how much to install central air?

[mtemm]

we are considering a home that is about 2000 sq ft and has, unfortunately, hot water baseboard heat instead of forced air, so no duct work is in place to just add the central air.

does anybody have any idea how much this would cost to put in, at least a ballpark? I know it would be pricey but wondering just how pricey.

 

[EthansMom]

We had a hydro air, oil heat and central A/C system installed last year. Our 1500 sqft ranch with full basement (drop ceilings) cost $15,000 going with the lowest bidder. Other quotes came in around $20,000. (This price was lower for a ranch than for multi-level houses, which would require different duct installation.)

Don't just go with the lowest bidder. And ask for references! The guy we had do the work was a joke -- took soooooo long, made a huge mess that he didn't clean up, and was a general pain in the butt. He'd work for 5 minutes and then take a 10 minute smoke break, he left the basement door wide open on cold days which made the whole house cold, etc...

 

[lissawynn]

You might want to look into a ductless sysetm such as the Mr. Slim by Mitsubishi. My DH works in the field of HVAC and installed one of these systems for a friend last summer. I think the cost of the unit is relatively low (depending on the size you choose). It attaches to the outside of your home, but there is little cutting, drilling, etc. as compared to traditional a/c.
Here's the link www.mrslim.com
If you have questions, PM me and I'll ask DH.

 

[diznygirl]

Our 1600 sq foot home in CA cost $8000 for central air and heat. (that was 7 or 8 years ago). They needed to install ductwork. We got three bids, and ended up going with the highest because they had the most included in the price and the best warranty and service. Read the fine print!

 

[grlpwrd]

You might want to consider a heat pump instead depending on your needs, of course.

We have central air and plan to convert to a heat pump. I didn't get prices yet as we just got our yard renovated. Definitely get estimates and read the fine print.

 

[chrissyk]

You might want to consider a heat pump instead depending on your needs, of course.

We have central air and plan to convert to a heat pump. I didn't get prices yet as we just got our yard renovated. Definitely get estimates and read the fine print.

Heat pumps are impractical in MA

It cost us over 3K just to get the AC unit installed in a house with the forced hot air ductwork several years ago (also in MA). My friend got an estimate of about 15K to get the ductwork and AC unit installed in her house in Central MA at around the same time. I would NOT buy a house in MA without FHA, because I wouldn't want to have to decide to live w/o central AC. BTW, our house sold quickly and for a very good amount last year in part because we were one of the few houses on the market in our area that had central AC.

 

[puffkin]

Look into having the vents in the ceilings instead of the floor. Then they can run the duct work down through the closets, which may cost a little less. Cold air drops (warm rises) so that will help keep your house cooler as well.

My parents had this done to our old house 2200 SF colonial with baseboard hot water heat. It cost about $6000 15 years ago. We had the out side unit, a compressor type thing in the attic/crawl space, and the vents in the ceilings. The ducts went down through the closets to the first level. I have baseboard Central AC in my house and I HATE it. My upstairs never gets cool enough, while the downstairs is always freezing.

 

[jocon]

I paid $4800.00 for A/C. Our home is about 2000sq ft and we also have forced hot water base board heat. Some of the walls were exposed and some were not. I can give you the name of the place if you want....

 

[mtemm]

thanks everyone. we ended up losing the house..someone else got there first. we just put an offer on another house that does have central air. fingers crossed...if its meant to be it will be, right?

 

[Disney Doll]

Fairfield County CT 1800 square foot house, baseboard hot water heat, no ducts, Cape Cod style house. $10,000 & 3 weeks of hell.