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Central air conditioner installation designs and installs a properly sized system for even, reliable cooling.
We've been installing central AC systems in Chicago homes since 2008. A 16 SEER system saves $150-300/year vs 14 SEER—but only if it's sized right and removes humidity properly. We do Manual J calculations on every installation because oversized units waste the efficiency you paid for.
SEER = Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures how efficiently your AC converts electricity into cooling.
14 SEER
Federal minimum as of 2023. Older units often 10-13 SEER.
What it means: Baseline efficiency, meets code
16-18 SEER
Two-stage compressor, better humidity control
What it means: Best value for most Chicago homes
20+ SEER
Variable-speed compressor, ultra-quiet
What it means: Highest efficiency, 10-15 year payback
Honest talk: 16-18 SEER is the sweet spot for Chicago. 14 SEER saves upfront but costs more to run. 20+ SEER takes 10-15 years to pay back. We recommend 16-18 SEER for the best balance of comfort, efficiency, and value.
Many companies just match your existing AC size or use "rules of thumb" (1 ton per 400 sq ft). This is the Manual J sizing scam.
Short Cycling
AC reaches temp in 5 minutes, shuts off before removing humidity. You feel clammy at 72°F.
Humidity Issues
Chicago summers = 80% humidity. AC needs to run 15-20 minutes to dehumidify. Oversized units never get there.
Premature Failure
Compressor wears out faster from constant starting/stopping. 15-year AC dies in 10.
Manual J calculation: Included FREE with every installation quote (some companies charge $300+)
The old rule of thumb: 1 ton per 400-600 sq ft. The problem: this ignores insulation, windows, orientation, and Chicago's unique climate challenges.
Important: These are rough estimates only. Your actual size depends on Manual J calculation. We've seen 1,800 sq ft homes need anywhere from 2.5-4 tons depending on insulation and windows.
Standard installation takes 1-2 days depending on ductwork modifications and electrical upgrades needed.
We install the condenser on a level concrete pad or wall brackets. Clearance requirements: 12" sides, 24" top, 60" service access. Sound ordinance compliance for Chicago neighbors.
Time: 2-3 hours
We run insulated copper lines (liquid and suction) from outdoor unit to indoor coil. Proper slope for oil return. Line set sizing matched to system capacity. No shortcuts—pre-charged line sets degrade faster.
Time: 2-4 hours
Evaporator coil mounts on top of furnace or air handler. Matched to outdoor unit size and SEER rating. Condensate drain installed with trap (P-trap prevents air leakage). Insulation to prevent sweating.
Time: 3-4 hours
Dedicated 240V circuit with disconnect switch. Proper wire gauge (typically 10 AWG for 30A breaker). Outdoor unit whip with weatherproof connections. Thermostat wire (24V) if needed.
Time: 1-2 hours (add 2-4 hours if new circuit needed)
System vacuum to 500 microns (removes moisture and air). Leak test with nitrogen. Refrigerant charge by weight and superheat/subcooling measurements. Digital gauges—not guesswork.
Time: 1-2 hours
Airflow verification (typically 400 CFM per ton). Temperature split test (16-22°F across coil). Condensate drain test. Thermostat programming. Homeowner walkthrough. Warranty registration.
Time: 1 hour
Total time: Standard replacement (existing ductwork, 240V already present): 1 day (8-10 hours). New installation with electrical work and minor ductwork: 1-2 days.
Chicago's lake effect, humidity, and microclimates create unique AC requirements you won't find in Phoenix or Atlanta.
Neighborhoods near Lake Michigan (Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Rogers Park) run 3-5°F cooler in summer. Lake breeze keeps temps down but increases humidity.
Impact: North side homes often need 0.5 ton smaller AC than south/west side homes of same size.
Neighborhoods away from lake (Pilsen, Little Village, Back of the Yards) face urban heat island effect. Asphalt, concrete, and afternoon sun = 5-8°F hotter than lakefront.
Impact: Higher cooling loads. 16+ SEER recommended for comfort and cost savings.
