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The Average Cost of HVAC Replacement

February 12, 2013 | Remodeling

Interior temperature and air quality are important elements of a healthy and comfortable home, so repeated problems with an aging or malfunctioning HVAC system should be addressed. If the equipment needs frequent repairs, it may be less expensive in the long run to install a new unit. The life expectancy of an HVAC system varies by type and operating conditions. A heat pump or air conditioner that receives regular maintenance can be expected to last for at least 10 years; a boiler or furnace may reach 15 years of age or more before failing.

Average Cost of HVAC Unit Replacement

The cost of HVAC units varies greatly; pricing depends on a number of factors such as the size and type of system and the energy efficiency rating. In addition to the equipment itself, buyers must also consider the cost of installation and any required modifications to the building like additional ductwork. Replacing an existing system costs less than a new installation if there is already functional ductwork in place. Here are the most common types of HVAC equipment types and their average costs.

Heat Pump, Electric or Gas Split HVAC System

Split systems consist of both indoor and outdoor components. The outdoor unit is an air conditioner to provide cooling; the indoor unit is a furnace to produce heat. Split systems usually cost between $2,000 and $11,000; the average cost is $6,625. Costs will vary based on the type of units included.

Central Air Conditioner Unit

A central HVAC unit may cost as little as $1,000 or as much as $4,000 for a large unit; the average cost is $2,600.

Ductless Split System

This system is an option for homes without existing ductwork. Costs for a ductless system range from $2,000 to $7,000; the average cost is $4,500.

Gas Furnace

A standalone gas furnace typically costs between $1,000 and $5,000; the average cost is $2,400.

Gas or Oil Boiler

Regular efficiency boilers range in price from $2,500 to $4,000 with an average cost of $3,250. High-efficiency models cost between $5,000 and $9,000 with an average cost of $7,000.

Air Handler or AHU

Most air handlers cost between $1,000 and $3,500; the average price is $1,700.

Commercial HVAC Units

Commercial HVAC systems are much larger, and pricing will depend on the square footage of the building and other factors. Most commercial systems will cost more than $15,000.

Installation Costs

The cost of installation is highly variable and depends on the type of system, the choice of contractor and the complexity of the required work. Installation charges for a typical home range from $3,000 to $6,000 with an average cost of about $4,700. Additional ductwork or repairs can increase the installation fees by several thousand dollars.

In conclusion, the average homeowner can expect to pay between $5,000 and $11,000 for a completely installed HVAC system.

Variables Affecting HVAC Replacement Cost

Size or Capacity of Unit

HVAC Capacity is measured in BTUs and tons. These refer to a unit’s heating and cooling abilities. The square footage of the home, the local climate and other variables determine what size HVAC unit is required. More powerful units are more expensive, but installing a unit that does not have a high enough capacity can cause early equipment failure and increased energy costs.

Efficiency Rating

Energy efficiency is another important variable that affects cost. Air conditioners are assigned a seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER). Alternative measurements for heat pump efficiency include the average fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) and the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). Higher ratings denote more efficient systems, and these generally cost more. However, they save homeowners money in the long run by using less energy.

Choice of Retailer

Each HVAC equipment retailer will have specific equipment and installation charges. Discounts and special offers may be available; it is advisable to check several different retailers to find the best prices.

Brand and Quality

Major national brands may be more expensive than lesser-known ones. Before purchasing, buyers should thoroughly research brand names, models and available features to get the best quality system for their money.

Optional System Features

Programmable thermostats, air purifiers, humidity control features and UV lamps are optional features that will increase cost.

New or Used Equipment

Used or refurbished equipment may be available at a discounted price.

Entire vs. Partial Replacement

Some complex systems may only need individual components or units replaced; this decreases the cost of equipment and labor.

Location and Climate

Colder regions require more powerful systems to maintain desirable temperatures in winter. Units with higher BTU ranges are best for cold climates while systems in the lower BTU ranges are more appropriate for warmer areas.

Replacement Tips

Whether replacing an old HVAC system or purchasing a new one, homeowners should obtain careful measurements of the entire house and record any technical information about existing HVAC equipment. With the required information in hand, professional HVAC retailers and installers can help buyers find the system that best meets their needs at a reasonable price.

Tags: air conditioning, average cost, boiler, central air conditioner, gas furnace, heat pump, heating, HVAC

The Average Cost of a Home Interior Paint Job

January 23, 2013 | Remodeling

Painting a room is a quick and cost-efficient way to give any home a fresh, updated look. However, the job can be complicated for large houses or oddly shaped rooms. If you want to revive the appearance of your home with a new paint job, you may benefit from hiring a professional. There are various factors that determine how much a professional will charge for any interior paint job.

