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Central Air Conditioning Cost

How Much Does Central Air Conditioning Cost?

low costMedium: $3,500-$4,000
low costHigh: $7,000-$8,000

Related Topics:

Ductless Air Conditioner

Upgrading an Electrical Panel

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Central air conditioning not only lowers temperatures throughout a house, it dehumidifies and filters the air, leaving it cleaner and more comfortable to breathe.
 
Typical costs:
  • Adding central air conditioning to an existing forced-air heating system in a 2,000-square-foot house averages $3,500 -$4,000, and can be done by two technicians in 2-3 days, with little or no change to the existing ducting; if ducts must be added, the work time doubles, as does the cost to $7,000 -$8,000 or more, according to ThisOldHouse.com.
  • Estimates for a older, smaller house of 800-1,000 square feet with no existing duct work run $2,100 -$6,000, or as high as $10,000 or more, depending on the type and quality of equipment installed, the amount of space available for installing ducts and vents, and the local economy.
What should be included:
  • The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute provides a brief explanation of how central air conditioning works. The California Consumer Energy Center offers detailed information on central air systems and specifics on ducts and vents.
  • Most central air conditioning systems are a split system, with the heaviest, noisiest, heat-generating components installed outdoors, and an evaporator coil indoors. The evaporator is connected to a blower (often part of a furnace) which distributes the chilled air through the home's vents. ThisOldHouse.com gives an overview. The other option is called a packaged central air conditioner; the condenser, compressor and evaporator are all in a cabinet which is installed on the roof or next to the house.
  • HVAC is a common industry term; it stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. A HVAC contractor does what's called a load calculation, taking into account the size and shape of the house, the amount of insulation, the local climate, the house's exposure to the sun, the occupants' habits and temperature choices, and other factors to determine what size unit is needed.
  • If an air conditioner is too large for the space, the unit will cycle off and on frequently, creating uncomfortable temperature swings and reducing its efficiency; too small and it won't be able cool the home adequately on hot days and could break down more often.
  • Residential central air conditioning is rated by a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER system. Since 2006, units sold in the US must have a SEER of at least 13.
  • Air conditioning systems marked with an Energy Star meet strict US government energy-efficiency guidelines.
Additional costs:
  • The most common mistake is buying a bigger system than needed; it costs more and doesn't do the job as well as one that's the right size.
Discounts:
  • Some older homes can't accommodate ducts, or the work is extremely difficult and expensive; in those cases, consider ductless air conditioning, also called mini-split systems.
Shopping for central air conditioning:
Article updated June 2007
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Recent Posts
Amount: $13,000.00 Your costs are out-of-date. I paid $13,000 for replacing two units. Dis I pay too much?
Posted by: Lebago in Hyattsville, MD.Purchased: January, 2007
Contractor: BG&EBTUs:
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Amount: $13,000.00 $13,000 for two units?
Posted by: neighbor in Campbell, CA.Purchased: July, 2007
That wasn't necessarily too much. How much square footage are you cooling? Also, did the house (or building) already have the ducts, fans, and vents for central heating? If not, the price can go way up. Did you have enough amperage or available circuits on your electrical panel, or did you have to upgrade that? (I just did a lot of electrical upgrades for $4,000). I definitely know people out here who have gotten A/C on a 1,350 square foot home for $3,000-$5,000, if they already had the ductwork and the needed electrical panel/wiring.
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Amount: $18,000.00 carrier Hvac units models 24ABA3
Posted by: pgrabowski@austin.rr.com in Austin, TX.Purchased: July, 2007
I had a new house built with 2 units installed in the Austin Texas area. Everthing is in the attic.
I am looking for the cost for the units and instalation numbers. Can anyone help
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Amount: $14,700.00 cost
Posted by: lisa in durham, NC.Purchased: May, 2008
