AC Installation
Getting your air conditioning system properly installed is extremely important, and it’s more than just plugging in a unit! At Casey Services, our NATE Certified technicians make sure every step is done right the first time.
AC Installation in Wake Forest, NC
Cost
How much does AC Installation cost?
There is no one-size-fits-all AC system. According to NC State Law, every AC system must meet certain tests & calculations. The average cost for an AC installation in North Carolina is $2,000-$8,000 for smaller homes and $10,000-$20,000 for larger homes. The items below help determine the total cost of your AC unit and installation.
Home Size
Does home size increase my AC installation cost?
AC systems work by circulating and cooling air. Home square footage, ceiling height, stories – all of these things affect what type of unit you need and its tonnage size. Generally, the bigger the home and more stories, the bigger and pricier your system.
Sunlight
Different types of roofs, tree cover, siding, windows, and even colors affect just how much and how quickly the sun will heat up your home. The more sunlight that hits your home, the more AC you need to cool it. That can mean a bigger, pricier system that has to run longer, which increases your energy bill.
Insulation
Think about a cooler or thermos – it needs to be well insulated and sealed to keep the heat out. Your house works the same! Poor insulation or sealing allows more heat inside, meaning you need a heftier system that has to stay on longer.
Occupancy
People generate heat! The amount of people, how long they’re at home, how often they cook, workout, shower, etc. All of these factors mean you’ll need a larger and more expensive unit — and that your system has to run longer to keep up with everyone, which increases your energy bill.
System Quality
A lower quality system may be cheaper to buy, but more expensive to run and service, and may die sooner. A better system will cost more initially, but cost less to run and service, and has a longer lifespan. Generally, getting a better quality AC system with higher SEER can be cheaper over the total life of the unit.
Warranty
Some systems come with just a few years warranty on parts. And some AC companies only warranty labor for up to 1 year.
On all of our American Standard systems, they warranty a minimum of 10 years for registered equipment. Plus, we offer a 2 year labor installation warranty!
Other Appliances
Do other appliances affect my AC system?
Larger appliances like ovens, generators, TVs, and computers all generate heat. And each one generates heat in a different zone of your house, which means you need different amounts of cooling in each zone. So the location and use of these appliances affect system size, location, and design.
Schedule an AC Installation
Total Cost of Ownership
If you want the best overall value, then you need to know the total cost of ownership. In other words, what is the total cost of your AC system – including AC installation, service, maintenance, lifespan, and energy? Ask yourself:
How long do AC units last?
They can last 15-20 years depending on unit quality, daily use, installation quality, and maintenance.
An improperly installed system may start breaking down within 3 years. We’ve seen this happen when moisture was not properly purged from the system during AC Installation. And a lower-quality system may only last 8-10 years. But with proper AC Installation and maintenance, it may last longer. When properly installed and maintained, a high-efficiency system can last 15-20 years and has warranties that match!
How often should you service your AC?
Manufacturers recommend once a year for each part of your system. For your AC, preferably March – September is best because that’s when the temperature is high enough to properly test. And for your heating, September – March to accurately test. Routine maintenance is sometimes required in order to keep your unit under warranty.
This kind of routine maintenance mitigates the risk of larger, more expensive repairs and keeps your system running efficiently. We offer a bi-annual maintenance plan where we service your heating and cooling systems once a year.
How much can an energy efficient AC unit save each month? Each year?
This depends on several factors. If your current system is older, less efficient, or in poor shape, then replacing with a new, high-efficiency system can reduce your energy cost by 20% – 40%.
When it comes to worn out systems, you could also save considerably on repair and maintenance costs, especially if they use outdated refrigerant like R-12, or have repeat refrigerant leaks.
How much value will a new AC system add to my home?
On average, it can increase the value of your home by 10%. It can also depend on other market factors like house size, location, and the efficiency of your unit.
When looking for a good way to increase the value of your home, better heating and cooling isn’t subject to taste or style like kitchen cabinets – it’s a benefit that any future homeowner would enjoy!
Does my AC unit qualify for tax credits?
