AC Installation in Wilmington, NC
A faulty air conditioner can make your home uncomfortable in the hot Wilmington summers. Whether your AC needs major repairs, is old and inefficient, or doesn’t run consistently, having your central AC replaced by a qualified professional may be necessary to make your home cool and comfortable again.
Professional AC installation ensures the efficiency and longevity of your air conditioner, giving you the best return on your investment. The right system fits your budget, covers your home’s square footage, and has your desired features. Here’s everything you need to know about having AC installed.
Table of Contents
- Top Rated AC Installation Companies in Wilmington, NC
- When You Should Consider AC Installation Instead of Repair
- 6 Quick Steps to Your AC Installation
- What's the Cost for AC Installation in Wilmington?
- Factors that Affect AC Installation Costs near Wilmington, NC
- Check Out Additional Resources for Wilmington, NC
Top Rated AC Installation Companies in Wilmington, NC
Request Service
Get started by filling out a request form or by giving us a call.
(910) 357-0007My Home Pros TrustScore™ Methodology
At My Home Pros, we understand that finding reliable home service providers is crucial for homeowners. To help you make the most informed decisions, we developed the MyHomePros TrustScore™ — a comprehensive rating system designed to gauge the reliability and quality of companies listed on our platform.
This score is calculated using a combination of factors that reflect a company’s performance, customer satisfaction, and overall business integrity. While we keep the specific metrics and the calculation confidential to maintain fairness and prevent manipulation, we assure you that each component is chosen based on its relevance and importance to consumers.
The MyHomePros TrustScore™ is our commitment to providing you with a transparent, trustworthy way to evaluate home service professionals, empowering you to choose with confidence.
When You Should Consider AC Installation Instead of Repair
The HVAC industry uses a simple rule of thumb to determine whether to repair or replace a faulty AC unit. All you need is the cost of repairs and the AC unit’s age.
Multiply the unit’s age by the cost, and if the answer exceeds $5,000, you should replace instead of repair your AC.
For example, your AC unit is six years old, and the repair will cost $2,000; your answer is $12,000, which exceeds $5,000, so replacement is best.
Other signs to look for when considering replacement versus repair include:
- Frequent breakdowns
- Energy inefficiency
- Higher than normal electric bills
- Uneven or poor airflow
When deciding if you should consider AC installation, also look into any attractive financing offers the manufacturer or installer offers, as it may make more financial sense to take advantage and get a new system.
6 Quick Steps to Your AC Installation
When looking for AC installation services near you, you’ll want to get connected with reputable pros who will ensure you get the best AC unit for your home. Here are some simple steps to follow:
1. Assess Your Needs
Knowing you need a new AC unit is the first step. Next, you should assess your needs. Consider what your current unit doesn’t offer, and look for units that may solve this pain point. For example, if energy efficiency is important, focus on that when discussing your needs with your AC installation professional. Also, consider any other services you’ll need, such as removing the existing unit or installing multiple units if you have a large house or upgraded electrical systems to support the new unit.
2. Select Equipment
After determining your needs, you can narrow your options for the right equipment. Consider AC installation costs while ensuring the equipment satisfies your cooling needs. Ensure you understand the equipment’s capabilities, manufacturer warranties, and any extended warranties the installation professional offers.
3. Find a Reputable AC Installation Company
Choosing a reputable AC installation company is the key to a successful installation. A reliable professional will guide you in selecting the best equipment, provide quality installation services, and address any concerns.
To find a Local HVAC Pro who can help you, click here!
4. Installation Day
On installation day, a team of professionals will come to your home to install your new AC unit. The best professionals will take every precaution to protect your home, including wearing shoe covers and placing a protective covering over the floor and outdoor bushes, trees, or structures to protect them.
5. Testing and Verification
After AC installation, the professionals will verify the system works correctly. This requires them to run the system for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the refrigerant to completely flow through the system.
