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With warmer weather approaching, is your current central air conditioning system ready to keep your home cool and comfortable for another season? If it struggled to provide efficient cooling and balanced humidity last summer, it&#;s time to consider upgrading to a new AC.
The average cost of a new central air conditioner can vary greatly based on several factors including its efficiency rating (SEER), capacity, and compressor type. In this comprehensive guide, HVAC.com explores new air conditioner costs in .
When you receive a quote for the cost of a new AC unit, QuoteScore from HVAC.com will help determine if you&#;re receiving a fair deal. Our team of industry insiders will analyze your quote for factors such as price, system sizing, and industry best practices to provide you with the peace of mind you deserve.
The average cost of installing a new central air conditioner in , including equipment and labor costs, is $5,750 for a 3-ton unit in a 2,000-square-foot home. On average, a new AC unit cost will fall between $3,300 and $7,800.
Several factors influence the cost of a new AC unit, most notably:
The efficiency of a central air conditioner is measured by its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit is, which will lower your monthly energy bills. Depending on the brand, SEER ratings typically range from 14 to 22.
A SEER rating of 14 or 15 &#; the minimum requirements allowed by the U.S. Department of Energy &#; are considered highly efficient and can potentially save you thousands of dollars over electing to purchase a higher-SEER-rated unit. The monthly energy savings isn&#;t enough to recoup the cost of buying a higher-efficiency central air conditioner over the course of the system&#;s lifespan.
Different AC compressor types can also impact the cost of a new AC unit in .
When an HVAC contractor mentions the size of a central air conditioning system, they&#;re referring to the unit&#;s cooling capacity, not its physical dimensions.
A central air conditioning system&#;s cooling capacity is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), which determine how much heat an air conditioner can remove from the indoor air supply in one hour. For instance, a one-ton AC unit eliminates about 12,000 BTUs of heat per hour.
To determine the correct size air conditioner for your home, your HVAC contractor should conduct a Manual J load calculation which considers factors such as your home&#;s climate zone, square footage, insulation quality, and ductwork.
Various additional features are available for modern central air conditioners that can affect new air conditioner costs. Installing a smart thermostat, noise reduction technology, a whole-house air purification system, zoning capabilities, or a humidity control device can increase the price by 5-15% per HVAC add-on.
Installation rates may vary based on factors such as your location, market demand, and contractor experience. Typically, you can expect to pay more for installation in urban areas with stricter building codes and higher costs of living compared to rural or suburban areas.
Although hiring an experienced and reputable HVAC contractor may come at a higher cost, it can help ensure your new central air conditioner is properly installed for maximum efficiency and long-term performance.
Choosing when to replace your existing central air conditioning system can be challenging. While it&#;s always advisable to consult with a reputable HVAC contractor, several signs indicate you should consider AC replacement:
If you choose to buy a new central air conditioner, regular maintenance is essential to keep it running efficiently and avoid unexpected breakdowns. Consider scheduling AC maintenance service in the spring, preferably before you turn the system on for the first time.
During an AC maintenance appointment, your technician will perform tasks including inspecting and lubricating moving parts, checking all electrical components to ensure proper operation, inspecting and replacing the air filter, and checking refrigerant levels.
Between professional maintenance visits, replace the air filter regularly &#; typically every 2-3 months &#; and clear any debris from the outdoor condenser unit to ensure proper airflow.
Written by
Kristen Cramer
April 29,
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
The average cost to install central air is $2,500 to $7,500, depending on the size (tons), brand, and efficiency rating (SEER). New central AC unit prices are $1,000 to $5,000, plus $1,000 to $2,500 for labor to install.
Average cost to install central air conditioning - chartCost to install central air Home size (square feet) AC unit tons Total cost installed 1,000 1.5 &#; 2 $2,000 &#; $5,500 1,200 2 &#; 2.5 $2,500 &#; $6,000 1,500 2.5 &#; 3 $2,700 &#; $6,500 1,600 3 &#; 3.5 $3,000 &#; $7,000 1,800 3 &#; 4 $3,000 &#; $7,500 2,000 3.5 &#; 4.5 $3,100 &#; $7,800 2,200 4 &#; 5 $3,500 &#; $8,000 2,500 4.5 &#; 5 $3,700 &#; $8,000 3,000 5+ $4,000 &#; $8,500Get free estimates from ac installation companies near you.
