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There are many reasons why you might be considering buying an air conditioning system for your home or your commercial property. You may have just purchased a new house and want to get it prepared for hot summer days. Or, maybe your old cooling system is outdated and you’d like a more energy-efficient system in place. Regardless, there are few things that will affect the cost of your AC installation, from the location and size of your property to the type of system you are looking to install. For example, a residential central air system at the low end will cost between roughly $3,800 to $7,500 (including the price of both the unit itself and the installation service charge), and at the high end several thousand dollars more.
If you are set to cool off your place with a window air conditioner, a ductless mini-split system, or a central AC unit, you’ll want an experienced company that can answer all your questions and provide high-quality work. For your peace of mind, we have compiled the best AC installation companies to get you on your way to enjoy your new cooling system.
What Types of Services Do AC Installation Companies Provide?
AC installation companies offer a variety of services, and as the name suggests, its main offering is installing air conditioning systems, across a range of different manufacturers and types of units. That includes central AC systems, window ACs, ductless mini-split, and more. It also offers maintenance, repairs, tune-ups and some companies offer emergency repair services.
When Should I Use an AC Installation Company?
Installing an AC system is a skilled task that may require a team of professionals, depending on the type of system you plan to purchase. Given the complexity involved in installing AC systems, these professionals have a range of electrical, plumbing, and carpentry knowledge. However, there are times where you might be able to install a window unit yourself. In the end, for most people looking to install an AC system, your best choice will likely be to go with a professional installer.
How Much Do AC Installations Usually Cost?
The cost of AC installation services vary depending on the type of AC system you want to install, the brand of the AC unit, and the location and size of your property. AC window units are the cheapest to install and the cost is relatively low compared to central AC systems, for which the average cost is about $5,000, including both the unit and installation. Getting an AC system can be very expensive—that’s why some of the companies listed here provide financing assistance directly or through third-party financial institutions.
We started our research by looking at more than 30 AC installation companies that offer services in major cities and have locations across the country. Then we narrowed down the list, taking into consideration the company’s history, services offered for residential and commercial properties, customer satisfaction ratings, track record of installing major AC manufacturer’s brands, and certifications from major HVAC organizations such as IHACI, NATE, and ACCA.
For instance, we picked Aire Serv for best overall for its coverage nationwide with upwards of 200 locations and for having a stellar rating with the BBB. We selected Temperature Pro for best for commercial for providing installation services with certified NATE technicians and for offering AC installation solutions in major cities across the country. We selected Reliable Energy as a standout in Los Angeles because it has served more than 25,000 customers to date, is a member of the IHACI, and provides Spanish and English customer support.
Source: The Spruce