How Much Does a Central AC Unit Cost?

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Central air conditioners are the most popular method for cooling your home. However, the national average cost to install a new AC unit is $5,644, with a typical price range of $3,810 to $7,480. The costs of a central AC unit are determined by several factors, including the ductwork needed, the size of the AC unit, the SEER rating, and repairs that may be required. Also, central air conditioning costs in an older home are more than in a new home.

Central AC Unit Cost Factors

Installation

These costs strongly impact the total costs for an AC unit and can vary significantly from home to another, based primarily on the amount of ductwork needed to install the AC unit properly. The installation labor costs will range from $1,250 to $2,300 if ductwork is not required. The price increases to an average of $2,550 to $3,600 if ductwork is needed.

System Type

Central AC units pump cold air to the entire home and are usually coupled with a heating unit to create a complete HVAC unit. However, if just air conditioning is needed and not heating, a ductless system can be installed, costing $2,000 to $14,500. Window units are another alternative for cooling a single room, ranging from $150 to $500.

System Size

You want to purchase an AC unit that is large enough to cool the square footage of your home. The output of an air conditioning unit is measured in BTUs or British thermal units with capacities ranging from 1.5 to 5-ton capacities. It takes about 18 BTUs to cool one square foot of your home. You can calculate the size of the AC unit you need by multiplying the square footage by 18. From there, divide by 12,000. If you have high ceilings, multiply by 1.25 before dividing by 12,000.

SEER Rating

The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating has to do with the effectiveness of the AC unit as it operates throughout the year. High SEER rating AC units cost more to purchase and install but run more efficiently, so they cost less in the long term than lower-rated SEER units.

Home Size

Most AC units cost between $2.50 and $6 per square foot. More powerful AC units are needed in warmer climates, such as Florida, and will be on the high-end of pricing.

Additional Costs and Considerations

New construction homes usually have lower AC unit installation costs than older homes that need an AC upgrade. However, in those cases, some plumbing, ductwork, or electrical repairs may be required as part of the installation.

Ductwork Repair

Ductwork handles the flow of the air from the AC unit. As a result, it may leak, preventing the existing AC unit from working correctly.

Plumbing

To prevent water damage, plumbing lines must be installed to accommodate AC units, including a drain line.

Electrical Work

Electricity from a dedicated circuit is needed to power the air conditioning unit. You will need an electrician to set it up properly.

Existing HVAC System Removal

Sometimes companies will remove your old AC unit at no extra charge when installing a new one. However, removing or upgrading the ductwork in your home will increase the price.

Home Modifications

When you renovate or add more space to your home, you may need more ductwork and vents to cool your home correctly.

Mold Testing and Removal

Sometimes mold can damage your ductwork and needs to be removed. Hiring a qualified mold specialist is best in these situations to ensure effective cleaning and safe mold removal.

Asbestos Testing and Removal

Asbestos fibers are sometimes found in ductwork, and hiring an asbestos removal company should solve the problem. However, in some cases, the ductwork may need to be replaced entirely instead of cleaned.

Permits and Potential Fines

AC unit installation is regulated in the United States since air conditioning is required to live, particularly in locations with sweltering summers. Make sure you understand the installation contract with the installer you hire and look up the local and federal regulations for fines for AC units that are not correctly installed.

Warranties

Most air conditioning units come with a five to 10-year warranty which covers parts and equipment. Sometimes extended warranties are also available.

Types of AC Units

Two home air conditioning unit systems are central air systems and ductless split systems. Central AC units are the most popular for a complete HVAC system when paired with heating. Ductless split systems cool individual rooms without using ductwork.

Central Air System

Central air systems are stored in a mechanical room or space in your home with plumbing and ductwork surrounding the unit to operate it. Ductwork pulls air from the house and is filtered through the AC unit, then cooled and pumped back into the place. It would help to replace air filters every three months to keep the air clean. On average, AC units cost between $3,810 and $7,480.

Ductless Split System

A split AC unit system is a condenser and compressor unit installed outside the home, along with an evaporator inside the home. With this system, ductwork is not installed in the walls, attic, or ceiling; only certain zones or rooms in the house are cooled. Of course, the more zones you cool, the pricier the unit will be. The average cost is between $2,000 and $14,500 for a ductless split system AC unit.

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Reasons Why You May Need a New AC Unit

Replacing your central AC unit can be expensive, but there are several reasons to do so. Systems age and don’t work as well over time. As with all machinery, AC units need to be replaced from time to time. Here are several reasons you might want to replace your air conditioning system.

