This summer’s extreme weather, the recent heat dome being a good example, has many people considering upgrades to their HVAC. Deadly heat has reached northward into areas like ours that never see those sorts of temperatures, and it seems like every successive summer is the hottest on record.
Recent indicators show that almost 90% of homes nationwide use air conditioning, and 97% of new homes use central air. As global temperatures and humidity get higher, AC is coming to be viewed as a utility rather than a luxury.
How Expensive Is It to Install Central Air?
According to Heating News Journal’s 2025 Guide, the average is $3,500–$11,000 once you take into account labor, ductwork, and HVAC controls. Other factors, such as the size of your home and regional climate, can also affect the cost.
Can Central Air Be Added to Any House?
For the most part, the answer is yes, central air can be added to a home. There are exceptions, though. People with older homes or those with unique architecture may face some hurdles. Homes without ductwork need to either have it installed or use ductless systems.
Homes with limited crawl space face challenges in running any needed ductwork or air handlers. Some older homes may require upgrades to their electrical systems in order to handle the power needs of central air.
Do You Need Ductwork to Add Central Air in a House?
Ducts are used to distribute the air cooled by the air conditioning throughout the home. If ductwork isn’t already available, it will need to be installed with the central air unit. If installing new ducts is impossible or too expensive, ductless alternatives such as mini split systems will be the best option.
Is a Mini Split Better Than Central Air?
Each has its advantages, so it all depends on your situation and priorities.
Mini-split systems have:
- Greater energy efficiency.
- Zones (individual room cooling capability).
- The option to be used as a heat pump (backup to central heating).
Central AC can:
- Use less energy to run.
- Offer easier maintenance.
- Cool the entire house at once.
Will Central Air Increase My Electric Bill?
If you are replacing an existing unit, your power bill may drop, but if you are installing the AC in a house that has none, it will go up. An easy way to determine the efficiency of the system in question is to look at its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). This number measures how much cooling an AC creates per watt of electricity consumed. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. For instance, upgrading from SEER 10 to SEER 16 can reduce costs by up to 40% under similar conditions.
Stay Cool This Summer with Your Long Island HVAC Experts
ExpressCOD offers the best service and prices for C.O.D. oil delivery, and our sister company, Tragar Home Services, provides comprehensive HVAC service, maintenance, repair, and installation. With the summer heat peaking, no one wants HVAC problems. That’s why Tragar Home Services offers fast, reliable service with a two-hour emergency response time, the quickest in the area. And if you’re looking to prepare for the colder months ahead, don’t forget to take advantage of our discounted heating oil delivery before autumn arrives. Contact us today!