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The following table shows the average cost to install or replace a central AC unit, not including new ductwork.
Central air installation cost calculator National average cost $4,700 Minimum cost $1,100 Maximum cost $15,000 Average cost range $2,500 to $7,500* Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
AC units are sized in tons. One ton of cooling capacity equals 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTU). One ton of air conditioning cools 450 to 600 square feet on average, depending on the home's layout, insulation, and local climate.
Replacing a 3 to 5-ton AC unit costs $3,000 to $8,000 for a 1,500 to 2,500 square foot home.
AC unit cost by tons Tonnage BTUs AC unit prices AC cost installed 1.5 tons 18,000 BTU $1,000 &#; $3,800 $2,000 &#; $5,000 2 tons 24,000 BTU $1,200 &#; $4,000 $2,500 &#; $5,500 2.5 tons 30,000 BTU $1,500 &#; $4,500 $2,700 &#; $6,000 3 tons 36,000 BTU $1,700 &#; $5,000 $3,000 &#; $6,500 3.5 tons 42,000 BTU $1,800 &#; $5,200 $3,100 &#; $7,000 4 tons 48,000 BTU $2,000 &#; $5,500 $3,500 &#; $7,500 5 tons 60,000 BTU $2,500 &#; $6,000 $4,000 &#; $8,000 Outdoor AC unitInstalling central air conditioning for a 1,200 square foot house costs $2,500 to $6,000. Central air for a 2,000 square foot home costs $3,100 to $7,800+. Homes over 3,000 square feet may require two condenser units.
Central air conditioner prices are $1,000 to $8,500 for the unit alone, depending on the size, brand, and efficiency. Large systems with high SEER ratings or AC units from top brands cost the most.
Air conditioners have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of 13 to 26. AC units with a higher SEER rating cost more up front but are more efficient and reduce long-term energy costs.
Air conditioner prices by SEER rating SEER Efficiency AC unit prices Total cost installed 13 &#; 14 SEER Standard efficiency $1,000 &#; $4,200 $2,500 &#; $6,000 15 &#; 16 SEER High efficiency $1,500 &#; $5,700 $3,000 &#; $7,500 17 &#; 18 SEER High efficiency $1,800 &#; $6,100 $3,500 &#; $8,600 19 &#; 21 SEER Very high efficiency $2,500 &#; $7,500 $4,000 &#; $10,000 22 &#; 26 SEER Maximum efficiency $3,700 &#; $8,500 $6,000 &#; $11,000The Department of Energy mandates a minimum SEER of 14 in the northern U.S. and 14.5 to 15 in the southern U.S., depending on the AC system's size.
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Central AC unit prices by brand Brand SEER AC unit prices Total cost installed Aire-Flo 13 &#; 14 $1,000 &#; $2,000 $2,400 &#; $4,500 Amana 13 &#; 24 $1,300 &#; $4,500 $3,000 &#; $7,500 American Standard 13 &#; 20 $1,500 &#; $4,300 $3,800 &#; $8,000 Armstrong 13 &#; 20 $1,100 &#; $2,500 $3,000 &#; $4,600 Bryant 13 &#; 20 $1,400 &#; $3,500 $2,500 &#; $6,800 Carrier 13 &#; 24 $2,500 &#; $5,800 $4,700 &#; $8,700 Coleman 13 &#; 20 $1,300 &#; $3,500 $2,500 &#; $5,000 Comfortmaker 13 &#; 19 $1,300 &#; $3,000 $2,800 &#; $5,800 Frigidaire 13 &#; 20 $1,300 &#; $3,000 $2,500 &#; $4,800 Goodman 14 &#; 24 $1,200 &#; $3,000 $3,200 &#; $5,000 Heil 13 &#; 19 $1,400 &#; $3,000 $2,800 &#; $4,800 Lennox 13 &#; 26 $1,600 &#; $5,600 $5,300 &#; $9,000 Payne 13 &#; 17 $1,000 &#; $1,800 $2,500 &#; $3,900 Rheem / Ruud 13 &#; 20 $1,800 &#; $5,500 $3,600 &#; $8,500 Tempstar 13 &#; 19 $1,300 &#; $3,000 $2,600 &#; $5,200 Trane 14 &#; 22 $1,600 &#; $5,800 $4,000 &#; $9,000 York 13 &#; 21 $1,400 &#; $4,700 $3,500 &#; $8,000*No installation required.
