An investment in a new, high-efficiency central air conditioner requires careful research to ensure that you’re getting the right unit that meets your home’s cooling needs and your budget. Our team at Furnace Prices has prepared a comprehensive overview of key considerations when purchasing a high-efficiency central A/C in the Hamilton area, so that you can make an informed decision.
On average a central AC unit has a life span of 15-20 years. There are many factors that can shorten – or extend – that length of time such as maintenance, frequency of use, and quality of installation.
It’s not necessarily required to replace an air-conditioner in Hamilton before its life finally ends, but when the repairs are becoming frequent and costly while utility bills are starting to rise that replacement time is looming.
Our team at Furnace Prices has prepared a comprehensive overview to explain nearly everything to consider when buying a central AC in Hamilton. Cost, size, energy efficiency, and how to choose an installation contractor are all important topics that we touch on – as well as many others:
Average central air conditioner cost in Hamilton (including installation):
$4,250 – $5,250
Hamilton consumers can expect to pay roughly $4,250 – $5,250 for a new, high-efficiency central A/C unit. Factors that affect central A/C pricing include brand, model, size, installation, the region you live in and the furnace company you choose.
It’s best to not always choose the absolute lowest price you find. Also important to consider is the reputability of the company, the quality of the installation, as well as the ongoing support in case servicing is needed. So be wary of prices that are well below this range.
What goes in to pricing a central AC in Hamilton? First off size is a big factor as units range from 1.5 to 5 tons. Energy efficiency is important because it can actually save the homeowner money in the long run. Finally brands, models, and features also contribute to the cost of the central air conditioner – the unit itself.
Every aspect that determines the cost of a central air conditioner in Hamilton is important, and not just initially. Buying an AC that is highly energy efficient will cost more up front, but if it saves you $250 per year in cooling bills over the span of 20 years that unit has nearly paid itself off.
It’s estimated that replacing an old, low efficiency AC with a new ENERGY STAR® high efficiency model can save up to 40% on annual cooling costs.
Brand name is also important but doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of the AC. Goodman, Lennox, Carrier, KeepRite and Trane continue to be the big names for air conditioners in Hamilton. The main thing a consumer gets with a name brand is peace of mind from companies that have been around for over 100 years.
Higher than average
Slightly above-average price range, which may be due to factors like a more complicated installation, or purchasing a top-of-the-line unit or premium brand.
Typical price range: $4,250 – $5,250
The average price range for a typical high-efficiency unit with a typical installation from an established, fully licensed & insured local HVAC contractor. Prices will vary within this range based on installation factors, brand & model, unit size/BTU output & efficiency, among other things.
Lower than average
Below-market pricing; be careful if the price is exceptionally low. The lower the price is below average, the higher likelihood that you may receive a more hastily done installation, low-end or used components, limited labour warranty coverage & ongoing support, or the company may be less established or lacking in insurance and/or licensing & certification.
What to look for when choosing a heating & air conditioning contractor
People often fret over the brand of air conditioner to buy, but choosing the best contractor in Hamilton is every bit as important. Not only is the quality of the workmanship and installation crucial to the air conditioner’s lifespan, the company you choose will be relied on for future servicing and warranty coverage.
Always choose an established company that has:
- Good, independently-verified feedback
- A solid track record and no outstanding disputes
- Verified insurance, licenses, and certifications
- Experienced staff, with manufacturer training
- Registered to offer rebates
Checking all of these things is difficult and time-consuming.
That’s why we’ve already done it for you!
Learn more about our independent local HVAC contractor Certification program, designed to help you get a reliable heating system at a fair price, from reputable local dealers.
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Who Are Our Top Hamilton Air Conditioner Contractors?
