It happens every Memorial Day or 4th of July – we hear from homeowners who are desperate to install a new AC system but have put it off until peak season. Often, we’re able to find a way to help them quickly, but for larger projects that involve all-new ductwork, some customers wait until August to feel the comfort of their new AC system.

If you’re thinking about making the switch, proper planning in Spring 2025 is key to ensuring a smooth installation. Here are the steps you should take as a Massachusetts homeowner if you want central AC this summer.

1. Assess Your Home’s Cooling Needs

Before going into an installation, you need to evaluate your home’s size, insulation, and current cooling setup – this is done through what we call a Manual J calculation. Luckily, Endless Energy’s cooling specialists conduct a Manual J and a Manual S for every house they visit. If there is existing ductwork, they’ll also assess its condition, insulation (which is required for cooling), and sizing for a replacement AC system.

2. Set a Budget

Installing central AC can be a significant investment. If you are doing a direct replacement or swap-out, central AC installation costs in Massachusetts can range from $6,000 to $12,000 or more, largely depending on size and brand. If you need to install ductwork, expect to add between $5,000 to $15,000 depending on complexity.

3. Choose the Right System

Central AC systems come in various sizes and efficiency levels. Look for central AC models with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings to maximize energy savings during hot Massachusetts summers. If you’re open to alternatives, heat pumps (both ducted and ductless mini splits) tend to have higher SEER ratings and are more efficient than traditional AC systems.

4. Check for Existing Ductwork

If your home already has a forced-air heating system (evident if you have a furnace), then you may be able to use the existing ductwork for your new central AC system. In many cases, ductwork modifications and insulation will be needed, so prepare for additional costs. Ductwork insulation is critical because, without it, condensation can form in the humid Massachusetts summer months. Insulating ductwork can cost as little as $500 to $2,000 or more.

5. Hire a Professional HVAC Contractor

Finding a reputable HVAC contractor in Massachusetts, like Endless Energy, is crucial for a successful installation. Only consider licensed and insured contractors. In Massachusetts, contractors performing AC work should have the following licenses:

  • Home Improvement Contractor License (HIC)
  • Construction Supervisor License (CSL)
  • Master Electrical License
  • Sheet Metal License

6. Obtain Necessary Permits

Most Massachusetts towns and cities require permits for AC installations. Check your town’s building codes and regulations to ensure compliance. At Endless Energy, we have dedicated staff to handle permits and inspections, so you don’t have to worry about the paperwork!

7. Schedule an Installation in the Spring or Early Summer

The busiest season for HVAC installations in Massachusetts is from June through August, so scheduling your installation in March, April, or May can help you avoid long wait times. Spring is the best time to install AC since HVAC technicians are usually less busy, and you’ll have your system ready before the hottest months.

8. Prepare Your Home for Installation

Before installation day, clear space around the indoor and outdoor unit locations and move fragile items away from these sites. While most reputable contractors, including Endless Energy, take great care of your home, construction projects can still be messy.

  • A central AC replacement typically takes 1-2 days if using existing ductwork.
  • If you are installing ductwork, expect installers to be in your home for a week or more.
  • If you are installing mini splits, anticipate that two heads per day will be installed, so a six-head job should take three to four days, assuming no unique structural challenges.

9. Test and Maintain Your System

Once installed, your HVAC technician should demonstrate how to use your system and allow you to test it to ensure proper cooling.

  • Take notes when your technician explains how to use the thermostat and change air filters.
  • Schedule annual maintenance to keep your system running efficiently and extend its lifespan.

Final Thoughts

Installing central AC is a great way to stay comfortable during the Massachusetts summer heat, but planning ahead is crucial – don’t wait until July!

Are you planning to install central AC this summer? Call Endless Energy at 508-501-9990 or book your free consultation online today!