Is your home ready for the next Oregon heatwave? Whether you need to install central air conditioning in a newly built home, add cooling to an older Eugene property, or replace an aging, inefficient unit, Priority One Heating & Air Conditioning provides expert AC installation services tailored to your specific needs. We specialize in proper system sizing, energy-efficient solutions, and flawless installation that ensures your family stays comfortable all summer long.
Get a Free Quote Today! Call 541-689-1004 for a free in-home assessment and custom AC installation quote. We are licensed, insured, and dedicated to serving Lane County.
When to Install AC in Eugene
While Eugene, Oregon, is known for its mild, rainy winters, our summers are becoming increasingly warm. The days of relying solely on opening windows at night are fading as heat waves become more frequent and intense. Many homeowners in Eugene and Springfield are finding that air conditioning is no longer a luxury but a necessity for comfort and health.
There are several scenarios where installing a new AC system is the right choice:
- Older Homes Without AC: A significant portion of Eugene’s housing stock was built before air conditioning was standard. We specialize in retrofitting these homes with modern cooling solutions.
- New Construction: Building a new home? It’s the perfect time to integrate a high-efficiency central AC system designed perfectly for the structure.
- Replacing Inadequate Units: If your current AC is over 15 years old, constantly breaking down, or struggling to keep up with 90-degree days, a replacement installation offers better reliability and lower energy bills.
- Home Additions: Expanding your living space often requires upgrading your HVAC system to handle the increased square footage.
- Upgrading from Window Units: Window AC units are noisy, inefficient, and block your view. A professional installation provides whole-home comfort without the hassle.
Don’t wait until the middle of a July heat spike. Planning your AC installation in Eugene now ensures you’re prepared.
Our Comprehensive Installation Process
At Priority One, we believe that the quality of the installation is just as important as the equipment itself. A top-tier AC unit will underperform if it isn’t installed correctly. Our process is designed to be transparent, thorough, and stress-free for our customers.
- Free In-Home Assessment: We start by visiting your home to understand your cooling needs, check your current ductwork (if applicable), and evaluate your home’s layout.
- Load Calculations: We don’t guess. We perform precise load calculations based on your home’s size, insulation, window placement, and local climate data. This ensures we recommend a system that is perfectly sized, neither too big nor too small.
- System Recommendations: Based on our assessment, we present you with options that fit your budget and efficiency goals. We explain the differences between models so you can make an informed decision.
- Custom Quote: You receive a clear, upfront price with no hidden fees.
- Scheduling: We find a time that works for you to minimize disruption to your daily routine.
- Professional Installation: Our licensed technicians arrive on time and handle every aspect of the job. This includes setting the outdoor condenser on a proper pad, installing indoor evaporator coils, modifying ductwork if necessary, handling all electrical connections, and installing your new thermostat.
- Testing & Balancing: We don’t just plug it in and leave. We rigorously test the system to ensure correct airflow, refrigerant levels, and temperature differentials.
- User Training: We show you how to operate your new system and program your thermostat for maximum savings.
- Warranty Registration: We help handle the paperwork to ensure your equipment is fully covered.
Choosing the Right AC System for Your Home
Selecting the right air conditioner is critical for long-term satisfaction and efficiency. When considering AC installation in Eugene, OR, there is no “one size fits all” solution.
Central Air Conditioning
For homes with existing forced-air heating (furnaces) and ductwork, central AC is often the most cost-effective and logical choice. It utilizes your existing vents to distribute cool air evenly throughout every room. Modern central AC units are whisper-quiet and highly efficient compared to older models.
Ductless Mini-Splits
For homes without ductwork or for room additions where extending ducts is difficult, ductless systems are a game-changer. These systems consist of an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor air handlers. They are incredibly efficient, allow for “zoned” cooling (controlling the temperature in individual rooms), and are a common retrofit choice for Eugene’s older homes.
The Importance of Sizing
Bigger isn’t always better. An oversized AC unit will cool your home too quickly, shutting off before it has a chance to dehumidify the air. This leads to “short cycling,” increased wear and tear, and a clammy, uncomfortable indoor environment. Conversely, an undersized unit will run constantly and fail to reach your desired temperature. We perform detailed calculations to ensure your AC installation in Springfield, Oregon, is sized exactly right for your specific home.
Efficiency Ratings (SEER)
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures cooling efficiency. The higher the number, the less energy the unit uses. While the minimum standard is 14 SEER, modern systems can go up to 20 SEER or higher. In Eugene’s climate, where we have mild summers, you don’t always need the most expensive, highest-SEER unit to see savings, but balancing upfront cost with long-term operating costs is key.
AC Installation for Older Eugene Homes
Eugene is full of charming, historic homes in neighborhoods like College Hill or the Whiteaker. However, these homes were rarely built with central cooling in mind. Installing AC in older properties presents unique challenges that require experienced technicians.