Central air conditioning systems come in two types:
A split-system AC features an outdoor condenser unit containing the compressor and an indoor air handler cabinet containing the evaporator coil. Most homes in the U.S. have split systems.
A packaged air conditioner combines the condenser, compressor, and evaporator coil in a single outdoor cabinet. Packaged systems are typically used in commercial settings.
Central AC compressor come in three different types:
Single-stage air conditioners are the cheapest but have only one speed and run at full capacity until the indoor air reaches the set temperature.
Two-stage air conditioners have two speeds&#;full capacity and 60% to 70% capacity. Two-stage units run more quietly and efficiently but cost more than single-stage units.
Variable-speed air conditioners cost the most to install but operate at any capacity, making them more efficient, better at dehumidifying, and the least expensive to run.
Ductless mini-split AC installation costs $3,000 to $10,000 on average, depending on the number of zones, BTU size, SEER rating, and brand. A ductless AC system features an outdoor condenser that supports up to five indoor air handlers, also called "zones".
A window AC unit costs $300 to $1,100 with installation or $150 to $800 for the unit alone. Window air conditioner prices depend on the size, brand, efficiency, and features.
A portable AC unit costs $200 to $900 and does not require installation. A portable unit is freestanding and uses a hose to vent hot air outside through a window, wall, ceiling, or door.
The cost for HVAC replacement depends on whether the home has a furnace or heat pump:
The labor cost to install central air conditioning is $1,500 to $2,500 or more, depending on if it includes new ductwork. Labor makes up 40% to 60% of the total installation cost.
New AC unit cost to install - chartHome AC unit and system cost to install Factor Average cost New AC unit $1,000 &#; $5,000 Labor cost to install AC $1,500 &#; $2,500 Ductwork installation* $1,400 &#; $6,600 Total cost to install $2,500 &#; $14,100*May not be required.
The following factors affect the cost to install a central AC unit:
AC system size &#; AC units in larger ton sizes cost more.
Efficiency and SEER rating &#; High-efficiency models with higher SEER ratings cost more than standard efficiency units.
System type &#; Split systems typically cost less than packaged systems.
Location &#; Installing a condenser unit on the ground costs less than installing it on a rooftop.
Accessibility &#; Installation costs more for AC systems in difficult-to-access areas like attics and crawlspaces.
Zoning &#; Adding an HVAC zoning system costs $1,700 to $4,500. Large homes may benefit from a zoned system to minimize the required AC unit size and reduce energy costs.
A condenser pad costs $40 to $250, depending on if the pad is prefab composite or poured concrete.
Permits for AC replacement cost $100 to $250. Permits for new AC installations with ductwork cost $250 to $1,500. Contractors typically include permit fees in the estimate.
Removing an old air conditioner costs $50 to $200, depending on local disposal and Freon removal fees.
Tax credits & rebates &#; New AC units may qualify for tax credits and rebates. Check the Energy Star rebate finder and the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for available incentives.
Adding air conditioning to an existing furnace costs $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the home size and the new AC unit's SEER rating. Adding central AC to a forced-air system may require other upgrades:
Sealing the ductwork to prevent leaks and improve efficiency
Upgrading the furnace blower to move enough cool air through the home
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Replacing old supply registers with wider vent grilles to improve airflow
The average cost to install ductwork for central air is $2,400 to $6,600 when retrofitting a home without existing ducts. Replacing HVAC ductwork costs $1,400 to $5,600, depending on the home's size.
Cost to install ductwork for central air Install type Cost per linear foot Average cost New duct installation / retrofit $40 &#; $65 $2,400 &#; $6,600 Ductwork replacement $25 &#; $55 $1,400 &#; $5,600Ductwork repair costs $200 to $700 for minor jobs, depending on the duct size, accessibility, and service type.
Air duct cleaning costs $450 to $1,000 on average or $25 to $50 per vent.
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An air conditioner should be sized at 16 to 30 BTUs per square foot of living space. Hire a licensed HVAC contractor to perform a Manual J Load calculation and determine the home's ideal AC size.