When comparing the fees of painters, it’s important to understand what is covered. In most cases, the paint and other supplies are included in the estimate. You may be able to request certain supplies, such as better quality paint rollers, but you will have to pay more. Some professional painters also allow the customer to choose the paint brand. This will affect your overall cost as well.

One of the main considerations when calculating costs is the size of the room being painted. Many painters charge per square foot. You may find a professional who charges a flat hourly rate, but most will present you with a bid that is equal to their base fee. If you have an exceptionally large room to be painted, or if the room has high ceilings, you may be charged on the higher end of the scale.

The cost of a paint gallon varies depending on the quality of the product. Expect to pay between $10 and $50 per gallon. A professional paint job typically includes two coats of paint for each area. If you select a less expensive brand, it may be thinner and will need an additional coat. The painter may need to use a primer as well. Primers are also often necessary for covering stains or any existing paint that is exceptionally dark.

Before you obtain any estimates for your interior paint job, you will need to know the square footage of the rooms being painted. This will give you a rough idea of what to expect. The cost per square foot can range from $1.25 to $2.75. On average, you will pay between $200 and $400 per room. Some professionals offer discounts on additional rooms, so it pays to have several jobs handled by one person.

Experienced painters will perform prep work prior to painting any room. This will affect your overall cost. You can do the preparations yourself, but a professional will likely do a more thorough job. Preparations include moving or covering furniture, taping any molding and removing small objects from the work area. For an average size room, you will generally pay $200 to $400 more for prep work.

Seasoned professionals typically supply the drop cloths, tape, brushes, rollers and other materials. They will include the prices for these items in their estimates. However, if you are expected to pay for the supplies separately, it can add up to $50 on your total costs. When getting any estimates, be sure to ask the painter to clearly break down every fee so that you know what you’re paying for.

Where you live may affect the price of the interior paint project as well. The cost of living in each area determines what many professionals charge. Living in a larger city may mean higher costs. In addition to location, the extra labor required will affect final fees. High ceilings, wainscoting, baseboards, crown molding and other detail work may require an additional fee. The price can go as high as $200 per room.

You may be able to get certain discounts to lower your out-of-pocket expenses. If you hire a painter during the winter or late fall, you may see significant savings. Some painters also offer a price reduction if you agree to have your project completed in between other jobs. You may also save money by hiring a novice who charges by the hour and allows you to purchase all the materials. Hourly rates range from $25 to $50.

Before hiring anyone, get several estimates and request references. You may also inquire about seeing the painter’s work. Ask what types of paint and brushes will be used as well. If you are not satisfied with the quality of the paint, speak up. Cheaper paints usually don’t last as long as high quality products, which means you may need to repaint sooner than expected. To further protect your wallet, ensure that the painter is licensed and insured in your state.

Tags: average cost, interior, paint

The Average Cost of a New Fence with Installation

January 10, 2013 | Remodeling

As the old adage goes, good fencing makes good neighbors.Now, there are other ways to deal with problematic neighbors – as this guide will tell you, but for those who are looking for a new fence for more organic, or aesthetic reasons, this post will help you sort out the costs that are associated with that.

Having an excellent fence installed can go a long way towards keeping your property secure and preventing issues with trespassing, misconduct and vandalism. Getting a new fence, however, can be a significant expense, one that includes the cost of the fence itself and the installation. That cost varies widely depending on the length and style of your fence, the materials you intend to use and your choice of installation professional.

One of the most popular materials used to construct fences is wood. Depending on the type and grade of wood used, wood fencing can range from very inexpensive to very expensive. All wood fences share some degree of vulnerability to the elements, certain pests and fire, although pressure treating and certain coatings can mitigate that vulnerability somewhat. Wood also requires some degree of maintenance to stay attractive and functional. Nevertheless, many homeowners opt for wooden fencing because of its classic appearance.

Common grades of wood used in fencing include clear wood, which has almost no flaws or imperfections; premium or #1 grade, which contains only small imperfections such as knots; standard or #2 grade and utility grade. Higher-grade wood is more expensive, of course, but the lack of imperfections can be aesthetically pleasing. It is worth noting, however, that many homeowners actually prefer the rustic appearance of lower-grade wood. Furthermore, if the fence is going to be painted, the presence or absence of surface imperfections is somewhat moot.

Vinyl fencing is growing in popularity because it is durable and requires almost no maintenance. Because it is the same color all the way through, it requires no painting or staining, and it maintains its new appearance for quite some time. Vinyl is available in a wide range of heights and styles and has few finish imperfections. However, it can also be more expensive than wood or metal.

