The average life expectancy for an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) is between 15-25 years. If your system is nearing it’s expiration date or you’re having general issues, it’s time to start thinking about and budgeting for an upgrade. Starting this process can be overwhelming to say the least, but we at Optimum Climates have come up with a few insights to help you on your way. In addition, feel free to schedule a consultation with one of our licensed technicians to discuss your specific needs at any time.
Educate yourself! By learning some general information about your system and answering some questions, you can get a ballpark for preliminary budgeting. Again, this is a general budget for replacing the major components (as indicated by the * below).
1) An HVAC system is comprised of many different components both inside and outside your home that need to work together. The cost of an upgraded system may include some or all of these different components, each with a different price tag.
The Outdoor Unit*: usually located to the rear or side of your house, this is where the heat removed from inside your home is dispersed. The outdoor unit contains a compressor, condenser coil, and a fan.
The Indoor Unit*: usually located in a closet or basement, this where heat is absorbed and cooled in your home. The indoor unit consists of a furnace, evaporator coil, air blower, and an air handling unit.
Refrigeration Lines: located between your indoor and outdoor units, these circulate your refrigerant fluid that removes the hot air in your home.
Ductwork: runs throughout your entire home and connects to the vents in your rooms, this is how air circulates throughout your home. The ductwork consists of both supply and return air ducts.
Thermostat: the centralized control point that allows you to set your desired temperature for your home. This communicates with your entire HVAC system and all its individual parts.
2) What type of HVAC system do you currently have? Split System, Mini-Split (Ductless) Systems, or packaged systems?
The most common type of HVAC systems are Split Systems; designed with two main units, one for heating and one for cooling. The cooling system is usually located outside and uses a fan, refrigerant, compressors, and coils to remove hot air from the house. The heating system is usually located in the basement and uses gas or electric and ductwork to produce and circulate heat in the house. A split system often has the most affordable equipment but the highest installation cost due to the required ductwork. The cost to replace only the equipment for a standard 14 SEER split system can range between $7,500 – $12,000.
A Mini-Split (Ductless) System has individual units in each room. These types of systems are usually visibly mounted on indoor walls and attached to an outdoor compressor. The cost to replace only the equipment for a standard single zone ductless system can range between $8,000 – $15,000.
Packaged Systems are rare and are designed with all its major parts packaged together into one cabinet. These types of systems are usually installed outdoors and use a blower to circulate air in and out of the home. The cost to replace only the equipment for a standard 14 SEER packaged system can range between $10,000 – $14,000.
Check out Part 2 of our “How to Budget For A New HVAC System” with specific questions for your licensed HVAC technician to get the most accurate estimate possible.