A Manual J Load calculation considers factors like:
Zone, climate, and humidity
Square footage and number of stories
Home layout and ceiling height
Number, type, and placement of windows
Sun exposure or shade
Insulation amount and quality
Number of people in the home
Heat-generating appliances
Basement, slab, or crawlspace conditions
The following table shows the recommended AC size in tons based on the home's square footage and climate zone:
AC unit size calculator AC size Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5 1.5 Tons 600 &#; 900 sf 600 &#; 950 sf 600 &#; sf 700 &#; sf 700 &#; sf 2 Tons 900 &#; sf 950 &#; sf &#; sf &#; sf &#; sf 2.5 Tons &#; sf &#; sf &#; sf &#; sf &#; sf 3 Tons &#; sf &#; sf &#; sf &#; sf &#; sf 3.5 Tons &#; sf &#; sf &#; sf &#; sf &#; sf 4 Tons &#; sf &#; sf &#; sf &#; sf &#; sf 5 Tons &#; sf &#; sf &#; sf &#; sf &#; sfDo not buy a cooling system that is too small or too large for the home:
An oversized AC will &#;short-cycle&#;, turning off and on more often. Short cycling uses more energy, prevents the AC from dehumidifying the home, and reduces the system&#;s lifespan.
An AC unit that is too small will run constantly, reducing efficiency and adding wear and tear.
Installing new central air conditioning increases a home's resale value by 2% to 10%, depending on the location. Central air is a good investment in warm climates but provides less value in regions with mild summer weather.
Replacing an existing central air system maintains but does not increase the home's value.
Installing a new high-efficiency AC unit with a high SEER rating provides a return on investment (ROI) of 70% to 85%.
The cost to run central air conditioning is $80 to $200 per month on average, depending on the AC unit's BTU size, SEER rating, and local utility rates.
Air conditioning cost to run AC type Monthly cost to run* Central air conditioning $80 &#; $200 Ductless mini-split AC $30 &#; $150 Window AC unit $12 &#; $120*Running 8 hours per day.
New AC units are 20% to 40% more energy-efficient than models more than 10 years old.
Look for ENERGY STAR-certified units, which have the highest efficiency rating.
Use a programmable thermostat to reduce energy costs.
An air conditioner lasts 12 to 15 years if correctly sized for the home and properly maintained. An AC unit's lifespan depends on the quality, environment, and usage. Improperly sized air conditioners or units located in areas with extreme heat typically have a shorter lifespan.
Warm air or limited airflow from the vents
Excessive humidity in the home
Moldy, musty, or smoky odors
Loud or unusual noises from the AC system
Increased utility and energy bills
AC is more than 10 years old
AC uses R-22 Freon
AC requires frequent repairs
The repair cost is at least 50% of the cost of a new AC.
The repair cost multiplied by the system's age in years exceeds $5,000.
An air conditioner warranty lasts 10 to 15 years if the product is registered within 60 days of installation. Coverage timeframes for individual parts vary from 5 to 20 years, depending on the brand. Standard AC warranties cover equipment malfunctions but typically do not cover labor.
An AC tune-up costs $70 to $200. Failing to perform regular AC maintenance may void the manufacturer's warranty.
Central AC installation takes 1 to 2 days on average if using the existing ductwork. AC installations requiring new ductwork take 3 to 5 days or more, depending on the home size and age, duct type, and crew size.
An air conditioner can cool but cannot heat. A heat pump can cool in the same way but can also reverse itself to provide heat instead when needed. Air conditioners are typically paired with a furnace to heat the home during cold months.
Before hiring an AC company near you, be sure to:
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Look for a NATE-certified company with experience installing central AC units.
Select an HVAC contractor who will perform a complete home evaluation to assess your cooling needs.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.
When comparing quotes, confirm they include equipment of the same size and quality.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead for work completed.
Are you licensed and insured to install an HVAC system?
How long have you been in business?
Is a central air or ductless mini-split system best for my needs?
What AC unit size or capacity do you recommend for my house?
What is the SEER rating of the AC unit you recommend for my house?
Can the existing ductwork be used with the new unit?
Will you inspect my existing ductwork for leaks, mold, and asbestos?
How much will it cost to remove my old AC unit?
What extra costs should I expect?
What upgrades are available for new AC units?
How much will I save on energy costs each month?
Which brands do you recommend and why?
Are there any local or federal rebates or tax credits available?
How long is the warranty, and what does it cover?
How long will it take to install the central air system?
What kind of maintenance will the system require?
Can I do any maintenance myself?
How long will the system last?
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