Several metal fencing options are available, ranging from aluminum to wrought iron. Aluminum is a fairly inexpensive, lightweight and versatile material available in many colors, heights and styles. It can be attached to many different types of posts, including rock, and is excellent for decorative or boundary fencing. Perhaps the biggest advantage of aluminum fencing is that it is impervious to rust and tarnishing, which means maintenance is almost completely non-existant.

For those who can afford it, classic wrought iron fencing is an excellent option. Although it is a metal, wrought iron has an almost wood-like grain because of its low carbon content. The most common types of wrought iron fencing are the Essex fence, which has an ornate, noble appearance, and the somewhat simpler Concord fence. Either type of wrought iron fencing is fairly expensive to purchase and install, but fortunately it requires little maintenance once it is in place.

The cost of fencing also depends on the style of fencing to be used. Privacy fences, which are essentially solid barriers, tend to be relatively expensive because they require a great deal of material. Three-rail fencing is often somewhat cheaper, though it does not provide as much privacy. The classic picket fence tends to be even more expensive than privacy fencing.

Average Fence Costs and Variables
With all of these options available, the cost of fencing varies widely depending on the material, style and length of the fence. On average, having a fence constructed and installed out of basic materials costs about $13 per linear foot, of which about $8 is for the fencing itself and about $5 is for installation. Mid-range fencing averages around $16 per linear foot, including about $10 for materials and $6 for installation. High-end fencing can be $19 or more per linear foot, with about $12 per foot for materials and another $7 for the installation. The actual cost of fencing varies widely around those numbers, of course: Market forces govern the cost of materials, and installation costs tend to be higher in affluent and heavily populated areas.

Since installation represents a huge portion of the cost of new fencing, up to 50 percent in some areas, it is always good to look for ways to reduce that cost. For wood fencing, consider hiring a carpenter to do the installation instead of paying extra for a specialized fencing contractor. Just make sure that the carpenter has prior experience working with wooding fencing. Consider taking care of some of the extra costs by removing existing fencing yourself. If you have the time and hands-on aptitude to do it well, you can save thousands by installing your own wood fencing.

Tags: average cost, fence, vinyl, wood, wrought iron

The Average Cost of New Gutter Replacement

January 7, 2013 | Remodeling

Good gutters play a significant role in the maintenance of any home because they direct water from rainfall away from the house. Without properly functioning gutters, your home’s walls or foundations may be at risk, and fixing that water damage can be extremely expensive. Many gutter issues can be repaired, of course, but to deal with really extensive damage you may find it more cost-effective to replace your gutters entirely. The cost of doing so depends primarily on the materials and the length required.

The least expensive of all gutters are made from vinyl materials. Good vinyl gutters consist of PVC plastic, which is durable, resistant to denting and corrosion and easy to install. Furthermore, plastic is the same color from top to bottom, which means scratches and dings won’t stand out as they do on metal. The danger of vinyl comes from very cheap versions of the material, which are thin, brittle and highly susceptible to extreme cold. Taking materials and labor into account, vinyl gutters tend to cost between three and six dollars per linear foot, although the better quality materials tend to be in the upper portion of that range.

The mid-range material option is steel, which is perhaps the most durable of all metal gutter materials. Steel gutters have twice the tensile strength of aluminum and stand up much better under the weight of falling objects and other physical stress, making them particularly good choices in climates that get heavy snow or strong winds. Steel also has low rates of thermal movement and is less vulnerable to deforming. However, steel is heavy, which means the installers must cut the gutters into smaller sections that are easier to lift. Many homeowners also think steel gutters are less aesthetically pleasing than other types. Cheaper galvanized steel gutters tend to cost between four and eight dollars per linear foot; stainless steel is substantially more expensive at 15 to 20 dollars.

Another popular gutter material is aluminum, a lightweight and corrosion-resistant metal that is easy to cut and therefore easy to install. Professionally installed aluminum gutters are thick enough to be fairly durable, but the material still has several drawbacks. Aluminum deforms easily under the weight of falling objects or ladders and tends to expand and contract when exposed to extreme temperatures. Over time, the gutters can even pull away from the roof, letting water leak down the sides of the house. The cost of buying and installing new aluminum gutters tends to run from 10 to 15 dollars per linear foot.

Known in the industry as exotic materials, copper and zinc are gaining popularity among homeowners for aesthetic reasons. Blue-gray zinc gutters are generally considered attractive and blend well with zinc or slate roofing. However, they are somewhat vulnerable to thermal expansion and contraction and are difficult to solder, which can drive up the cost of installation and future repairs. Zinc tends to cost between 12 and 17 dollars per linear foot, depending on the market. However, seamless zinc is quite rare and can be much more expensive.

