Residential AC Installation

Residential AC Installation FAQs


  • What affects the cost of AC installation?

    Many people want to know the AC installation cost before hiring a contractor. The average price in the US is about $5,000, but this number will vary depending on the factors below.


    • Geo Location: If you live in a hot and humid place, your AC will use more energy. That means it will break sooner than if you live in a cool area.
    • Home size: The size of your home might make it hard to keep the air cool. This difficulty means that you need a larger AC. The bigger the AC, the more it will cost to install.
    • Energy efficiency: The SEER rating measures your air conditioner's energy efficiency. The higher the number, the more efficient it will be.
    • Placement: This doesn't refer to where you live geographically but how far from or close to hot/cold sources such as furnaces or electrical fuse boxes.
    • Type of system: Home filtration or monitoring equipment can come with the unit or add, later on, affecting initial pricing.
    • Warranty length and coverage terms: A shorter warranty is cheaper than a longer one, but if you're looking for protection from costly repairs down the road, then it's worth spending a little more upfront.
  • What should I look for in an AC installation company?

    Finding a reputable AC company that also offers excellent service can be challenging!


    Air Speed Heating and Cooling has been in business for over 25 years with a proven track record of providing superior customer service and working with vendors that offer quality products.


    Ensuring your air conditioning system is running its best is critical to your home’s comfort level and an essential aspect of home energy bills. If your system isn’t running efficiently, it could consume more energy and not provide comfort. As an established AC company, we can care for your cooling needs and make sure your AC unit(s) system is functioning correctly.


    Before purchasing an air conditioner, homeowners and business owners should consider all their options. We will provide you with the best options to make sure you make the best decision for yourself. We offer fully-backed warranties and customer support on all our products and services. We offer financing through FTL; their financial specialists can advise you through this significant decision and create a plan that best suits your budget.


    In summary:


    1. Choose a Qualified and Reliable AC Company

    2. Discuss Equipment Options and Possible Future Savings along with any Rebates

    3. Discuss Financing Options to Fit your Budget

    4. Begin Installation of Systems by Certified AC Technicians

    5. Relax in knowing when selecting Air Speed Heating and Cooling, you chose the best Company!


    The following outline on cooling systems will provide a guide. However, we would love to hear from you to assist in any manner we can. We are here for you! Call us today for all your cooling system needs at (210) 320-5137.

  • How do I choose the right AC system?

    Selecting an air conditioner for your home is a big decision, and it’s a big investment. So, selecting the right system is paramount because it will also play a key role in your home energy expenses for years to come. When the summer heat is at its worst, you’ll want your family to have the best, most reliable cooling comfort possible.


    What do good central air conditioning units have in common?


    The best ones are efficient, operating on minimal electricity to hold utility bills down. They provide steady, dependable performance year after year when properly maintained. Good systems are quiet, long-lasting, and low in service needs.

  • What do optimal central air conditioning units have in common?

    Good systems are quiet, long-lasting, and low in service needs. They provide steady, dependable performance year after year when properly maintained. The best ones are efficient, operating on minimal electricity to reduce utility bills.

  • How can I be sure my AC unit is the right size?

    An air conditioner that’s too small won’t keep your home sufficiently cool. But many don’t realize that an oversized system will cycle (turn on and off) more than necessary, wasting expensive energy and possibly putting undue strain on the compressor.


    Air Speed Heating & Cooling will help determine the optimum size for your home by making a careful study of factors that include: 


    • Your cooling requirements
    • Your home's window dimensions and exposure. Floor space, insulation, and local climate. 
    • Heat-generating appliances
    • The direction your home faces 
    • The amount of tree shade that covers your home’s exterior

    We’ll specify the cooling capacity of the system in either Btu/h (British thermal units of heat removed

    per hour) or refrigeration tons (one ton equals 12,000 Btu/h).

  • Which air conditioners are energy efficient?

    Much like automobile manufacturers, today’s air conditioner manufacturers are required by law to evaluate and rate their equipment according to its energy efficiency. This rating is known in the industry as a SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the equipment.


    Most new homes with central air come with a standard builder’s model. However, when replacement becomes necessary, property owners can upgrade their air conditioning by specifying a more energy-efficient system.


