New HVAC Installations: What Does a New Air Conditioner and Furnace Cost in Richmond?

How much a new air conditioning, heating, or air filtration system will cost can differ greatly depending on a number of factors. These variables generally fall into a few categories:

1. Lifestyle Factors:
• The health conditions of the home's occupants (allergies, respiratory issues, and sensitivity to surroundings)
• How the occupants "feel" comfortable (preference to cooler or warmer temperatures)
• Hobbies and activities happening inside the house (musical instruments, crafts, wine)


2. Building and Environmental Factors:
• The number, style, and size of windows you currently have, the direction the home faces, and age of the home
• Design of building, roofing, siding, ductwork, and level of insulation present
• Geographic climate, lot size, city regulations and surrounding environment including regular humidity, nearby industries, available land, and codes required
• Utilities wanted or available; solar, geothermal, gas, electric, LP, oil


3. Contractor Risk Factors:
• Contractor licensing, insurance, bonding, and financial stability
• Legitimacy, skill, and certification level of the employees installing the furnaces and air conditioners
• Satisfaction Guarantees and service level (obtainability and commitment to customer service)

All of these elements and more help to dictate the style, size, and level of work necessary to properly heat and cool a home, which typically goes into the cost of the new system.

What Can You Expect to Pay for a Total HVAC System?

Ranch or Smaller Residence
Up to 2000 square feet
1 or 1.5 Story
$40 - $250 per month with approved financing

Average Suburban Home
2000-3500 square feet
1-3 Story
$100 - $500 per month with approved financing

Luxury Home
3500+ square feet
Various levels or highly custom<
$250+ per month with approved financing

*Potential pricing may vary depending on geographic location, personal lifestyle, system settings, equipment maintenance and installation of equipment and duct system.  

How HVAC Systems Are Priced by the Manufacturer (MSRP)

Central heating and cooling systems are similar to vehicle classes. Systems normally fall into large (and sometimes misleading) ranges of "economy", "mid-level", and "premium". However, because every homeowner is unique, each new heating and cooling system is manually installed, and because of all the earlier factors mentioned, the process and ultimate pricing of a heating and cooling system could be equated to selecting vehicle "Options."

Home Comfort Options

Home comfort Options include size and efficiency, in addition to air quality control, such as the efficiency of air cleaners and air filters. Air quality control systems are essential for homeowners with infants and children, people in the home with allergy or respiratory concerns, or climate control issues that require humidification controls. Thermostat controls are also a big part of the home comfort puzzle, and a large selection of mobile and Wi-Fi options now exist.

Other home comfort choices include adding the recommended amount of insulation or redesigning, correcting, and cleaning ductwork to be sure the system works efficiently. Some choices can be purchased as a set, but a lot of these options must be figured out through a complete Home Comfort Analysis, which is a complimentary service we provide.

All of these options must be considered very carefully, since the best air conditioner or furnace will never correctly control the comfort of the home if the duct work, attic insulation, or air filter is deficient for the home and its occupants. To learn more or get your free Home Comfort Analysis, which includes your customized new system estimate, call 804-548-4480 now, or download our free eBook "Home Heating and Air Conditioning for Dummies".