It depends on the state, county, and even the local utility company. Here is a helpful link:
Company & Process
“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, try hiring an amateur.” The price tag on a faulty AC installation can become much higher than you think! Loss of warranty or insurance coverage, permanent damage to the unit or your home, and hours of headaches can be easily avoided by hiring an expert.
AC Installation Process
With thousands of AC installations under our belt, Casey Services knows the drill. We’re trained problem solvers and know exactly what tools, equipment, and skills are needed to do the job right — the first time.
- Load Calculation – We do load calculations based on the major factors affecting a home like size, insulation, sunlight, etc. These calculations are often referred to as Manuals J, S, T, & D.
- Consult – We discuss the HVAC needs of the home, as well as the comfort, energy savings, and system lifespan with the homeowner.
- Permits – We pull all necessary permits. Without the proper permits, your system can not be inspected by the county. Also, in case of an electrical or system fire, insurance companies won’t cover any possible damages to your home. And usually system manufacturers will not warranty an unpermitted installation.
- Removal – We remove your old unit (if there is one) and recycle the unit and freon. If someone is caught not properly recycling, but instead venting freon, it can result in a $10,000 fine due to its harmful environmental effects!
- Install – We install the new system per the manufacturers specifications. No cutting corners, skipping valuable tests, or trying to skimp on materials like nitrogen or solder. This is very important – if the system is not installed properly, it will leak repeatedly and suffer serious problems.
- Test – We pump nitrogen through the system, which helps remove harmful moisture. If any moisture is left in the system, it will turn to acid and start eating through various parts. The nitrogen is kept at a high PSI to also test for any leaks.
- Retest – We then pull a vacuum on the system, sucking all the nitrogen and any contaminants out. Again, this keeps the system free of harmful moisture that would later acidize and destroy parts. And again, this allows us to test for any leaks.
- Inspection – Once approved by the inspector, we fire on the system and do our last test and calibrations.
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New AC Installation or Repair
Do you need help making a decision? This guide will help you understand and organize all of the factors involved to make the best AC Installation decision for your home.
Why American Standard AC Systems
We are proud to install American Standard, Consumer Report’s #1 Most Reliable HVAC Brand.
- Fewer repairs - On average, American Standard has significantly fewer repairs than other brands.
- Energy efficient - American Standard offers units with high SEER scores and ENERGY STAR rated systems, meaning efficient cooling and less expensive to run!
- Many options - There are 16 American Standard AC options, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for.
- Variable-speed - Instead of running at 100% all the time, American Standard’s systems can vary their speed. IMPORTANT: This saves money as the unit is running more efficiently, i.e. not jumping up to 100% just to heat the home 1 degree. It also prolongs the life of the system as it reduces wear and tear.
- Excellent warranty - American Standard’s warranty policy is superior to other leading brands.
- Multi-system linking - American Standard has a wide variety of heating and cooling systems that work together, delivering you maximum efficiency.
Types of AC Units
What type of system is best for your home?
Platinum Series
The Platinum Series is the ultimate in comfort, efficiency, and quietness. The AccuComfort™ technology consistently maintains your comfort settings within 1/2 a degree at 1/10th of 1% increments of capacity. Combined with Enhanced Humidity Control, your Platinum Series system will use the lowest amount of energy possible to maintain your exact comfort settings.
- AccuComfort™ variable-speed
- Up to a 22.00 SEER rating
- Enhanced Humidity Control
- Ultra-quiet design
Gold Series
The Gold Series systems keep you comfortable with up to 56% reduction in energy consumption thanks to a two-step duration™ compressor that operates at 70% capacity except on days with extreme temperatures. With ozone-friendly refrigerant, rust-resistant design, and the durable Spine Fin™ coil, it's no wonder this is a consumer favorite!
- Up to 18.00 SEER rating
- Two-stage heating & cooling
- Durable Spine Fin™ coil
- Quiet operation
Silver Series
The Silver Series heating and air conditioning system delivers energy-efficient performance and work-horse dependability. It surpasses government efficiency standards, helping you save up to 50% on your cooling energy usage and minimizing your environmental impact.
- Up to 16 SEER rating
- Spine Fin™ coil
- Duration™ compressor
- Element protection with rust-resistant coating