How much would it cost to put a new central a/c unit on my house. The house is approx 1700 sq feet. This would be an electric unit with heat included. I got a quote of $5500.00 and I think that is outrageous. I think more like $3500.00 or am I just dreaming. Thanks.
Is it a replacement or are you starting from scratch?
replacement
Get a few quotes, and don’t forget about labor, drive time, EPA fees, extra freon if they don’t have enough left over from the first system or if it uses a different type etc etc etc. BTW I have no idea what you do for a living but if it’s anything that involves maintence on reefer units, call their HVAC people and get a quote from them as well, you might be able to get a break that way.
This is pretty much an impossible question to answer over a message board. I can’t see your house from my keyboard.
Is $5500 outrageous? Maybe maybe not. If it is a top of the line unit installed by pros, probably right in line. (assuming a direct replacement) If it is a mid line unit that requires some finagling to fit the existing installation again within reason depending on where you are (labor varies from region to region). If it is a bottom of the line unit that is a direct replacement, probably high.
For what it is worth, I put a central air and heat unit in for $3500 13 years ago. If my unit died today, I would not be shocked by a 5K price tag for a top of the line unit. Prices have gone up since 1994.
As has been stated, get estimates. compare.
A proper proposal starts with a heat loss and AC demand calculation based on your geographic location and construction specifics of your dwelling. That will determine how many net BTUs are required for heat and how many tons of cooling are needed.
“An electric unit with heat included” doesn’t explain if you’re considering an air-source heat pump with supplemental electric heat, or a conventional central air unit coupled to a furnace. Gas, oil? What SEER? What efficiency rating of the furnace? Installed where-basement, attic, closet, or crawl space?
Answer all of the above questions, and it’s a tad easier to determine what costs are involved.