Two Carrier Infinity Units with 16 Seer rating and air purifiers included. Heat Pump system to heat and cool 2000 sq ft all duct work existing - in NC
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Amount: $17,000.00 A/C INSTALLATION
Posted by: PATTY in WHITTIER, CA.Purchased: May, 2008
Contractor: ATLAS AIREBTUs:
I HAD AN ENTIRE HEATING AND A/C UNIT INSTALLED. I THINK I GOT HOSED WITH WHAT I PAID. I GOT A 4 TON UNIT.
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Amount: $5,800.00 New AC
Posted by: Robert in Monterey Park, CA.Purchased: May, 2008
I only paid 5800.00 for my AC unit, installation. The contractor's installed Amana AC 13 Seer. I didnt relize that I could have selected a highter energy saving unit. I didn't do my homework. Was this a good price? Is the unit of good quality?
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Amount: $17,000.00 17,0000 for AC Installation?
Posted by: Robert in Monterey Park, CA.Purchased: 2008
WQW Patty. I think that is too much. What type of unit to you buy and what is the sq footage to our home? Was this a new installation? I just got AC installation in Monterey Park, CA and only paid $5800.00
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Amount: $0.00 HELP US
Posted by: danielle in los angeles, CA.Purchased: 2008
Contractor: *BTUs: *
We live in a victorian built in 1892 (i dont mean the restored ones on Carroll Ave.) I desperately want to put in central air. We bake in the summer and freeze in the winter. This is my 8 month old daughters first experience with summer, it is VERY hard to keep her cool and happy during the hot nights. I hope to find someone reasonably priced and someone to trust definitely... or if someone doing a home improvement show wants to do it for free or partially.. to work on our home? Hey its worth a try you never know who reads these.
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Amount: $0.00 AC for Victorian
Posted by: KC in Arlington, VA.Purchased: 2008
If you are having trouble both cooling in summer and heating it in winter, you might be better off investing in better insulation before you consider central air. Old homes are rarely insulated according to current standards, which means that any hot or cold air you produce in the house immediately escapes outside. Contract an energy auditor or an insulation contractor for help. You may be able to get away without central air with a more tightly sealed house.
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Amount: $15,800.00 Two 3 Ton 16 SEER units
Posted by: Zax in Saint Louis, MO.Purchased: July, 2008
Contractor: BTUs: 36000
I got several quotes to install new AC units. I think this is the one I\'m going to go with - Two 3 Ton 16 SEER units installed for $15,800. Existing ductwork. Compressors to be moved to new location. Replace one return. Attic system; independent of home heating system. Any thoughts?
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Amount: $10,300.00 Trane Air & Heating Cost
Posted by: Ronnie Ferguson in Harker Heights, TX.Purchased: July, 2008
I'm trying to have a Trane 19i SEER system with air cleaner installed. I have a 2,000 sq/ft living area and all ducks and copper lines have been replaced (R22 refreg). I'm looking for the going cost to install the four components; Compressor, furnace(Trane XV80), AC coils, and air cleaner.
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Amount: $2,100.61 Did I pay too much.
Posted by: Thomas Williams in Camden, AR.Purchased: July, 2008
I had one condenser disconnected and another one connected. All the duct work, blower and electric wiring was already there. Just put the unit on the slab and connected it. The unit was a bottom of the line 4 ton Tempstar with an original 5 year compressor warranty. I would like to know if the price I paid was a fair one or too much.
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Amount: $0.00 Replacing Unit
Posted by: dew in Tuscumbia, AL.Purchased: August, 2008
Contractor: BTUs: 4 ton Unit
I am trying to get some idea of a cost for a unit without being taken. I need to replace the unit, electric a/c and gas heat (gas pack). It is NOT a split unit or a heat pump. Does $4500.00 sound like too much.
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Amount: $5,300.00 Price Difference
Posted by: SoCalAc in Murrieta, CA.Purchased: August, 2008
Contractor: Brookside Air ConditioningBTUs:
