How much does installing an air conditioning system cost? It’s not as simple a question as it sounds.
That’s because the answer is a very wide range—anywhere from a few hundred dollars to ten thousand for a high-end system.
Several factors affect where you’ll fall in that range. Let’s take a closer look at what determines your air conditioning installation cost.
Type of Air Conditioning System
There are many different kinds of air conditioning solutions out there. The one you pick can significantly affect your installation bill.
Central Air
The most common kind of air conditioning in the U.S. is central forced air. A condenser, compressor, and evaporator work together to create cold air and force it through the house via ducts.
This system is popular because it couples well with central heating. It also balances affordability with a whole-house cooling approach. The price of your central air installation can still vary a lot, ranging from $3,000 to $7,000 on average.
Portable Single-Room Units
This category includes the ubiquitous window AC unit, as well as swamp coolers and portable air conditioners. Installation is DIY-friendly, and individual units are often only a few hundred dollars. Attempting to cool an entire house with portable units, however, can be inefficient, expensive, and noisy.
Ductless AC
Ductless AC systems circulate refrigerant between one or multiple in-room air handlers and a single outdoor unit. They offer superior room-by-room temperature control and significantly boost energy efficiency. They also feature one of the highest up-front installation costs.
Geothermal AC
Geothermal AC uses pipes to dump heat deep underground. Though it’s eco-friendly, it’s also one of the most expensive and elaborate systems to install.
A Bigger House Equals a Higher Air Conditioning Installation Cost
It’s essential to pick an AC installation that matches your house size. Appropriate sizing ensures you get the cooling you need. It also increases energy efficiency and unit lifespan.
So it follows that bigger houses will need bigger, more powerful AC units. Your HVAC installer should make a load calculation to figure out how much air your system must handle per minute. That calculation incorporates house size, insulation type, ductwork layout, doors and windows, and other factors.
A load calculation helps you and your HVAC professional figure out your AC unit cost. But don’t forget that labor, as well as any duct and vent work, will also factor into your total cost.
Tax Credits and Rebates for Efficiency
Energy efficiency saves you money and helps the environment, but energy-efficient AC equipment tends to be more expensive. That’s why many governments offer rebates and tax credits for energy-efficient installations. Your HVAC provider can help you find savings through Energy Star and other programs.
Ductwork and Existing Units
Depending on your existing heating setup, you may be able to cut costs by picking a compatible air conditioning installation.
If you already have ductwork for heat, your AC unit can hook up to the same system. Ductwork also reduces your air conditioner replacement cost.
If you don’t have ductwork installed, installing it can become a disruptive and expensive project.
Where You Live and Who You Know
HVAC services vary by provider. Dirt-cheap installations often result in shoddy work. Some HVAC companies overcharge.
If you live somewhere where AC usage is high, market competition may help you find many competitively priced yet high-quality air conditioning installation options.
Must Read -: It’s Getting Hot In Here: 8 Signs You Need an Air Conditioner Repair
Learning More About Air Conditioning Installation Cost
Air conditioning installation or HVAC replacement can be a big and expensive project, so it’s important to do your research.
To learn more about getting the most out of your HVAC unit while minimizing your air conditioning installation cost, read more in our archives.
