HVAC Installation

How Much Does A New HVAC System Cost?

Let's get right to the number everyone wants to know. HVAC installation isn't cheap, but understanding what drives the cost helps you make smart decisions about your investment.

• Complete System Replacement Runs $5,000-$12,000: For most Ville Platte homes, you're looking at this range for a full AC and heating system replacement. That includes the outdoor unit, indoor air handler or furnace, installation labor, permits, and hauling away your old equipment. Where you land in that range depends on system size, efficiency rating, and any extras you add.
• AC-Only Replacement Costs $3,500-$8,000: If your furnace or air handler is newer and in good shape, sometimes you can get away with just replacing the outdoor AC unit. This saves money upfront, but only works if your indoor unit is compatible and not near the end of its life anyway.
• High-Efficiency Systems Cost More Initially: A basic 14-15 SEER2 system sits at the lower end of the price range. Jump to an 18-20 SEER2 high-efficiency unit, and you're adding $2,000-$4,000 to the tab. But here's the thing—in Louisiana, where AC runs practically year-round, that efficiency pays you back through lower electric bills.
• Ductwork Adds To The Total: If your ducts need replacing or you're adding zones, tack on another $2,000-$5,000. We can usually reuse existing ductwork if it's in decent shape, but 20+ year old ducts often need work when you're upgrading the system.
• Installation Quality Matters More Than Price: The cheapest quote isn't the best deal if the system's sized wrong or installed poorly. Bad installation costs you way more long-term through higher bills, constant repairs, and shortened equipment life. We do load calculations, proper sizing, and clean installs that meet code.

Want an actual number for your specific house? Call 337-363-1866 , and we'll come out for a free estimate.

What Size HVAC System Does Your Home Actually Need?

This might be the most important question in the whole process, and it's where a lot of companies cut corners because doing it right takes time and knowledge.

• Size Isn't Based On Square Footage Alone: Yeah, square footage matters, but so does insulation, windows, ceiling height, orientation, ductwork, and Louisiana's climate. A proper load calculation considers all these factors to determine the right size system for your specific house.
• Bigger Is NOT Better: Homeowners often think bigger AC means more cooling, but an oversized system cycles on and off constantly, never runs long enough to remove humidity, and wears out faster. You want the right size, not the biggest size.
• We Do Actual Manual J Load Calculations: This is the industry standard for sizing HVAC systems correctly. We measure your house, assess insulation and windows, account for local climate data, and calculate exactly what capacity you need. It takes extra time, but it's the difference between a system that works right and one that causes problems.
• Louisiana Humidity Requires Special Attention: Down here, removing moisture matters as much as lowering the temperature. Proper sizing ensures your AC runs long enough each cycle to dehumidify effectively, not just blow cold air for five minutes and shut off.
• Wrong Sizing Kills Comfort & Efficiency: Too small means your house never gets comfortable on hot days. Too big means humidity problems, temperature swings, and wasted energy. Both scenarios mean you spent thousands on a system that doesn't work right.

Questions about what size system your house needs? Call 337-363-1866 , and we'll do the math properly.

HVAC Installation FAQs

How Long Does HVAC Installation Actually Take?

You need to know how long you'll be without AC or heat, especially if we're doing the work during Louisiana's summer.

• Standard Replacement Takes One To Two Days: If we're swapping out an old system for a new one and your ductwork's in good shape, plan on us being there for one full day, maybe into a second day depending on the specific equipment and setup. We're not rushing the job—we're making sure it's done right.
• New Ductwork Extends The Timeline: Adding new ducts or replacing the whole duct system pushes the job to three to five days. Ductwork takes time to do properly, and we'd rather take the extra time than leave you with leaky, inefficient ducts.
• We Work To Minimize Downtime: We schedule installations to get your old system out and the new one running as fast as possible while maintaining quality. If we hit any unexpected issues—electrical problems, structural concerns, code violations from previous work—we address them right then instead of leaving problems for later.
• Weather And Permits Can Affect Scheduling: Louisiana weather sometimes throws curveballs, and we need permits for system replacements. We account for these factors when we schedule your installation and keep you updated if anything changes.
• You'll Have Cooling The Same Day When Possible: Our goal is to have your new system cooling your house by the end of day one. We know going without AC in Louisiana isn't just uncomfortable—it's genuinely miserable—so we prioritize getting you back to comfort.

Ready to schedule your installation? Call 337-363-1866 , and we'll find a time that works for you.

Should You Go High-Efficiency Or Standard SEER Rating?

Efficiency ratings affect both upfront cost and long-term operating expenses, and in Louisiana's climate, this decision matters more than in places with shorter cooling seasons.

• Minimum SEER2 Is Now 15 In The South: As of 2023, federal regulations require new systems in Southern states, including Louisiana, to be at least 15 SEER2. You can't buy the old 14 SEER systems anymore, so that's your starting point.
• 16-18 SEER2 Hits The Sweet Spot: For most Ville Platte homes, this range balances upfront cost with energy savings. You pay a bit more than minimum efficiency but start seeing real savings on your electric bill compared to your old 10-12 SEER system.
• 20+ SEER2 Is Premium Territory: These high-efficiency systems use variable-speed technology and advanced features. They cost significantly more upfront but run quieter, control humidity better, and deliver the best energy savings. Worth it if you plan to stay in the house long-term and want maximum comfort.
• Louisiana Climate Multiplies Savings: Because your AC runs so many months per year down here, efficiency gains add up fast. A high-efficiency system saves way more in Ville Platte than it would in a northern state where AC only runs three months a year.
• Payback Period Depends On Usage: If you keep your house at 68 degrees all summer, high efficiency pays back faster. If you're comfortable at 76 and only cool when you're home, standard efficiency might make more financial sense. We help you think through your specific situation.

Not sure what efficiency level makes sense for your situation? Call 337-363-1866 and we'll talk through your options.