AC Unit Age

Central AC units last about 10 to 15 years and, without maintenance, may last for a shorter period. Older units are also less efficient and don’t work well at cooling your home.

Noise and Dust

Older units can make a lot of noise as they get past their prime and have ductwork issues. Also, regularly finding dust around your home may indicate that your ductwork is leaking and needs repairs.

Higher Utility Bills

As your central AC unit becomes less effective, it will have to work harder to keep your house cool which uses more energy and increases your energy bill. If you see a sudden spike in your statement, it could indicate that your air conditioning unit is not working well.

Excessive Humidity

Warmer months can create quite a bit of humidity which AC units are designed to remove. If your air conditioning is not getting rid of the moisture, this could be an indicator to look into replacing or repairing your AC unit.

Frequent Repairs

As mechanical systems get older, they need more repairs. Consider getting a quote to replace the entire AC system if you have regular maintenance. A way to calculate the cost of repairs is to multiply the cost of repairs by the age of the unit. If the cost exceeds $5,000, installing a new unit may save on central AC unit costs.

Home Selling

Outdated or in-efficient AC systems can deter new homebuyers from buying your house. On the other hand, purchasing a new central AC unit can increase the value and appeal of your home.

Home Improvements and Additions- When you add new rooms to your house, they need to cool along with the rest of the home, and you may need to install more ductwork. If your existing AC unit is not large enough to handle the addition of the new space, you may want to consider a new team.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Most home specialists recommend you NOT install a new central AC unit on your own as a DIY project. This is because many trades, including plumbing and electrical, are involved in the process. Also, cooling systems use Freon, a substance regulated by the EPA, and only trained and licensed professionals can handle the chemical.

Professional installers measure the size of your home and the layout to decide the best ductwork solution. They will also know how to install ductwork properly to avoid leaks and ensure each room has adequate airflow. Overall, it is a small price to pay to ensure the safe installation of a long-term benefit for comfortable living.

Questions to Ask About Central AC Unit Cost

Work with a professional technician to get the best installation experience from your new AC unit. An in-person consultation is recommended. Ask these questions to determine if you’re AC installer is qualified.

Do you have the proper licensing and insurance for installing central AC units?

How long have you been installing air conditioning units?

Do you recommend central air or a ductless split system for my home?

How large of an AC unit do you recommend?

Can you use my existing ductwork with a new unit?

Do you inspect for mold, leaks, and asbestos?

What is the cost to remove my old AC unit?

What kind of new innovative technology is available for my unit?

What is the SEER rating on the suggested units?

What do you think my average monthly energy savings costs will be?

Are there specific brands of air conditioning units you recommend for the part of the country I live in?

Do you know of any local or federal rebates?

Do you offer warranties or guarantees?

Will installation take very long?

What is the required maintenance on the AC unit?

Do I have to hire a professional to do the maintenance?

How long should my new AC unit last?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should a new central air conditioning unit cost?

A central AC unit cost can range from $3,810 to $7,480. The typical range is $3,810 to $7,480 and the national average to install an AC unit is $5,644.

How long does a central air unit last?

10 to 15 years

How long does it take to install central air?

It takes about four to eight hours to install a new air conditioner.

Is central air cheaper than a window unit?

Central air is more expensive. A high AC unit cost can range from $3,810 to $7,480. Window units cool just a single room and range from $150 to $500.

How much is an AC unit for a 1600 sq ft house?

The cost will likely be between $4000 and $9,600.

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How much does an air conditioner cost for a 2500 sq ft home?

You can estimate between $6,250 and $15,000.

Can you replace just the outside AC unit?

It is advised against doing so because it could create a mismatched system with the other cooling system components.

Does central air increase home value?

Absolutely. Central air conditioning is considered a necessity. Replacing an aging AC unit can increase re-sell value.

Is it cheaper to replace the furnace and AC together?

A lone replacement furnace can cost between $3,000 – $7,600, but you can save on labor expenses and fees when you replace both systems simultaneously.

Why are AC units so expensive?

AC unit repair costs are constantly increasing for several reasons. Older refrigerants are slowly being phased out, the cost of raw materials is constantly getting higher, and the manufacturers are raising prices.

Can you install central air yourself?

You must be licensed to install a central air conditioning unit.

Summary

Replacing your central air conditioning unit is no small expense. Plan for your new AC by knowing your existing unit will only last 10 to 15 years. Ensure you ask the right questions when you hire an installation company and purchase the correct size central air conditioning unit for your home.