. If it's too small, it won't be able to cool your entire home properly. If it's too big, it won't be able to run cycles that are long enough to remove enough humidity from the air.
In both cases, the AC will use more energy, not to mention work harder than it has to. This can also shorten the lifespan of all the unit's components. As a result, your air conditioner's risk for premature AC repair may also go up.
This is why it's super important to have your cooling needs assessed by an HVAC pro first. This is the most accurate way to determine the appropriate size of your new AC. It's also why you should ask potential HVAC contractors for a free consultation.
Here at 1-800-PLUMBER +Air, we provide free consultations to our clients. We strive hard to ensure that our McKinney, TX customers invest in the best equipment. As such, please rest assured that you can rely on us for proper central AC sizing and energy assessment.
The Need for Ductwork Installation
If you don't have existing ducts, you first need to have these installed prior to the central AC. After all, central air units use these "passageways" to deliver cooled air in your home. As such, if you're upgrading from room ACs, the cost of the new central AC will depend much on this.
Repairs or Changes to Existing Ductwork
If you're replacing an old central AC, the current state of your ductwork will still play a role in your costs. For starters, worn duct insulation (or not having any at all) can waste up to 60% of heated air. Since central ACs use the same network, then faulty ducts also waste a lot of cooled air.
Building Permits
In McKinney, Texas, installing, repairing, or altering HVAC units often require building permits. In most cases, these include new central AC installations or replacements. The same goes for building, replacing, or repairing ductwork.
You need to apply for and secure these permits prior to doing any major work on your home. Otherwise, the state and local government may suspend the activity.
If you choose our McKinney team here at 1-800-PLUMBER +Air, you don't have to worry about these. As a fully-licensed company, we make sure that all our projects have the proper permits. We won't put your and your family's safety, as well as our reputation, at risk.