Install HVAC at home. What does it really cost?

Question

Trying to figure out the “real” cost of installing a new central AC unit and replace existing old furnace.

This is in San Jose, CA

Home is 1600 sq ft - 2 story

Got quotes that range from 8.5k to 15k

I guess the need is a 3.5 ton compressor and a 2 stage energy efficient furnace. Doesn’t sound too complicated. All ducts and electrical are in place

My budget is around 6k

Please help me get an idea of cost, best brands or share referrals for HVAC contractors.

Thanks in advance

Pat L. · Answer

My wife helped a plumber/HVAC friend do his 2018 tax return.

His W-2 was $100k not to mention the self employed income from his side jobs& I bet he doesn't have a student loan.

George W. · Answer

Define the "real" costs? You mean material? Material depends on brand, seer (efficancy) location of unit. is there already a air conditioner? Is you're electric sized properly? if there wasn't a air conditioner before there's probably no 220v outside for it. Also another poster said to diy, your supposed to have a epa certification to work with refrigeratant and air conditioning installation equipment is expensive to.

As to why a HVAC contractor is expensive is because they have a business to run, employees, workers compensation insurance, general liability insurance, shop expenses, trucks etc. To just expect a ac install to be material cost would be kinda ignorant. If a ac install makes or breaks a deal it isnt a good deal.

Daniel Bautista · Answer

@Ram V.

You may save some money if you have existing ductwork. I added an Amana Coils and line work to my Bryant furnace which was about 4 years old. 2.5 ton condenser with all permits ran me $3700 in Colorado.

That’s a cash deal, Some contractors will offer 3% discount to cash or check payments. So they don’t have pay fee to credit processing.

Matthew Paul · Answer

@Ram V. The HVAC contractors have to have schooling , special equipment , trucks , office , employees , tools , insurance , licenses , and much more . Then to stay in business they need to make a profit after the job is done .  A good HVAC tech makes about $100K a year around my parts .

The "real cost " is from 8.5K to 15K depending on who you choose .

Philip Johnson · Answer

Putting at ground level DIY $3000, if duct work needed $3500. Putting on roof $2500 diy, but permit and crane needed to get unit on roof and it is dangerous. Paying a contractor double this. Labor is usually double parts. If this formula holds true it's a good value. If it exceeds that's when I continue to shop or diy. I would see this easily exceeding $10,000 to have it all done if no vents exist.

Ram V. · Answer

@Ram V.

A bit of research shows that the equipment needed including compressor, furnace, tubes, etc comes to around 3k. So why do theses HVAC contractors charging more than 8k for parts and installation?

Am I missing something ?