At the very top of the price range are copper gutters, which are impressively durable and never need to be painted. Depending on the climate, copper gutters tend to appear either green or brown, which can have a huge impact on a home’s aesthetic appeal and thus its resale price. The cost is high, however, as copper is an expensive metal that requires specialty installation to make sure nothing is wasted. Getting new copper gutters usually costs between 25 and 30 dollars per linear foot.

Actual Average Gutter Replacement Costs
The overall cost of new gutter replacement, then, depends on both the materials used and the overall linear footage to be replaced. Most homes need between 120 and 250 feet of gutters, depending on their size and the humber of stories. As such, replacement can cost as little as $500 for vinyl gutters on smaller homes and as much as $7500 or more for copper gutters on larger homes. There are relatively few additional costs, although removing the existing gutters can cost several hundred dollars for large homes.

When is comes to choosing new gutters for replacement, the cost of materials and installation is one of the biggest things to consider. Although weather, climate and other local factors play a role, generally the best policy is to pick the most durable material you can currently afford. Getting gutters that are resistant to damage may cost you more now, but avoiding future repairs will allow you to recoup that cost over time.

Tags: average cost, gutters, replacement

The Average Cost of New Replacement Windows for Your Home

December 8, 2012 | Remodeling

Even before the economy took a nosedive, homeowners were looking for ways to save money. Home improvements can improve your property’s value while increasing energy efficiency. If you’re looking to replace some or all of your home’s windows, here’s what you can expect to pay. We have laid out the average cost of new home replacement windows.

Best Case Scenario
You will save a lot of money if your existing window frames are in good condition. If the frames are free of major defects, you can replace just the windows and save up to half of the cost of replacement windows.

Only a certified contractor or other window installer should remove the old window and inspect the frame for any damage. That same contractor will be able to repair a salvageable frame or remove a damaged one, but any additional work will end up costing you money. Most contractors work for about $100 an hour, and frame replacement can easily add another $200 to your total bill.
After you have the measurements, you have enough information to order the replacement windows. The window size is fixed unless you want to enlarge the opening. For load bearing walls, that process is both time consuming and expensive, and you should expect additional labor to cost another $200-$300.

Average Window Materials and Prices
The windows themselves come in a variety of materials. Vinyl is relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain, but it usually doesn’t come in too many colors. Unfortunately, most paints will quickly fade and crack on vinyl after a few years. However, paint manufacturers like Benjamin Moore have begun selling paint specifically designed for vinyl surfaces.

Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows Being Installed

Other common materials include wood, aluminum, and fiberglass. Wood is an excellent insulator but is expensive compared to vinyl. It also holds up poorly in humid regions and can rot over time especially if rainwater is allowed to accumulate.

Aluminum is a lightweight metal that won’t corrode like iron. Many homeowners go with aluminum clad windows that encase the exterior surface in aluminum but leave the interior window wood for a beautiful appearance. Aluminum clad windows cost more but offer excellent weather resistance and insulation.

Fiberglass is a relatively new window material, and it offers a number of advantages over vinyl, wood, and aluminum. Like aluminum, it won’t corrode, rust, or rot. It can hold paint well, and it will insulate better than the other materials. Fiberglass contracts and expands with the temperature at roughly the same rate as glass, so it won’t leak as much air during the winter and summer months. By filling frame cavities with foam insulation, fiberglass windows offer the best insulation out of any type of window.

An average standard home window can cost as little as $300 for vinyl but 2-3 times as much for fiberglass. Wood and aluminum clad windows typically cost about $500-$700, and they offer a good compromise between cost and energy efficiency.

Triple-pane windows will also drive the cost up over double-pane windows, but they offer superior insulation. Insulating gas between the panes will also increase the overall cost but help save money on heating and cooling bills. Have a damaged frame? A new one will increase the cost by 50-100 percent including the additional labor required to tear out the old frame and install the new one.

Bottom Line
At a minimum, expect to pay on average at least $300 for materials and $100 for labor per window. If your home has 10 windows and you’re replacing all of them, the job will cost at least $4,000.

Once you add in extras like triple-pane windows or fiberglass frames, the material costs can increase up to about $1,000 for a standard window. That same 10 window home will cost about $11,000 instead.

Every frame that needs to be replaced will cost another $200-$700. With all of the bells and whistles for each window, you’re looking at anywhere from $1,000-$1,500 per window. Larger windows and additional work can add several thousand dollars more to the eventual cost.

Tags: aluminum, average cost, energy efficiency, fiberglass, paint, replacement windows, vinyl, windows, wood