Central A/C - What do I need to know?

Hi! After hinting and flat out begging my DH to agree to central a/c for months, he told me today out of the blue that he thinks we should get it Sooo, what do I need to know as we start looking for a company and getting quotes?

What types of questions should I ask? And, what are the different types of options that are out there regarding the main a/c unit (i don't even know the terminology yet)?

We have a 1939 colonial if that matters. And I think I'd like the basement to have a/c too (is that crazy?)

Oops, and how could I forget - what might something like this cost? The house is about 1300 sq ft not including the basement.

Any advice, words of wisdom, recommendations would be great! Thanks!

Re: Central A/C - What do I need to know?

i dont have a clue but thanks for posting because we will be looking into this as well and i dont even know where to begin! Good luck and keep us posted!

Re: Central A/C - What do I need to know?

my house is 1900 square feet and it cost us 7500 dollars. 2levels.

Re: Central A/C - What do I need to know?

we just had CA put in... we paid about $11 K... but we upgraded some of the stuff.
we added a heat pump, which basically makes the AC unit run "backwards" when its cold out- so it puts hot air into your house. you still need another heat source for when its very cold out, but its nice to have on those chilly days in the fall when you just want to take the chill out of the air. it can save some $ on oil

i also know DH got something about a two stage unit, which apparently makes it so the unit doesnt turn on and off as much??? no idea!
our house is basicaly a ranch, and they ran the ducts in our attic- took about 3 1/2 days.

Re: Central A/C - What do I need to know?

You're going to get tons of advice from many of us who had CAC installed, but each house is different, each CAC unit is different (SEER level), and thus cost will be different for each home.

My recommendation, get company recommendations from all of us and call for free estimates. This way they can explain how their systems work, how they would be installed and how much it would be.

It also depends on whether you already have the duct work installed or not.

We used US Air Conditioning and Heating located out of Port Jefferson Station for our installation last year (US AIR Install)

Also, check the LIPA web site to see if they are continuing their Energy Rebate.

Re: Central A/C - What do I need to know?

I'm not much help with the questions to ask regarding the AC but I can tell you this. I have AC in my house and its great! The ONLY thing I do not like about the way it was set up in my house was that it was not sectioned off. In other words, when we turn the AC on, it goes on on every floor, including our already cold basement.

My suggestion would be to not get it in the basement. Basements are usually colder than the rest of the house and don't really need the air.
My next suggestion would be to have it zoned. We also have AC in our bathrooms, which I think is a little silly, but thats the way we got the house.

Central AC is awesome. My parents have it at their house and I'm so happy DH and I were able to find a house that had it as well.

As for cost, it will probably run you between 15-20K.

Good luck! Its a great investment and you will love it!

Re: Central A/C - What do I need to know?

Cost should be around 3000.00 per ton for the unit. Get at least 4 estimates. I always use the company that educates me and does not sell me. You want to know everything.
Things that I have learned:
You do not need duct work in the bathroom, unless you stay there for hours and need to have the door closed.
Basements duct work is not that expensive if they are running the duct through the basement.
Having more than 1 thermostat or 2 zones can really increase the price.
The size of the unit or tons (they measure in) depends not only on the size of the house but how weather tight it is and how much direct sun you get.
The units life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.

Service is very important. Research and look for a good well established company.
I am on my 2nd unit, the 1st was installed 17 years ago by Sears. Only broke down once, but it was right in the middle of summer. The unit was stiil working when we replaced it last year, but it was time.
The new unit is a Lenox, paid a little more but wanted the 10 year parts and 5 year labor deal.
It broke the 1st week, but they fixed it with in 24 hours, and has been working fine since.

Good Luck,
Arthur