Understanding the Costs of AC Installations in Colorado

Struggling with a hot and muggy home in Colorado? If adjusting your thermostat doesn’t seem to help, you might be considering replacing your installing a new air conditioning system. The cost to install an AC unit in Denver, and broadly across Colorado, typically ranges from $6,200 to $9,000+, though prices can vary widely based on several key factors.

It’s a significant investment, and understandably, you might be curious about the reasons behind the wide price range. Factors that can influence the cost include:

• Size and capacity
• Energy efficiency rating (SEER)
• The type of AC you install
• Potential modifications
• The contractor you hire

In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into how these factors can impact the total cost of installing an AC system in your home, helping you make an informed decision that ensures comfort during those hot Colorado summers.

Size and Capacity

When it comes to air conditioners, bigger equals more expensive. However, we’re talking about cooling capacity, not the actual dimensions of the unit.

Your home’s air conditioning unit will likely be between 1.5 and 5 tons. The higher the tonnage, the more cooling capacity the AC system has. The tonnage measures how much heat the unit can pull out of your home in an hour. Higher numbers mean more cooling, but bigger isn’t always better. Have an HVAC expert from Cooper Heating and Cooling take a look to see what size is best for your home.

Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER)

There are two basic ways to look at cost: upfront and operational. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) provides insight into how much it costs to use an air conditioner. A higher number means a more efficient unit, and often a higher upfront cost. When looking at the cost to replace AC in Colorado, new units must have a minimum rating of 14, which could lead to significant savings on monthly utility bills.

The Type of AC You Install

If your home was built with whole-home cooling, it likely means you have a central system, but not all Denver homes have air conditioning. If you don’t, a ductless AC system may be more economical. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both types.

Central AC

Central air conditioning units deliver powerful cooling through ducts that run to every room in your home. When the ducts are in good condition, central AC can be an energy-efficient cooling option. The average cost to replace these AC units in Colorado is also relatively low. In general, central air conditioning is cheaper to install but more expensive to run.

Ductless AC

The general rule of thumb for ductless AC units is that they’re more expensive to buy but less expensive to operate, with one exception. If you don’t have ductwork, installing this type of cooling system may be less expensive. Plus, you get zoned temperature control, which improves performance and energy efficiency.

Potential Modifications

Not all installations are the same. If your installation requires extensive modifications, it will take longer to complete and cost more money. Rooftop installations involve using heavy equipment to hoist the unit into place, increasing the cost and time. If your ductwork needs to be changed, that’s another expensive modification, along with changes to your electrical panel.

Be sure to get a complete estimate before you do any work on your HVAC system.

The Contractor You Hire

As with most things, you get what you pay for when it comes to AC installation. If you want an experienced installer with a good reputation, you’ll pay top dollar upfront, but you’ll save on repairs and wear and tear in the long run. Installers offering reduced prices often compromise labor quality to cut costs, leading to rushed installations.

Since installing air conditioning is a major investment in your home, you want experienced installers like those at Cooper Heating & Cooling. You also want work backed by labor warranties, so your investment is protected if something goes wrong.