92°F
Avg. Summer High
80%+
Summer Humidity
Chicago summers combine high heat with intense humidity from Lake Michigan. A properly sized AC system doesn't just cool your home—it removes humidity, making 75°F feel comfortable instead of clammy. This is why correct sizing and two-stage systems matter so much here.
Chicago July/August: 70-85% relative humidity. Your AC needs to run long enough (15-20 minutes per cycle) to dehumidify. Oversized units cool too fast and shut off before removing moisture.
Bad: Single-stage, oversized
Runs 5-minute cycles. House hits 72°F but feels clammy at 65% humidity.
Good: Two-stage, right-sized
Runs 20-minute cycles on low stage. House hits 72°F at 45% humidity—feels comfortable.
Here's what's actually in the price. We're not hiding $2,000 in the equipment cost.
How we price: We buy equipment at contractor pricing (40-50% off MSRP), charge you near-retail for equipment, make profit on labor efficiency. Installation quality is where we compete—not by hiding markup in equipment.
We install all brands. Here's honest advice on what you're actually buying.
Budget
14 SEER
$3,500-5,500
Installed (3-ton system)
Brands:
Goodman, Amana, basic Rheem
Best for:
Budget-conscious, plan to move in 5-10 years
Warranty:
10-year parts
Mid-Range
16-18 SEER
$4,500-7,000
Installed
Brands:
Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Rheem
Best for:
Long-term homeowners, balanced value
Features:
Two-stage cooling, better humidity control, quieter
Warranty:
10-year parts, some lifetime compressor
Premium
20+ SEER
$6,000-9,000
Installed
Brands:
Carrier Infinity, Trane XV, Lennox XC25
Best for:
Efficiency enthusiasts, very large homes
Features:
Variable-speed compressor (1-100% capacity), ultra-quiet, smart thermostat compatible
Warranty:
Lifetime compressor, 10-year parts
The decision depends on your furnace age, efficiency, and remaining lifespan. Here's the honest math.
Cost: $3,500-7,000 (AC only)
Cost: $7,000-14,000 (both systems)
We won't push you either way. If your furnace has 5+ years left, adding AC only makes sense. If it's 15 years old and needs repairs, replacing both saves you from paying installation labor twice. We show you the numbers and let you decide.
Central AC installation in Chicago ranges from $3,500-9,000 depending on efficiency and size. Budget systems (14 SEER): $3,500-5,500. Mid-range (16-18 SEER): $4,500-7,000. Premium (20+ SEER): $6,000-9,000. Includes equipment, labor, permit, and 240V electrical work. Manual J sizing included free.
Rule of thumb is 1 ton per 400-600 sq ft, BUT this is unreliable. Manual J load calculation is required for proper sizing. An oversized AC short-cycles and doesn't remove humidity. An undersized unit runs constantly. We perform Manual J calculations free with every quote.
For Chicago homes, 16-18 SEER offers the best value. Minimum is 14 SEER, but 16-18 SEER saves significantly on electricity during humid summers. 20+ SEER costs more upfront—payback is 10-15 years. We recommend 16-18 SEER for most homeowners.
Standard central AC installation takes 1-2 days. Day 1: outdoor unit placement, refrigerant lines, indoor coil, electrical 240V connection. Day 2 (if needed): ductwork modifications, final testing. Full system commissioning included.
If your furnace is under 10 years old, add AC to existing system. If furnace is 12+ years old, replace both—labor overlaps and you get matched efficiency. We show you the cost difference and let you decide. No commission sales pressure.
No sales pitch. No commission salespeople. Just honest pricing and right-sized equipment for your Chicago home.
Budget (14 SEER): $3,500-5,500
Mid-Range (16-18 SEER): $4,500-7,000
Premium (20+ SEER): $6,000-9,000
Manual J calculation: FREE
Permits: Included ($100-250)
Warranty registration: Handled by us
Founded 2008. Serving Chicago homeowners who want honest HVAC work.