Factors That Affect the Cost of AC Installation

While Oregon may not experience the searing heat of Arizona or New Mexico, July and August still bring temperatures that can make daily life uncomfortable without air conditioning. In cities like Portland, where average temperatures often exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit during these months, having a reliable AC system isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity.

However, most homeowners need to balance their desire for comfort with their budget constraints. If you're considering installing an air conditioner in Portland, Newberg, or Oregon City, it's important to understand the factors that can influence the cost. These include:

• Size and capacity of the unit
• Efficiency rating (SEER)
• Complexity of installation
• The contractor you hire

Investing in a high-quality, energy-efficient AC system can offer long-term savings. Such systems not only enhance home comfort but also reduce ongoing utility costs. With diligent maintenance, the initial investment in a good AC system can pay for itself within a few years, proving that sometimes, the best choice isn't the cheapest—it's the one that offers the most value over time.

Discover how affordable central air can be.

At Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning, we're proud to offer fair and honest pricing, 2-hour appointment windows, and good old-fashioned service. Our ANTE-certified technicians are ready to take care of your AC installation needs at a reasonable price.

The size of the unit is a crucial factor in determining the cost of installing central air. In HVAC lingo, the size of the unit doesn't refer to its length or width. Instead, size refers to cooling capacity, or how much heat an air conditioner removes from your home every hour. Typically, residential AC units weigh anywhere from 1.5 to 5 tons. The higher the tonnage, the higher the cooling capacity.

Although size is an important consideration, bigger isn't necessarily better. Right-sizing refers to choosing an HVAC system based on your home's heating and cooling loads. If you choose the wrong size, you may encounter these problems:

• Frequent system cycling
• Increased humidity levels
• Hot and cold spots in your home

When an AC system is too large, it cools some rooms quickly, causing it to turn off before the cold air can spread to other areas of your home. As a result, choosing a large AC unit may leave you feeling uncomfortably warm instead of nice and cool.

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is the total heat removed from a space during the typical cooling season divided by the total amount of energy consumed. A high SEER indicates a higher level of energy efficiency. Although units with high SEERs are the most efficient, they're also the most expensive. Remember that an energy-efficient unit is likely to save you a lot of money on energy costs.

Some installations are more complex than others, affecting your total air conditioner install cost. For example, if you need an older unit removed before installing the new one, the job will take longer than installing AC for the first time.

The work environment also has an impact on the complexity of an AC installation job. Some homes with crawlspaces, cramped basements, or attics make it more difficult to install AC equipment and get it up and running. You may even need to rewire your home or install new ductwork, increasing your central AC cost.

If you don't have enough cash on hand to cover the cost of a new system, don't worry. We offer convenient financing options to help make your home more comfortable without straining your budget.

HVAC contractors set prices based on their location, level of experience, and other factors. Therefore, your AC cost may vary significantly based on which contractor you choose. Although it's important to stick to your budget, hiring an inexperienced contractor to save a few bucks could cost you in the long run.

If the work isn't done correctly, your new AC system won't be as efficient as possible, increasing your energy bills instead of lowering costs. An inexperienced technician may even damage your wiring or make other costly mistakes, leaving you to pay more money to have someone else fix the problem.

Experienced contractors charge more, but they're also more knowledgeable. Before you hire a contractor, make sure they're licensed and carry liability insurance. Inquire about guarantees or warranties before you approve any work.

Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning has been in business since 1979, so we have a long history of high-quality AC installation and repair. Thanks to our knowledgeable technicians, we have received hundreds of five-star reviews, giving you extra peace of mind when choosing an HVAC company.