The average cost to install a standalone central air conditioning unit — the most common AC system in America — is about $6,000, though costs can range from $5,000 to $14,000.
Other system types differ greatly in cost, from as low as $150 for a single window unit to as high as $14,500 for a system of ductless mini-splits.
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This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Major cost factors include the brand you choose, the size of your home, and labor costs in your area. These factors can all cause costs to vary widely. The primary driver of costs, however, is the type of system you have. We’ll dive deeper into the costs for three common system types:
- Central AC: Due to its efficiency, central air conditioning is common in single-family homes and apartment buildings. One of these systems typically costs $5,000 to $14,000 to install.
- Ductless mini-splits: Ductless splits are a great solution in homes without existing ductwork. They typically cost about $500 for a single, entry-level unit to $14,500 to install a series of them.
- Window AC: These small units take up a window and can only cool one room, but they are also helpful in homes without ductwork. They typically cost $150 to $550.
Some home HVAC systems feature a combined heater and air conditioning unit called a heat pump. These are more common in warmer areas. This article focuses on costs for standalone AC units, not combined HVAC systems, but you can read about heat pump installation costs here.
Our recommendations below are backed by opinions from HVAC experts and reliable industry cost data.
Key Takeaways
- Installing a new air conditioner is usually going to cost around $5,200 on average
- The specific type of AC unit you choose will significantly impact the overall cost
- We recommend hiring a pro to help with AC installation versus doing it yourself
Central AC Installation Costs
Central air conditioning installation typically costs $5,000 to $14,000. This cost includes both the unit itself and the labor required to install it.
Central is the most common type of air conditioning in single-family homes. It’s highly efficient for both cooling and dehumidifying large spaces, especially in homes located in warm climates that are occupied year-round.
Central AC systems consist of an outdoor compressor unit and an indoor air handler unit. The refrigerant in the indoor unit absorbs heat from the air. The heat is then expelled to the outdoor unit while the cooled air is pushed through a home’s ductwork and vented into its rooms.
To identify the type of AC system you have, look around your home. Homes with central air will have vents in walls and floors. Ductless mini splits are large units mounted close to the ceiling. Window units will be mounted directly in the window. If your energy bill is high, your home is cooling unevenly or you hear unusual sounds from your system, it may be time for a replacement system. Contact an HVAC company for an evaluation.
Ductless Mini-Split Installation Costs
Mini-split AC installation costs $500 to $5,000 for one unit and up to $14,500 for a system that spans multiple rooms.
Mini-splits don’t require the use of ducts like central AC. Instead, they consist of large, wall-mounted air handlers installed near the ceiling and typically on exterior walls. They are most often used in homes without ductwork, in new additions, or to increase cooling efficiency.
“They are generally higher-efficiency than the standard central system,” said Bill Taylor, HVAC contractor manager for South Jersey Industries based in Atlantic City, New Jersey. “They’re more efficient units, and you can zone them per room. If you’re not in the room, you can turn the unit off. The contractor’s saying is that the most efficient unit you have is the one that’s not running.” This zoned cooling method is also ideal for rentals and vacation homes.
“Coastal areas are perfect for ductless systems,” suggested Taylor. “When you have company, you’re using all the bedrooms. When company’s not there, you have the advantage of turning units off. They’re not costing you anything.”
Mini-splits can be single-zone or multi-zone.
Single-zone mini-splits feature one outdoor unit per indoor unit and only cool one room. These cost $500 to $5,000. Multi-zone mini-splits feature multiple indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit. These cost $650 to $2,750 per zone.
Window AC Installation Costs
Window AC units cost $200 to $550 each. These small units sit inside an open window and can only cool one room or small area. They are most useful in small apartments or climates that only require temporary cooling at certain times of year. Professional installation is not required, although you may want a helping hand when installing one yourself.
“Most HVAC companies aren’t dealing with window units. They don’t sell them,” said Taylor. “You may find some smaller ones that will install window units as a service.”
Window units are very affordable to install and run compared to central air. No ducts are required; the units generally just plug into the wall, and they can be used to cool only specific parts of a home.
