Window air conditioning units cost the least up front and are the cheapest to operate, but they only cool one room at a time. In the case of whole-house systems, heat pumps usually cost more to install than central air conditioning, but they are much more energy efficient, making them more cost-effective in the long term. Howard Air Showroom 17855 N Black Canyon Hwy Phoenix, AZ 85023 480-648-0055. Most HVAC contractors don't do insulation, but you can contact your local HVAC company for more information. If the air conditioning unit is located in a historic house, in a small attic or in an attic with built-in insulation, or if the air conditioning unit requires custom-made parts, it will increase the price of the installation.
Some HVAC companies offer discounts on more expensive options, such as a zone system, and many local energy companies offer discounts or rebates for upgrading or replacing an HVAC system, especially if it's an energy efficient option. You can extend the life of your system by keeping up to date with standard air conditioning maintenance, such as changing filters regularly, monitoring your energy bills and calling an HVAC professional at the first signs of problems. Some things homeowners can do to maintain a new HVAC unit after having it professionally installed include replacing air filters regularly; sealing any air leaks in the ducts; cleaning up any debris surrounding the HVAC unit; maintaining a 2-foot space around the unit; replacing or adjusting the thermostat; and cleaning the evaporator coil, evaporator trap, and drain pipe with a garden hose. In almost all cases, it's in your best interest to replace both internal and external HVAC units at the same time. If the cost of repairing the HVAC unit is 30 percent or more of the total cost of replacing it, homeowners will want to choose to replace the HVAC system.
Almost any major construction in a home, including the installation of an air conditioning system, requires a local permit. The versatility of an HVAC system means that you can build a fairly unique HVAC system for your space. Most HVAC replacements will require new ductwork, so homeowners will want to be sure to check with their HVAC professional to see if they need to replace the ducts.