- No Ductwork: Many older homes rely on baseboard heat or boilers. In these cases, installing traditional central air would require tearing into walls to add bulky ducts. For these homes, we strongly recommend high-efficiency ductless mini-split systems. They require only a small 3-inch hole in the wall and preserve the architectural integrity of your vintage home.
- Limited Space: Older basements and attics may have limited room for equipment. We offer compact air handling units and creative solutions to fit modern comfort into historic spaces.
- Electrical Upgrades: Older electrical panels may not handle the load of a modern AC. Our team assesses your electrical capacity and can coordinate necessary upgrades to ensure safe operation.
- High-Velocity Systems: Another option for older homes is high-velocity air conditioning, which uses small, flexible tubing that can be snaked through existing wall cavities more easily than standard ducts.
Whether you need a new AC in Eugene retrofit or a creative solution for a 1920s bungalow, Priority One has the expertise to make it happen without ruining your home’s character.
Cost & Financing Your New AC
The cost of AC installation in Eugene varies widely based on several factors. We believe in transparent pricing so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Key factors influencing price include:
- System Type: Central AC vs. Ductless.
- Size (Tonnage): Larger homes require larger capacity units.
- Efficiency (SEER): Higher efficiency units cost more upfront but save on monthly bills.
- Ductwork: Does your home need new ducts, repairs, or is the existing system ready?
- Electrical Work: Are panel upgrades or new circuits required?
- Installation Complexity: Difficult access to installation sites can affect labor costs.
Generally, a professional installation is an investment in your home’s value and your family’s comfort. We offer competitive pricing and can discuss financing options to help break the cost into manageable monthly payments. We always provide free, no-obligation quotes so you can budget accurately.
Maximizing Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a top priority for environmentally conscious Eugene residents. A professional AC install does more than just cool air; it optimizes energy use.
- High SEER Ratings: Upgrading from an old 10 SEER unit to a new 16+ SEER system can reduce your cooling costs by 30-50%.
- Proper Sizing: As mentioned, correct sizing prevents energy waste from short-cycling.
- Smart Thermostats: We recommend and install smart thermostats (like Nest or Ecobee) that learn your schedule and adjust temperatures automatically, ensuring you aren’t cooling an empty house.
- Sealing & Insulation: We can advise if your home needs better insulation or duct sealing to prevent cool air from escaping, ensuring your new system doesn’t have to work overtime.
Check with us about current utility rebates or tax incentives for installing high-efficiency equipment. These can significantly offset the initial cost.
Timeline: What to Expect
We know that having work done on your home can be disruptive. Our Eugene AC installation service is designed to be as efficient and clean as possible.
- Typical Timeline: Most standard central AC replacements or new installations can be completed in one day. More complex jobs, such as installing a multi-zone ductless system or adding extensive ductwork, may take 2-3 days.
- Preparation: We ask that you clear the area around the installation site (furnace/indoor unit and outdoor location) to help us get started immediately.
- During Installation: Our technicians use drop cloths and shoe covers to protect your floors. We work quietly and respectfully.
- Completion: We never leave a mess. We haul away your old unit and all packaging materials, leaving your home exactly as we found it, just cooler.
- Final Walkthrough: We won’t leave until the system is tested and you are comfortable operating it.
Warranty & Support
Peace of mind is standard with every Priority One installation service. We stand behind our work and the products we install.
- Manufacturer Warranty: We install top-rated brands that come with robust manufacturer warranties, typically covering parts for 10 years.
- Workmanship Warranty: We offer our own guarantee on the installation quality. If an issue arises due to our work, we fix it.
- Post-Install Support: Have a question a month later? Give us a call. We are your local HVAC partner.
- Maintenance Plans: To keep your warranty valid and your system running at peak efficiency, regular maintenance is required. Ask about our Maintenance Plans to schedule your annual tune-ups easily.
Why Choose Priority One for AC Installation?
When you search for a professional AC installation in Lane County, you have choices. Here is why Priority One stands out:
- Local Expertise: We are Eugene locals. We understand the specific climate challenges of the Willamette Valley.
- Technical Excellence: Our air conditioning technicians are highly trained, licensed, and certified. We don’t cut corners on load calculations or installation practices.
- Customer Focus: We are committed to honesty and integrity. We will never sell you a system you don’t need.
- Quality Equipment: We partner with trusted manufacturers known for reliability and durability.
- Transparent Pricing: No surprise bills. You approve the price before we start work.
We are dedicated to building long-term relationships with our neighbors in Eugene and Springfield.
Ready to Upgrade Your Comfort?
Don’t sweat through another summer. Whether you need a simple replacement or a complex retrofit for a vintage home, Priority One Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to help.
Contact us today for your Free AC Installation Quote.
- Call: 541-689-1004
- Service Area: Eugene, Springfield, and the surrounding Lane County areas.
- Schedule Online: Visit our website to book your AC repair or installation assessment.
Let us help you find the perfect cooling solution for your home and budget. Experience the Priority One difference today!
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