Central Air Conditioners

Central air conditioner prices and warranties

Central air conditioners are not normally sold directly to consumers. They must be installed by licensed contractors. Pricing is a package deal, which includes the air conditioner, ductwork, labor, permits and whatever else is needed for your installation. Prices vary radically, depending on both the quality (or efficiency) of the air conditioner and how much labor is needed. Installation and related costs are usually going to cost more than the air conditioner itself.

Consumer Reports says, "If you're replacing an old central-air system, you can expect to pay around $3,000 for the equipment. If you need ductwork installed expect to pay $6,000 or more." FurnaceCompare.com claims the range is $4,000 to $8,000 (and up). The Rocky Mountain Institute says, "Central air conditioners typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000, including installation." At least one contractor on AllExperts.com claims to charge considerably less.

Expect to pay less for a Goodman (Goodman, Janitrol and Amana brands) air conditioner than other brands. Contractors say they are cheaper to buy. Installation costs may also be lower because contractors say that Goodman is less selective about its authorized installers than other manufacturers are. If you buy one of the Goodman brands, some critics indicate that you are more likely to get high-quality installation if you choose a contractor that also sells a more expensive brand, such as American Standard, Carrier, Bryant, Trane or Lennox.

Manufacturers themselves don't reveal estimated installed costs. Experts agree that prices vary by region, and possibly even within a region. If you live in a development where multiple houses have the same floor plan, your neighbors may be the most accurate guide to good pricing. Make sure bids include all costs, including any government fees (such as permits) and disposal of the old unit.

Experts estimate that within a product line of otherwise identical central air conditioners, the price difference between a 13 SEER model and a 16 SEER model is about $500.

Product quality may not have a lot to do with air conditioner prices. Jim Barnhart, an HVAC contractor with 50 years experience, maintains "As far as quality and brand go many expensive big name brands are the same as an economical cheap priced unit, even made on the same assembly line." That doesn't mean you receive no benefit for paying more. We cover a number of those benefits below. A higher price may also net a better warranty.

Most central air conditioners have ten-year limited warranties on the compressor and five-year limited warranties on all other parts. Judging from many owner posts in forums, manufacturers do not cover labor costs. Contractors usually offer one-year warranties on the installation. Some offer lifetime warranties as a marketing tool.

Both manufacturers and contractors offer a variety of warranty and service options. Carrier, for example, offers transferable warranties on your choice of parts, labor or both. Installers usually offer service contracts. Bryant recommends them, noting that annual maintenance is necessary for any central-air system. The guarantee of work allows contractors to discount per-service prices with a package deal. However, if you don't plan to stay in your home indefinitely, an extended service contract might not pay off.

Capacity

Contractors and government agencies say the biggest mistake consumers make when buying air conditioners is getting a unit with too much capacity. An unscrupulous contractor will sell you an air conditioner with too much capacity because it costs more, but the bigger disadvantage occurs once you own it. It will frequently cycle on and off. This is inefficient and expensive. Veteran contractor Fred Weldin adds, "It's much better for comfort and for the equipment to have the compressor operating relatively continuously in the worst weather."

Experts say a "Manual J" calculation is essential for determining the appropriate capacity. Manual J, published by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), is a method for calculating the design cooling load and correct system size. Do not accept bids over the phone or the Internet. A contractor must measure rooms, windows and insulation levels to perform a Manual J load calculation. A contractor should review the load calculation with you. Note that building codes in many jurisdictions require Manual J calculations.

Capacity is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The specification is most commonly expressed in tons. Sometimes you'll see BTUs per hour (a ton equals 12,000 BTUs per hour). A range of two to five tons is typical for a house.

Central AC efficiency

SEER (Seasonal Energy-Efficiency Rating) is a comparative indicator of an air conditioner's efficiency. The typical central air conditioning system of the early 1990s had a SEER of about 6. It rose to 10 early in this decade. All central air conditioners manufactured since January 23, 2006 must have a SEER of 13 or higher. Older unsold units were grandfathered under this government regulation. At this point, if any of those units are still available, they represent false economy. Guides that recommend them as a budget alternative are out of date. Current central AC units have SEER ratings that range from 13 to 23. The rating can be easily understood as a percentage. For instance, a 14 SEER air conditioner is 40 percent more efficient than a 10 SEER air conditioner.

Capacity and efficiency are major factors in the price of an air conditioner. A more efficient unit costs less to operate. We found worksheets for estimating how much, but electricity prices throughout the United States change often and usually rise. If you currently have gas or oil heat and a central air conditioner, you can compare your summer and winter electric bills to get an idea of how much more electricity you use during the summer.

