AC Replacement and Installation Cost in Denver
In need of a new central air conditioner? If you are in the Denver Metro Area, here is what you can expect to pay for a brand-new AC unit, including the cost of installation.
Average Cost of a New AC Unit in Denver
In Denver, the average central AC replacement cost–including the cost of the unit and installation–is around $7,000, but ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. Why such a large range? The price of a new AC unit varies by city and state, but the biggest factors that affect the cost are the type, brand, output, and efficiency. For a high-efficiency AC unit in a larger home, a new air conditioner can run you over $10,000, whereas an average-efficiency unit in a small home can cost less than $3,000.
Most HVAC contractors charge similar rates for AC installation services, but it is always a good idea to get several quotes before you get a new unit. Many contractors will give you a free quote over the phone if you supply them with your home’s square footage, existing air conditioning infrastructure and efficiency wants/needs.
AC Unit Size: What Do You Need?
You need an air conditioner with the appropriate air output–measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs)–for your square footage and climate. The more BTUs, the more air your AC unit can cool. Larger multi-level homes in cold climates need more BTUs than smaller ranch-style homes located in warm climates.
The BTU output you need will determine your AC unit size which is measured in tons. 1 ton equates to cooling 12,000 BTUs (British thermal units) per hour. For non-commercial units, AC units typically range from 1 to 5 tons.
You can use the chart below to roughly determine what size unit you need based on your square footage in Denver’s climate. Keep in mind, this is a universal estimate. A professional technician will choose a particular size based on your home’s sun exposure, insulation, and even ceiling height.
For a 1.5-ton AC unit, you can expect to pay around $5,000. For a 5-ton unit, you can expect to pay closer to $10,000.
New Central AC Unit in Denver
If you need a new central air conditioning unit in the Denver area, call Grand Home Services today for a quote. We are in Aurora and provide AC replacement, installation, and repair services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today!
AC Compressor Replacement Cost in Denver
When your air conditioner needs a new part, it’s usually an easy decision: get the part replaced. Most repairs will cost less than $500, and while that’s a lot of money, it is well worth keeping your AC unit functional. That simple repair decision, however, is not the case with an AC compressor.
The AC compressor is the most expensive part in an air conditioner. Including labor, the average cost to replace an AC compressor is $2,000 to $4,000. The compressor is a significant portion of the cost of a brand-new system. When an AC compressor needs to be replaced, the real question is whether or not to replace the entire unit. Below we break down the factors that will help you decide.
Is your unit under warranty?
If your AC unit is under warranty, you shouldn’t have to pay for a compressor replacement. Many manufacturers offer a 5 or 10-year part warranty and a 1-year labor warranty, meaning all parts of the unit are covered. If you do not have a labor warranty, you have to pay for the installation, but this is not a simple part to install. When a compressor is under warranty, they only cover the compressor itself. Other services or parts are not covered, including an acid wash, a refrigerant line flush, and the refrigerant itself. You can still expect to pay a reputable contractor around $1,500 for the labor and other parts.
Is your unit more than 10 years old?
If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, usually the best route to take is a completely new unit. When you replace an AC compressor in an older unit, you are still going to need to replace the unit in a few years. You will end up saving money in the long run with a completely new system.
Is your unit not under warranty and less than 10 years old?
This is the gray area where a licensed technician should help you make your decision. If your unit is not under warranty but your unit is not old, you will need to evaluate the condition and performance of the air conditioner. An expensive repair may or may not be worth it. Are your cooling bills increasing? Is the unit requiring more frequent repairs? Is the unit cooling your home as desired?
AC Compressor Replacement in Denver
If you need a new AC compressor in the Denver area or you would like some advice, call Grand Home Services today. We are in Aurora and provide AC replacement, installation, and repair services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today!
