Air Conditioning
Air conditioner replacement and installation
Replacing a central air conditioner means sizing it to the house with a load calculation, matching the outdoor unit to a compatible indoor coil, and flushing or replacing the refrigerant lines. Most replacements take one day and need a city mechanical permit.
- Same-day service when a technician is available
- Serving the Kansas City metro
- Quote before work
Many Kansas City homes still run air conditioners installed in the 2000s, some on the phased-out R-22 refrigerant. When one of those needs a compressor or a large refrigerant repair, replacement usually makes more sense.
Size matters more than brand. An oversized unit cools the air quickly but leaves the house clammy in humid July weather. A Manual J load calculation, not the old unit's tonnage, should set the size.
AC replacement at a glance
- Install time
- Usually one day
- Permit
- City mechanical permit in most metro cities
- Sizing
- Manual J load calculation
- Consider
- A heat pump in place of AC-only
Signs you need ac replacement
- System is 12 to 15 years old or older
- Uses R-22 refrigerant and needs a recharge
- Compressor failure or repeated refrigerant leaks
- Upstairs rooms never cool down
- Summer electric bills climbing year over year
How the technician handles it
- 1
Load calculation
The contractor measures the home and runs a Manual J to size the system.
- 2
Options
You get written options for efficiency levels, with or without a matching furnace or air handler.
- 3
Install
Old equipment is recovered, a matched coil is set, the line set is flushed or replaced, and the unit goes on a level pad.
- 4
Commission
They charge the system to the manufacturer's specification, test airflow and schedule the permit inspection.
What affects the cost
Prices depend on what the technician finds, so the contractor quotes on site. These are the main factors:
- Tonnage and efficiency (SEER2) rating
- Single-stage vs. two-stage or variable-speed
- Whether the indoor coil and furnace are replaced too
- Line set replacement and pad work
- Utility rebates from Evergy for qualifying equipment
Frequently asked questions
Should I replace my furnace at the same time?
If the furnace is over 15 years old, pairing them usually saves on labor and gets a matched system. A newer furnace can stay.
What size air conditioner do I need?
It depends on insulation, windows, orientation and ductwork, not just square footage. Ask for a Manual J load calculation.
Are there rebates in Kansas City?
Evergy has offered rebates on qualifying high-efficiency equipment, and federal tax credits apply to some heat pumps. The contractor can confirm current programs.
AC replacement across Kansas City
Before and after
Weathered outdoor units replaced with a new condenser
Worn, rusting outdoor equipment loses efficiency and often runs on phased-out R-22. A new, properly sized unit on a clean mount cools better and uses less power.
Stock example photos, not a job by a contractor in our network.
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