6. Schedule Regular Maintenance
After installation, it’s important to discuss the maintenance requirements for your new AC unit with the installation professional. Ask questions about the warranty coverage, what maintenance they require, and when you should schedule your first appointment to ensure your system is running well.
What’s the Cost for AC Installation in Wilmington?
The cost of AC installation depends on many factors, but on average homeowners in Wilmington wil, pay $6,000, with total costs ranging from $4,200 to $9,500. Like most home repairs and renovations, several factors affect the air conditioning installation cost, including:
- Size of air conditioner
- Type of air conditioner
- Contractor’s hourly labor fees
AC installation professionals help you determine the most suitable unit based on the following:
- Load calculation: Professional installers will determine the load calculation using your home’s square footage, insulation values, and the number of openings (doors and windows).
- Budget: Air conditioning units are available in every price range. Professionals should get to know your budget and compare it to the features you want in a new AC unit to help you choose the right one.
- Warranties: Many companies offer extended warranties on parts and labor, which increases the upfront cost but lowers your out-of-pocket cost throughout ownership.
Factors that Affect AC Installation Costs near Wilmington, NC
Understanding how each factor affects AC installation costs can help you choose the right system. Compare your budget to your needs and wants to see which unit provides the greatest comfort.
Type of unit
When considering AC installation costs, the unit type plays a critical role. For example, window and portable units cost much less than central air conditioning. A window unit may cost as much as $800, whereas a new central AC unit costs $2,500 to $6,800 for the unit itself before installation costs.
Unit size
The unit size depends on how much square footage you have. Buying a unit that’s too small for your home will make it work harder than necessary and may not cool your home. However, a unit that is too large could provide inconsistent cooling throughout your home and be more expensive than necessary. Remember, larger units don’t mean faster cooling.
SEER value
Since the weather in Wilmington, NC, can consistently be in the mid to high 80s in the summer months, focusing on the SEER value is critical. The higher a unit’s SEER value, the more it costs, but there are benefits.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and measures a unit’s cold air output (BTUs) by its total electric energy input, dividing the former by the latter. The lowest SEER value you can purchase is 14.5 – 15 in North Carolina, but they go up to 27. If you live in a larger house and desire energy efficiency, focus on units with a higher SEER value but know they will cost more.
Brand of unit
Choosing AC brands with a good reputation and that are known for performing well in the Wilmington climate is crucial. Some of the top brands include Carrier, Trane, and Lennox. Most brands have units at various price points, but like any appliance, some cost more than others.
Conclusion
Proper AC installation is the key to a cool and comfortable home in Wilmington, NC. Working with a reputable professional for AC installation near me is imperative regardless of your budget. You’ll get the support you need and be able to choose the best system to keep your home comfortable all summer.
Request Service
Get started by filling out a request form or by giving us a call.
FAQs
Why does AC installation cost so much?
AC installation is time-consuming and labor-intensive, so much of the costs are labor. The amount of work required determines the price, including whether you need ductwork installation or a new electrical setup.
What is the lowest price for AC installation?
The lowest price for AC installation averages $4,200, but the average is closer to $6,000.
What time of year is the cheapest to replace HVAC?
Focus on slower times when looking to save money on HVAC installation. In Wilmington, this means early spring and fall.
What is the most expensive part of an HVAC system?
The compressor is the most expensive part of an HVAC system. If you need a new compressor, it pays to compare the cost and life left on the unit to the replacement cost.
Check Out Additional Resources for Wilmington, NC
Sources
Anna has over six years of experience in the home services and journalism industries and serves as the Content Manager at MyHomePros.com, specializing in making complex home improvement topics like HVAC, roofing, and plumbing accessible to all. With a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Auburn University, she excels in crafting localized, comprehensive guides that cater to homeowners’ unique needs. Living on both coasts of the United States has equipped her with a distinctive perspective, fueling her passion for turning any house into a cherished home through informed, personalized decision-making.