About Environmental Heating & Cooling:
- Established, with a great track record
- Amazing feedback from verified customers
- Fully licensed, bonded, and insured
- Experienced and well-trained staff
- 24-hour emergency service
Current Promo
Up to $10,600 in rebates on select systems
10 Year Parts & Labour Warranty
Lifetime Workmanship Warranty
Great Financing Rates
Free Ecobee Pro Smart Thermostat
Free 2 Year Filter Supply
No Lemon Guarantee
Cleanliness Guarantee
Property Protection Guarantee
Comfort Guarantee
Quality Guarantee
Environmental Guarantee
Giving back – We are donating a portion of the proceeds from every system installation to help build a new barn for the rescues at Black Goat Farm & Sanctuary.
Air Conditioning Installation in Hamilton – Labor Cost Factors
Labor is the other half of the answer to the question of how much it costs to install central air in Hamilton. Exceptionally difficult installations may run a homeowner some pretty high labor costs.
What determines the difficulty of local AC installations is the existing model and setup. Can the existing duct work be used? Is there plumbing in place for drains? Is their properly sized electrical voltage supplied to the installation area? Is there mold or asbestos in the utility room that needs to be removed by a professional? Does the old unit need to be removed and disposed of?
Many Hamilton HVAC contractors prefer a new construction installation because they can start fresh and have easy access to opened walls. Replacements and renovations are possible too, but can just be more costly.
Purchasing a High-Efficiency Central Air Conditioner in Hamilton
Choosing to upgrade to a high-efficiency central air conditioner will allow you to stay cool while saving money on your home energy bills this summer. All central A/C models sold in Canada have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) sticker which indicates the energy-efficiency of the unit. The higher the SEER, the greater the energy-efficiency you can expect. Central air conditioners range in efficiency from 13-20+ SEER.
Before you purchase a central air conditioner unit for your home, it’s important to have a licensed HVAC contractor determine the correct size of central air conditioner model you require to efficiently cool your home. Proper sizing is critical because if the central A/C system is too small the unit will not be able to keep up with the cooling demands of your home and you will experience frequent on and off cycling of the unit. Too large and it will not be able to extract the humidity from the air properly.
Deals Available
Current Promo for Environmental Heating & Cooling:
Up to $10,600 in rebates on select systems
10 Year Parts & Labour Warranty
Lifetime Workmanship Warranty
Great Financing Rates
Free Ecobee Pro Smart Thermostat
Free 2 Year Filter Supply
No Lemon Guarantee
Cleanliness Guarantee
Property Protection Guarantee
Comfort Guarantee
Quality Guarantee
Environmental Guarantee
Giving back – We are donating a portion of the proceeds from every system installation to help build a new barn for the rescues at Black Goat Farm & Sanctuary.
Current Promo for LG HOME COMFORT:
Up to 40,000 Canada greener home loan on the Eligible Heat pump and Heat pump water heater
up to $5000 rebate for the Enbridge consumer
Up to $10,000 Grant for the oil to electric heat pump for a Low income Homeowner
Government Rebates Available
Your new high-efficiency central air conditioner purchase may be eligible for government rebates. Click here to view Hamilton central air conditioner rebates. Your HVAC distributor will be able to assist you with understanding and applying for all of the rebates you are entitled to.
Financing Options
Unexpected central air conditioner replacement can be a costly household expense. Luckily there are several financing plans available for Hamilton homeowners who wish to take advantage of flexible payment options when it comes to financing your new, central cooling system.
The 3 Types of Central A/C Financing Options Available to Hamilton Consumers Include:
- Standard: As with all types of traditional financing, a credit check is required. Monthly payments with flexible terms from 1-15 years.
- Bad Credit: Bad credit shouldn’t be a barrier to purchasing a high-efficiency, central air conditioner for your home. This open loan doesn’t require a credit check and no money is paid up front. Simple, monthly payments with a term that works for you. Payment terms usually range from 1-10 years in length.
- Zero-Interest: An administration fee and credit check are needed when you apply for a Zero-Interest loan to finance your central A/C purchase. Monthly payments, over a 1-15 year term.
Affordable, monthly payments to make upgrading to a high-efficiency, central air conditioner easier to manage for Hamilton homeowners.