Experts say the average life of a central air conditioner is 15 to 20 years. If yours is that old, they say the break-even period is short if you replace it because your new system will be much more efficient by default. When announcing the current SEER standard, Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman asserted, "Homeowners who choose to buy more energy-efficient air conditioning systems will realize significant savings in their energy bills and greatly reduce their energy use." The Rocky Mountain Institute encourages, "Buy a new air conditioner if your existing model is more than ten years-old, as such models are often only half as efficient as contemporary models."

The value of efficiency much beyond 13 SEER is somewhat controversial. Government and environmental organizations advocate for the highest efficiency you can afford. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recommends SEER of at least 14.5. That meets the ENERGY STAR standard. The professionals at AllExperts.com disagree about the value of high-efficiency air conditioners. Some point out that more expensive units may have other virtues, such as a longer warranty. The majority of experts believe that a 13 SEER air conditioner is the best value for most people (but see the Rebates section below). If you can afford greater efficiency, however, you will use less electricity and make a contribution to the environment, but you may not recoup the extra cost in energy savings. Be aware that experts say an air conditioner must be connected to an appropriate coil to achieve the published SEER specification. If you are replacing an existing system, make sure you get a new coil.

Air conditioner refrigerants

The cooling refrigerant is also an environmental and long-term consideration. R-22 (best known to the public as Freon, a DuPont product) is being phased out due to international accords. It contains hydro-chlorofluorocarbons that damage the ozone layer. A manufacturing by-product contributes to global warming. Until January 1, 2010, you can legally buy a new air conditioner that uses R-22. The EPA says that consumers who make that choice will still be able to buy replacement R-22 coolant until 2020.

Most central air conditioners now use R-410 instead, also known as Puron (a trade name of the Bryant corporation), which is less harmful to the environment. Some of the cheaper central AC units in most manufacturers' lines still use R-22, and while using R-22 may be less expensive in the short run, you might face premature repair or replacement issues. While R-22 may be produced for servicing existing equipment, manufacturers could choose to discontinue it. At best, diminished supplies will result in higher prices. For those reasons, most experts and environment advocates say you should opt for a central air conditioner that uses R-410.

Noise

All air conditioners are noisy, but some are louder than others. Manufacturers usually publish the decibel ratings of units on their websites and product sheets, so you may want to look up these figures and consider placement of the unit.

We found knowledgeable information in Professional Remodeler magazine from a government organization called The Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing. Susan Conbere and Glen Salas advise, "If you're looking for a quiet condenser, choose an Energy Star qualified system with a nominal sound level of 76 decibels or less."

Air-conditioning system types

This report focuses primarily on central air conditioner units. For some homes, other whole-home systems are more appropriate. This is especially true if your home has no existing ductwork.

In a regular central air conditioner, the evaporator, condenser and compressor are housed in a single unit. A large, roughly cube-shaped box is usually installed next to a home on a concrete slab, or on the roof. The unit is connected to ducts that run throughout the home. If the home has forced-air heating, both systems use the same ductwork.

A split system is cheaper to install. In a split AC system, the evaporator and blower are in a separate unit which lives inside the home. Split systems are reported to be quieter than single-box air conditioners. They require regular cleaning, and the system still requires ductwork.

If your home doesn't have ductwork, a ductless mini-split AC system may be cost-effective. In this type of system, each room or home area has its own air-handling unit. This gives you the ability to adjust climate control for each room. ACEEE says ductless mini-split systems are much more expensive unless you need to install ductwork for a conventional single-box system.

Contractors are not partial to ductless systems, but they will recommend them for homes where it's impossible to install ductwork. If you're in that situation, see our reports on window air conditioners or portable air conditioners, which may make more sense.

ACEEE says that evaporative coolers (also known as swamp coolers) may make sense in dry climates, such as the Southwest. One type of evaporative cooler adds moisture to a home. These units use vapor compression to cool. The city of Phoenix says evaporative coolers use more water and electricity than they should, but in a very old paper, The University of Arizona says they use "one-third of the energy of refrigerated air-conditioning." The U.S. Department of Energy covers some of the trade-offs between evaporative coolers and central air conditioners in its report called "Evaporative Coolers."

Rebates for efficient central air conditioners

Your local utility or government agency may offer rebates or tax credits if you purchase an energy-efficient air conditioner. For example, the Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative offers rebates ranging from $30 for a SEER 13 central air conditioner to $330 for a SEER 16 model. Nearly due south in perhaps the opposite climate extreme, College Station Utilities in College Station, Texas offers rebates ranging from $200 for a SEER 14 central AC unit to $600 for a SEER 18 model.