However, window AC units are not an efficient whole-home cooling solution since you’d need to purchase a separate unit for every window and run them all constantly. Window units also don’t filter air as well as central air systems, which can lead to reduced air quality in a home.
For more details, check out our full article on window air conditioners.
AC Brands & Price Tiers
Most HVAC contractors partner with a limited number of specific equipment manufacturers. They then specialize in service, installation and repairs for those manufacturers’ brands. One manufacturer may make five to ten different equipment lines, all marketed under different brand names.
“If I’m selling Carrier and it’s got 15 different units, I don’t want to also have to deal with Lennox’s and Trane’s,” explained Taylor. “There’s just no way to keep up with all of it.”
HVAC contractors sort AC brands into three broad tiers. The most budget-friendly tier is often called economy, basic or comfort. Next is the standard or mid-grade tier. The best is the premium tier.
Economy
A basic AC system costs $5,000 to $6,000 to install. Basic or economy brands include Goodman, Amana and Coleman. These brands tend to focus on meeting a home’s basic heating and cooling needs at budget-friendly prices. They tend to have few or no bells and whistles.
Mid-Grade
It costs $5,500 to $7,000 to install a mid-grade AC system. These are the standard units found in most homes, with solid warranty coverage, reliable performance, and reasonable prices. Mid-grade brands include American Standard (owned by Trane), Bryant (owned by Carrier), Rheem and Ruud.
Premium
A premium AC system costs $10,000 to $14,000 to install. Premium brands include Carrier, Lennox, and Trane, all of which offer the best warranties, features, and high-efficiency ratings. While they cost more upfront, their reliability and efficiency help keep repair costs down and lower monthly energy bills.
If you’re interested in the features offered by a specific brand, you’ll need to find a contractor who specializes in that brand. You may also save by comparing quotes from multiple dealers of the same brand.
Top Air Conditioner Brand Comparison
| Brands | SEER Rating | Sound Rating | Price Range |
| Amana | 14–24.5 | 59–75 dB | $3,500–$6,500 |
| American Standard | 13–21.5 | 57–75 dB | $3,500–$6,100 |
| Carrier | 16–24 | 51–73 dB | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Frigidaire | 14–20 | 57–76 dB | $2,500–$5,600 |
| Lennox | 13–28 | 59–76 dB | $5,000–$10,500 |
| Rheem | 13–20.5 | 57–76 dB | $3,000–$4,800 |
| Trane | 14.5–22 | 55–75 dB | $7,000–$21,900 |
Other Factors That Affect AC Installation Costs
Several factors affect home HVAC installation costs, including:
Home Size and Layout
Home size directly affects the equipment needed to cool it. Larger homes need more powerful AC units and sometimes necessitate a split system with multiple units, which creates additional equipment and labor costs.
“In a two-story house, if you’re pushing beyond 3,000 square feet, it really should be a split,” suggested Taylor. “You should have a downstairs system and an upstairs system to get the most efficient use out of your heating and air conditioning.”
Ductwork or Ventilation Modifications
New ductwork costs anywhere from $10 to $25 per linear foot. Homeowners pay $1,000 to $6,000 on average for ductwork. However, if you’re replacing an existing central AC system, your home will already have ducts and vents.
“Ductwork in a crawlspace that over the years has fallen apart may need to be resealed,” explained Taylor. “But as long as the original system was designed correctly, 75% of systems that are replaced don’t need much ductwork.”
If your existing ductwork is suitable for your new system, then you will likely only need to pay for your new AC unit and labor and can avoid this extra cost.
Local Labor Rates
HVAC labor rates vary by region and tend to be higher in places where either the cost of living or local demand for services is higher. Labor costs will also vary depending on the size of the crew involved and the overall size of the company. This is because larger companies tend to factor more overhead costs into their rates.
Permits and Code Requirements
You or your contractor will usually be responsible for obtaining a permit from your local municipal building department before installing a new air conditioning unit. Costs vary significantly by location and can range anywhere from $50 to $1,500 for HVAC installations, according to HomeGuide.
How To Save Money on AC Installation
Follow these tips to potentially save money on the cost of a new air conditioning system:
- Get multiple quotes: Always compare at least three contractor estimates.