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Popular Central Air Conditioner Brands
Goodman, Lennox, Carrier, KeepRite and Trane continue to top the list of central air conditioner brands searched for by Hamilton homeowners looking to purchase a new energy-efficient cooling system for their home. Trane, Goodman, Carrier and Lennox all offer remote temperature control compatibility, allowing you to adjust the temperature of your home using your smartphone. KeepRite limited No Hassle Replacement™ warranty coverage ensures that your investment in a high-efficiency central air conditioner is protected.
Hamilton High Efficiency Air Conditioners
Energy efficiency is considered important not only for lowering your utility bills, but also having a positive impact on the environment with lowered carbon emissions. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) is the number that tells you just how efficient your specific model is.
SEER ranges from 13-25+, with the higher the number being the more efficient model. Most SEER central AC units are also ENERGY STAR products, meaning they meet several government requirements to get that label.
Installation
Proper installation of your central A/C system is essential to ensure that it can achieve optimal cooling of your home. Proper fit of the indoor coil can be a challenge and impact the installation costs. The quality of your indoor coil will also impact the overall efficiency of your unit, so it’s important to ensure that the quality of coil is good.
Choosing a Hamilton HVAC Contractor
Because there can be so much involved with the installation of a new central AC in Hamilton, choosing a high quality contractor is of the utmost importance. With labor costs accounting for usually over half the price of a new central air system, you want to make sure you get your money’s worth from the contractor.
Obviously the installation itself is a very important process. You want tight ducts, proper drainage, adequate ventilation, and more to ensure efficiency, comfort, and health. Other aspects about getting a new AC is where a quality contractor really comes in handy though.
Contractors need to be certified, licensed, and insured. Trust companies with positive online feedback, no outstanding disputes, and a solid track record. At Furnace Prices we’ve actually compiled a list here of contractors that have shown to offer fair and transparent quotes, a great track record from real customers, as well as verifiable licenses and insurance.
Do I Need a Permit For a Hamilton AC Installation?
Having a new central AC installed in Hamilton is by no means a DIY project. That’s not just because of the dangers of running electricity and the lowered energy efficiency of an improper installation, but because only certified HVAC contractors may apply for the necessary building permits required by the city.
The good news for Hamilton homeowners is that no permit is required for replacing just the unit itself, but one is needed if ductwork is replaced or installed new. A quality contractor will know not only what permits are needed – but can also schedule any post-installation inspections that may also be required to validate a warranty.
Central AC Unit Size is Important
Bigger is not better when it comes to Hamilton AC sizing – in fact your air conditioner needs to be “just right.” Installing a unit that is too small doesn’t cool the room making the house uncomfortable, but it also runs constantly trying to accomplish that and thus drives up utility bills.
An air conditioner that is too big also leaves a room uncomfortable because it doesn’t complete the cycle of removing humidity from the air. This can encourage mold growth and health issues as well as damage flooring, wallpaper, and paint among other items.
Central air conditioners are sized from 1.5 tons to 5 tons, and finding the recommended size involves a formula that computes BTUs needed compared to square footage. We have included an AC size calculator here, but once a gain a quality contractor can dial this in taking into account insulation, sun exposure, and many other factors.
More About Cooling in Hamilton
With temperatures reaching an average high of 27.2 C in July and 25.7 C in the city of Hamilton, many homeowners are choosing to invest in an energy-efficient central air conditioner to help them beat the heat. With over 120 HVAC contractors operating in Hamilton and the surrounding areas, it’s important for residents to do their research to select a reliable contractor.
Hamilton City Information
Broken down the process of buying an AC in Hamilton isn’t that difficult. Start by getting free quotes from multiple contractors and they will guide you through the process of sizing, brand specs, energy efficiency, and rebates while then moving on to permitting, installation, and inspection.
Some other resources available include our HVAC terms glossary or our air-conditioner pricing guide.
Hamilton & Surrounding Areas
Simcoe, Caledonia, Norwich, Brantford, Brantford, Burlington, Brant