As noted, there are two considerations. The first is whether you already have ductwork that can be used (for instance, if you already have a forced hot air system), or whether you need to install new ductwork. The latter, obviously, raises the cost substantially. And you may also be faced with a variety of choices about where the ductwork can go--more expensive to keep it hidden, for instance--a concern in older and historic homes.

The other issue is the unit itself--the brand, and the tonnage...and the installation cost. Get a decent unit intended for consumers, not one for builders. The builder's quality units are cheaper, but often don't hold up as well.

Finally, get multiple bids. It's not just that some HVAC companies are cheaper or more expensive than others. It's also that labor plays a large role, and if a company is experiencing a slow period you may get a very good deal just so the company can keep its crews busy.

Hope that helps.

Upper,

As you are gathering this cost will depend on a number of factors......but it will be significantly lower if you all ready have a heating system in place that utilizes a network of duct work. There is a large expense associated with retro-fitting ductwork to a home. A range for this expense could be $4,000 to $12,000 depending on the extent of the work necessary.

You will probably have higher costs simply because you are in Manhatten. Harder to park, easier to get tickets, harder to get home, harder to get to the apartment, harder to get supplies at a local Home Depot or Lowes.

Then too, as you 'know', ALL Upper Eastsiders are swimming in money, and can easily pay more.

The biggest cost is in the duct work. A property with duct work will cost a lot less than one that you have to install duct work. There is a lot of construct work involved with installing the duct work. I put in a A/C system approx 3 years ago with duct work. It took about 2 weeks and because of the way my house was built I had to have a 3 zone system put in. It cost approx 20k for a 2700 sqft house. Like Diane said, best thing is get some estimates. I suggest if you do need duct work find a contractor in the sheet metal business that does duct work and not an A/C contractor. The A/C contractors were terrible about coming out to get an estimate because they were always canceling to go on emergency service calls. A sheet metal contractor doesn't have that problem.

It all depends upon what manufacturer you choose, size, size of the home, etc. If you are thinking about replacing both the condenser usually located outside and the blower or furnace usually located inside then you could expect to pay approx. $3500. - $5000. for a 4-5 ton system. If your home needs to be ducted then of course that will add to your cost. Check with a local A/C contractor for more specific pricing. Good luck!