- Schedule installation during off-seasons: Spring and fall often have lower rates than summer or winter.
- Leverage rebates and tax credits: Many energy-efficient models qualify for government incentives. Talk to your tax professional to take proper advantage of these.
- Consider different brands: Be open to contractor recommendations, but research alternatives. Models with high SEER and AFUE ratings can help cut down on energy bills, for example.
- Consider zoned cooling: If you only use part of your home most of the time, mini-splits, window units or a split central system can help you reduce your energy usage.
- Ask about financing options: Your contractor may allow you to finance your installation so you can pay less upfront.
Red Flags & Common Mistakes To Avoid
When hiring an AC contractor, there are several warning signs to watch for to avoid scams and other issues:
- Too far away: The ideal HVAC technician is one within a few miles of your home. That way, if something breaks down, you won’t have to wait long for service.
- Negative reviews: Before you even call a contractor, check out their reviews online and see what others have said about their service.
- Quotes well outside market averages: Be wary of deals that are too good to be true or prices that are far higher than the ranges we listed.
- No written estimates: Contractors should provide a detailed estimate with every expense as a separate line item.
- No references: An experienced contractor should be able to provide a list of satisfied references from both recent customers and from more than a year ago.
- Poor communication: Your chosen contractor should be easy to reach, respond in a reasonable amount of time and communicate politely.
- No service guarantees: A reputable HVAC technician should stand behind their work and provide a warranty on their service.
You may also install a new thermostat when you update your existing AC and heating systems. New thermostats make it easier to control your home’s heating and cooling, connect to Wi-Fi, and even save you money on utility bills. New thermostats typically cost between $100 and $300.
Hiring a Professional for AC Installation
When you contact a local HVAC company about your air conditioning project, you can expect the following process:
- Find local experts near you. Use the button below to connect with your area’s best HVAC companies. They will contact you directly via phone or email soon after.
- Consult them about their recommendations. Ask the HVAC technicians which type of system they recommend for your home. This will give you an idea of the system size you need and provide several home cooling options.
- Get a quote from a few options. Always get at least two quotes before deciding. Brands, price ranges, and labor costs can vary across providers.
- Accept a quote. Once you have gathered a few free estimates, choose the system that best fits your needs and budget.
- Get your air conditioning installed. Your HVAC company will set a time to remove your old unit and install your new one. You can expect this process to take between four and eight hours for a typical AC replacement.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
So, Is an AC Installation Worth the Cost?
The typical average cost to install a new central air conditioning unit is $6,000, though costs can range from $5,000 to $14,000 depending on the quality of the model you choose. A window unit could cost $150 to $550 while ductless mini-splits can cost anywhere from $500 to $14,500 depending on how many you install.
Because of the wide range in cost for all types of AC systems, it’s important to get the best combination of price and service for the system you want. Use the following checklist when preparing to install a new AC system:
- Assess your home’s individual cooling needs
- Request detailed quotes from at least three local HVAC company
- Compare the types and brands of systems each company offers
We highly recommend that you contact a local HVAC contractor to get a customized quote.
FAQs About AC Installation Cost
To cool a 2,000-square-foot home, you will need an AC unit that is 4 tons, which is about $3,425. This system size may vary depending on where you live, so ask your local HVAC provider which size they recommend for your home.
AC systems offer several advantages and benefits. They provide cool air in hot weather, improving overall comfort. Additionally, they enhance air quality, which can be especially beneficial for individuals with asthma and allergies. By reducing humidity levels, AC systems create a more comfortable indoor environment while also helping to protect furniture and home interiors from moisture-related damage.
We do not recommend installing your air conditioner yourself. Instead, you should contact a professional HVAC company specializing in these installation types. When you work with a reputable HVAC provider, you know that your system is installed correctly, have access to warranty coverage, and develop a relationship with a company that can quickly come to your home should your AC need repairs.
On average, AC repairs can cost between u003cstrongu003e$150 and $650u003c/strongu003e. This cost can be higher if your system is larger, you haven’t maintained your AC unit, or you need to replace your air conditioner.