    The Ruud High-Efficiency models, for example, have a SEER of 14.00, among the highest available. It’s significantly higher than today’s standard models, many of which carry SEERs of around 10.


    High SEER models are generally more expensive, but they can easily make up the difference by reducing your home energy bills over the long run.

  • How do I tell which air conditioners are built better than others?

    The compressor is the heart of a condensing unit. On a hot day, it works long and hard. We carry Ruud equipment with a highly advanced scroll compressor in every condensing unit we produce.


    The industry recognizes Scroll Compressors as the leader in reliability, efficiency, and quiet operation.


    Other features include louvered steel cabinets that protect the coils from damage and expensive repair bills. Also, with some condensing units, the fan can be another source of bothersome noise.

  • What size AC unit do I need?

    Two main types of residential AC units are split-system and central air conditioning. Split-system AC units use an outdoor condenser coil (a cooling tower) to remove heat from the outside air. Central air conditioning units are connected directly to the furnace and use the exhaust ductwork to move warm indoor air through the coils. 


    Both types of AC units require a minimum of one ton of refrigerant per ton of cooling capacity. However, most homeowners prefer to use two tons of refrigerant because it provides better efficiency.

  • How much does AC installation cost?

    The cost of AC installation varies considerably based on the type of system you choose, the location of the job, and other factors. In general, the price is between $1,500 and $3,000.

  • Is there any way to save money when installing my own air conditioning system?

    Yes! There are several ways you can reduce the cost of AC installation:


    • First, consider replacing old windows with new ones. Replacing these will improve the overall look of your home and allow fresh air into your house. 
    • Second, check if your existing heating and cooling system has enough capacity to handle the additional load created by an AC system. If it doesn't, you may have to upgrade your HVAC system. 
    • Third, consider adding insulation to your attic and walls. This insulation will help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Fourth, you can lower your thermostat setting during the day and raise it at night. 
    • Finally, ask about rebates and incentives offered by your local utility company. Many utilities provide discounts on their services if you agree to buy a certain amount of electricity or natural gas each month.
  • How long do AC units last?

    Most AC systems last ten years or more. However, they can start breaking down after just three to five years. When this happens, you should call an AC repair service to fix the problem.

  • Can I DIY my AC installation?

    No. You must hire an experienced professional to install your AC system.

  • Do I need to replace my current HVAC system before installing an AC system?

    No. Most new AC system installations do not require replacing your existing system. However, some older homes may already have outdated components that could cause problems. For example, many older furnaces don’t have the blower motors needed to operate the AC system properly.

  • Are there different types of AC systems?

    Yes. The three main AC system types are single-stage, multi-stage, and variable speed. Single-stage AC systems operate at one constant speed. Multi-stage AC systems use in multiple stages. Variable-speed AC systems vary the speed of the compressor as needed.

  • Which brand of AC is best for the home?

    There are dozens of brands of AC systems available today. Some of these brands include Carrier®, Bryant®, Trane®, Goodman®, Lennox® and others. It all depends on what you want and how much you want to spend.

  • What is the difference between a forced-air heating system and an electric heater?

    A forced-air heating system uses hot air to heat the room. An electric heater heats water that circulates through pipes inside the wall.

  • What is the difference between a central air conditioner and a split system air conditioner?

    Central air conditioners use outside air to cool the interior space. Split systems use ducts to distribute cooled air throughout the entire house.

  • What is the most popular size AC unit?

    The average American household spends $1,500 per year on energy bills. The average annual cost of running an AC unit is around $100. That means the average homeowner needs to save $1,400 per year to pay off his/her AC bill.

  • What is the best way to maintain an AC unit?

    You should clean out the filter every six months. Also, make sure the fan blades spin freely.

  • Why does my AC unit run so loud?

    The noise from your AC unit comes from the compressor. A noisy compressor indicates that something is wrong with the compressor itself. In addition, the noise might come from worn-out parts. Contact an AC repair service to find out what is causing the noise.

  • How often does an AC need to be replaced?

    AC units usually last ten years or longer. But, they can break down after only three to five years. Call an AC repair service immediately if you notice any signs of trouble, such as excessive noise, leaking, or malfunctioning controls.

  • Does a new AC add value to a home?

    Not necessarily, but it could attract more buyers and get your requested quote. A new AC also makes your home more comfortable.

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