An HVAC system is a valuable addition to your home for all seasons. Can you imagine a Florida summer without air conditioning? But if you are ready to upgrade your air conditioner or you’re building a new home, you might be wondering about air conditioner installation costs. The truth is, there are a number of different factors that will influence the cost of installing an air conditioner.
But we’ll cover all of those today!
To start, here are just a few of the factors that will affect the cost of air conditioner installation:
- The number of split units to be installed
- Size of the house in case of installing a central air conditioner
- The size, type, and brand of air conditioner
- The cabling required to install the split units at various locations in your home
- In some cases, you may need to upgrade the entire electrical system
- Cost of hiring a technician or a contractor
Now, let’s dive into the specifics!
Cost to Install an AC Unit
How much does it cost to install air conditioning? This is the first question that usually comes to mind as soon as you decide to install a new AC unit or replace the existing one.
The average cost of installing an HVAC system lies in the range of $3500 to $7500, depending on the unit type.
An HVAC system’s two most common choices include a ductless mini-split or a central air conditioning unit. You can select the one based on your needs and environmental conditions.
Next, let’s talk about the differences between the two types to help you decide the best choice for your home.
Ductless Mini-Split AC
A ductless AC can be mounted directly on the wall and does not require extensive ductwork. These systems are ideal for small homes or houses with a need to cool specific areas only.
The installation process of mini-split AC is simple, but it isn’t ideal for maintaining a specific temperature throughout the house.
The average cost to install ductless AC ranges between $2500 to $4500, depending on the number of required units.
Central Air Conditioner
A central air conditioner is best suited for those who want to cool their entire home, rather than one room or section. These systems are ideal for cooling large spaces. But these units come with higher installation costs.
Central ac installation cost ranges between $5000 to $12000 from low-end installation to high-end installation. The prices can increase even more, as much as $15000 if there is a need to install new ductwork.
The ac installation costs can be further categorized depending on the cooling stages.
Here are the three levels of cooling stages along with their price ranges:
Low End
The low-end HVAC systems offer only single-stage cooling capabilities—this a budget-friendly option and costs between $4000 to $8000.
Average
These HVAC systems offering two-stage cooling are a better choice if you are willing to pay a little more for more comfortable cooling capabilities. These systems typically cost from $6000 to $9000.
High End
The high-end HVAC systems offer multiple-stage cooling with varying cooling speeds. You can have better control of your home temperature with these systems. These high-end air conditioners cost between $8000 to $12000.
Other factors might affect the initial cost estimate of the air conditioner installation process.
High Priced Installation
- The choice of a particular type of HVAC system dramatically affects the cost estimation process. Selecting a high-end HVAC system with additional smart features costs more than a simple AC unit. You can make a choice depending on your personal needs.
- Additional hardware devices can also add to the cost. For example, if you install a smart thermostat to control your HVAC system, it will add to the whole installation cost.
- Hiring a reputed and well-known contractor may cost a bit more than usual. But it’s also incredibly important if you want premium installation services! Low price should never be the only thing you look for in an HVAC company.
- In some cases, you may have to pay for a legal permit to install a particular type of HVAC system.
Low Priced Installation
- Selecting a contractor who doesn’t offer any warranty can lower the cost. But in this case, you—the owner—is responsible for any loss or damage. Instead, you’re encouraged to hire a licensed contractor.
- New contractors may offer lower installation prices. You’ll want to verify any contractor’s credentials before hiring them.
- Some contractors don’t offer legal documentation in the contract and therefore charge less than usual.
Factors That Affect Air Conditioner Installation Value
Now let’s look at four major factors that directly relate to the installation cost of an air conditioner:
- Air conditioner installation price by square footage
- AC installation costs by tons
- AC costs by SEER ratings
- Air conditioner unit costs by brands
Air Conditioner Installation Price by SEER Ratings:
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. And the efficiency rating of the air conditioner is another significant factor that adds to the installation cost of a new AC unit.
The efficiency of an AC unit refers to how quiet it is and how much comfort it delivers while operating. The higher the efficiency, the higher the unit’s costs.
SEER ratings vary between 14 – 28 and, in some cases, can go lower than 14. But AC units with less than 14 SEER values are not recommended and can lead to penalties by local authorities.
As you go higher with SEER ratings, the cost of the air conditioner unit increases. But the overall energy consumption is lower for high-efficiency AC units. Ultimately, it saves you energy costs in the long run.
The price range for 14 – 28 SEER ratings varies between $4500-15,000
Air Conditioner Unit Costs by Brands:
Understandably, opting for a high-end AC unit brand will cost you more compared to a low-end brand.
Take a look at the price range of some well-known air conditioner brands here:
| AC Unit Brand | Pricing |
| HEIL | $4500 |
| Amana | $4900 |
| American Standard | $5500 |
| Ruud | $5250 |
| York | $5400 |
| Rheem | $5250 |
| Lennox | $5500 |
| Trane | $5500 |
| Carrier | $5500 |
| Goodman | $4500 |
Tips to Control AC Installation Costs
We know how important it is to save money wherever possible. With that in mind, here are some tips to keep air conditioner installation value under control.
Find Out Your Cooling Requirements
If you spend most of your time out of the house or your living area is small, there’s no need to go for a central air conditioner unit. You can rely on a mini-split ductless AC unit to reduce your installation costs.
Even if you have a big house but mostly spend your time in your study or bedroom, you can still go for a ductless AC unit to cool specific areas to avoid unnecessary installation costs.
Right Time for Installation
The spring or fall season is a great time for air conditioner installation. Contractors have busier schedules during summers and winters and therefore increase their prices due to high demand.
The off-season is best for the installation as the prices may be more economical. At the same time, the project is usually completed faster!
Price Quote From Different Contractors
Before selecting a contractor, get a price quote from three to four contractors. That way, you can compare the services and prices offered by different contractors.
(We also cover seven questions to ask an HVAC company before hiring them in this post)
At the same time, look for a contractor that offers both supply and installation. It will save you from unnecessary hassle, and the contractor will be responsible for the whole installation process.
Now that we’ve covered a number of important considerations and factors that influence air conditioner installation costs, you might be ready to move forward with the installation process. If you’re looking for HVAC services on the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches, your search is over! Contact A/C Care Heat & Air with questions or to book an appointment with our experienced technicians.