Each utility or state has specific requirements and terms for rebates. Nevada Power has a complex list of requirements, but all of them benefit consumers. You must choose from the utility's list of 26 participating contractors, but that gives you a head start in finding a good contractor. The great benefit to these rebates is that you may be able to get a high-efficiency air conditioner for the price of a low-efficiency unit.

Choosing an HVAC contractor

Consumer magazines and guides, government agencies and industry experts agree that choosing the contractor is the most important part of a buying a new central air conditioner. Contractors sell a limited selection of brands, often just one. The upside of that is that they may not have a financial incentive to promote a particular brand.

If you don't already have referrals for several contractors from neighbors, friends or relatives, the starting points are your local utilities and local or state government. Some utilities and government agencies certify HVAC contractors or maintain a referral list. Qualifications vary by utility and jurisdiction.

If you're considering buying an air conditioner from a big-box store such as Lowe's, find out how the store/chain screens its installers and which party is responsible for the installation warranty. We didn't find any sources that particularly recommend buying from a big-box store, and the chains do not advertise or sell central air conditioners on their websites.

Experts agree that referrals and references are the most important selection criterion. They recommend calling references. If you do that, ask for references in your neighborhood. You can check several neutral resources to identify a public record of testimonials and complaints. Those include the Better Business Bureau, Angie's List and regional professional associations (such as a home builders' association). Contractors should be licensed (if your state does that), bonded and insured.

Make sure that the installer is certified by the North American Technician Excellence association (NATE), the most prominent certification organization; you can also check manufacturers' websites for premium installers who have met certain requirements and received additional training from the manufacturer.

When you've narrowed your choices, contractors mention several other important screening tools. Ask how long the company has been in business. Find out how many years of experience their technicians have, and how many technicians they have. An average of five to ten years experience is recommended.

Several contractors stress post-sale considerations. These are critical if you choose to buy a service contract, but also potentially important if you have a warranted hardware or installation problem. Some contractors offer some form of 24-hour service. Some will even come to your house in the middle of the night (but you'll pay a premium for that). Many contractors promise same-day service for an emergency.

Experts say you should solicit estimates from three contractors. Each contractor should inspect your current system, if any. Use the ACCA "Quality Installation Checklist" to evaluate them. This worksheet will also help you compare each contractor's bid with the quantity and quality of service you will get. It contains detailed instructions for consumers, and covers the questions you should ask contractors. ACCA is one of several organizations that provide search-by-zip-code directories of contractors on their websites. Others are mentioned in the ConsumerSearch Best Research and All Reviews sections.

Central air conditioner brands and models

The major air conditioner manufacturers make multiple brands, and industry experts say that these brands are not distinct. (With other types of products, manufacturers often have a premium brand and a budget brand.) The logo on a unit or the appearance might be the only things that distinguish different brand products from the same manufacturer. Bryant/Carrier, American Standard/Trane, Lennox/Ducane and Rheem/Ruud are each "twin" brands. Goodman makes the Amana, Goodman, Janitrol and GmC brands.

Without the aid of credible reviews or guidance from contractors, we cannot identify the best models. As described above, the Goodman brands have detractors and defenders. They may be supported by contractors who are trying to sell on price alone. Contractor comments and inferences paint them as a budget alternative.

The models we mention here appear on the lists of Jim Dulley, GreenGuide.com and the few other sources that identify any specific models as worth considering. We emphasize that these are weak recommendations. They are not based on testing or even experience with a brand. Instead, they come from evaluation of product information and perhaps brand reputation. These sources focus on higher-end models.

The 20 SEER Bryant 187 Evolution Series stands out. It's a two-stage model, which means it operates on low speed most of the time. That keeps room temperatures consistent and minimizes electricity use. The Evolution Series uses R-410A (Puron) refrigerant. Bryant includes a ten-year warranty on the compressor and five years on other parts. The Trane XL 19i is a 19.5 SEER model that fits the same description, as does the 21 SEER Carrier Infinity Series.

The Lennox XC21 is a two-stage 20.5 SEER central air conditioner. It has a ten-year limited warranty on all "covered" parts. Lennox engineered this model with a variety of noise reduction technologies; the company claims noise levels as low as 69 decibels, which it says is "13 times quieter than a standard air conditioner."

The American Standard Allegiance 18 could be considered a step down from the above models. This 18.9 SEER air conditioner uses the outgoing R-22 refrigerant. It is a two-stage unit with a 10/5 warranty and is also made to run relatively quietly.

The 15 SEER Carrier Performance Series is another step down. It's also rated to run as quietly as 69 decibels. A 10/5 warranty is included. Some models in the series use R-410A, others use R-22. They are single-stage air conditioners (which means they are either on or off).

The Lennox Merit Series 13ACD is a 14 SEER air conditioner with a scroll compressor, which typically does not require a suction valve. It uses R-410A refrigerant. Those are nice features for a low-efficiency air conditioner. Because it lacks a ten-year warranty on the compressor, we identify it as a lower-end central air conditioner that might be a very good value if you are happy with the price or don't plan to stay in your home long enough to recoup the higher cost of a more efficient unit. A shorter warranty can be an indication of lower quality, but it can also be a marketing tool used to lower the sales price. A shorter warranty is especially worth considering if you don't expect to stay in your home for a long time.

Important Features: Central air conditioners

Here's what experts say to look for when buying a central air conditioner:

• Your contractor will determine the correct size by estimating your cooling load, which is specified in either British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour or tons. (12,000 BTU/hr is equivalent to one ton.) Cooling load is computed based on the size of your house, the climate in your area, and other factors such as shade, glass area and ventilation. If your air conditioner is undersized, it won't cool effectively. But if it's oversized, it will cool in short blasts and then turn off. This increases temperature variability and doesn't reduce humidity as effectively. Make sure your contractor does a Manual J cooling-load calculation, however, and not just a rule-of-thumb estimate based on house size.

• Central air conditioners with high SEER specifications cost more to buy and less to operate. Be sure to find out about local utility and government rebates. They may offset all or most of the cost difference between a 13 SEER air conditioner and a high-efficiency model.

• Scroll compressors have fewer moving parts than the older, reciprocating compressors, and are more reliable. Scroll compressors are also quieter and more efficient. However, because of their smaller volume, they are less forgiving if liquid refrigerant flooding should occur due to overcharging of the system. Compressors are the most expensive components in air conditioners, but most air conditioners have ten-year limited warranties. Reciprocating compressors are still used in some budget models, but are no longer common.

• Some cheaper models still use R-22 refrigerant (often called Freon). Freon damages the atmosphere's ozone layer and is being phased out. R-22 units will not be manufactured after 2009 and the refrigerant will eventually no longer be available. Most air conditioners now use R-410A, which in the short run is more expensive.

• Look for sound-dampening features such as vibration isolation for the compressor and insulation. Also, louvers or heavy-duty wire grids and caps protect the unit from weather and impacts from sports or lawn equipment. If noise concerns you, ask prospective contractors for the decibel ratings of the units they are proposing.

• A ten-year warranty on the compressor and five years on other parts is typical. Some models come with a better warranty. A variety of extended service plans are optional.

• Check that the contractor meets your locality's licensing requirements, and is certified to handle refrigerants. The contractor should also be bonded and insured against liability. Hire a technician who is certified by one of the two national programs (Air Conditioning Contractors of America or North American Technical Excellence).

• Be aware that the cost will vary significantly depending on what systems, if any, already exist in your home. If you have no ductwork, or your ductwork is old and leaky and needs replacement, the project cost will be at least twice as much more than what you'll pay if a new air conditioner can be connected to the existing ductwork.

• Consider a two-stage air conditioner for maximum comfort and efficiency. These high-end units use two compressors and fans. They cost about 30 percent more than a single-stage air conditioner.

• You or the contractor will probably need to get a permit. Local building departments often require permits for HVAC installation work. Home improvement columnist Paul Bianchina explains, "In general, you need a permit to expand or structurally alter your home or any of its wiring, plumbing, or mechanical systems."

A good contractor will evaluate your entire HVAC system and make appropriate recommendations, starting with whether to repair or replace an existing air conditioner. House and duct insulation, window upgrades and other energy efficiency improvements could make a bigger difference than a new air conditioner. The ACEEE, GreenGuide.com, Flex Your Power, Sensible Home (Dulley.com) and the Rocky Mountain Institute all have guides and suggestions. (See the ConsumerSearch All Reviews section.)

Alex Walter, an HVAC contractor in Aurora, Colorado, suggests that home buyers bring in an HVAC contractor to inspect heating and cooling systems in addition to hiring a general inspector.

No reviewer rates air conditioners or air conditioner brands. The consensus among contractors and other experts appears to be that all brands are essentially the same. Of course, some tout the brands they sell, but in neutral Internet forums where they aren't going to make a sale, many candidly express no brand preferences and insist that installation quality is more important than hardware quality.

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