I was quoted $5465.00 for the installation of a new Amana air conditioner and furnace. The unit is an Amana ASX 14 seer / 5 ton system. Upon installing, the contractor stated that the 5 ton was not needed and he recommended the same model in a 4 ton system. He then said the new price would be $5300.00 for a difference of only $165.00. I am certain the estimator quoted me a much bigger difference in price originally. She now says that there is very little difference in the price from a 5 ton to a 4 ton, but that the price variance from a higher seer is much greater. Isn't there more of a price difference between the 4 ton and 5 ton units?
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Amount: $5,100.00 Cost variance
Posted by: John J in Jackson, MS.Purchased: 2008
Contractor: AC & HeatingBTUs: 5 ton
Just to show how much difference contractor costs may be. I got a full AC and furnace quote of $5,073 from an American Standard contractor and $5,900 by Trace. The Lennox exclusive contractor qouted $7,100. I highly question whether Lennox brand is worth the extra money.
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Amount: $3,699.00 Contractor
Posted by: Joe Corbett in Fort Myers, FL.Purchased: October, 2008
Contractor: Service Managers A/CBTUs: 24,000
Replacing Air Conditioners is very predictable and routeen. That is why we offer Up-Front Pricing. Visit joecooling.com to see our prices. No strings attached.
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Amount: $0.00 Converting from radiators to Central heating - NO existing ductwork
Posted by: Jersey Guy in Jersey City, NJ.Purchased: June, 2007
I'm thinking of converting the old steam boiler with rads with an HVAC system. There is no existing ductwork. Can someone please share their experience if you had a smilar thing done? What was the cost and size of the project?
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Amount: $22,000.00 ac two kenmore s alergy/humidifier
Posted by: eddie in houston, TX.Purchased: December, 2008
Contractor: searsBTUs: 4 tons
a quote for ac cetral air
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Amount: $4,000.00 AC quote
Posted by: Sharon in Cocoa, FL.Purchased: December, 2008
Contractor: local privateBTUs:
I was just quoted $4000 for a new AC to cool a 1000 sq ft home. The inside and outside system and connections I'm told need updating to handle a new "puron" system. Do you think this is too much?
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Amount: $10,000.00 zoned a/c
Posted by: a user in Ormond Beach, FL.Purchased: 2008
How much do you think it should cost to make an current home a/c system into a zoned system? The house is 3700 sqft home?
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Amount: $1,500.00 new ignighthter & run capacitor
Posted by: HOSED in Cedar Grove, NJ.Purchased: March, 2009
Contractor: service professionsalsBTUs:
Replaced the ignighthter & run capacitor + Cleaned hole system. How much should this cost on average ??
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Amount: $8,800.00 heating and air combo package w/ duct work
Posted by: gdp in Wichita, KS.Purchased: March, 2009
we are looking into getting a trane 14 seer gas/elec with heat pump variable speed 2 stage ac/heat package unit installed with all ductwork on 1000 sq ft house. does this amount seem high or right about normal?
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Amount: $6,200.00 New heating and air unit
Posted by: jan R in orange park, FL.Purchased: March, 2009
Contractor: home depotBTUs:
I have been quoted 6,200 on a 13 seer trane unit. My home is 2000 sq ft. Have I been quoted to much?
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Amount: $5,500.00 Combo AC and Furnace Energy Star
Posted by: R.F. in St. Louis, MO.Purchased: March, 2009
Combo AC and Furnace, Energy Star compliant, highly efficient
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Amount: $4,080.00 Central Air Unit
Posted by: Aundrea H. in Salisbury, NC.Purchased: March, 2009
Contractor: SearsBTUs: 4 tons
I had my old unit replaced with a Kenmore 13 seer 4 ton unit. I needed some wiring done on the outside, a new coil put in the furnace on a 2,100 sq ft home. The Sears salemans first gave me a price of 5700.00 then came down (I never take the first price, and I can`t afford the first price) The finally price was 4080.00 and a free 3day/2night vacations with 12 months no charge on my sears card or 5% off the price. I have been riped off by contractors too many times, and never trust the ones that go to chruch!
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Amount: $0.00 Cost of new R22 2.5t - 3t compressor and new inset lines
Posted by: Julex in West Hartford, CT.Purchased: March, 2009
Contractor: Looking for.BTUs: 2.5 - 3.0 tons
I would like to hear what an estimated cost of 2.5t or 3.0t compressor/condenser replacement unit running R22 and about 25-30ft of new inset installed would be. Evaporator coil and ducts already in place and working ok. Old outdoor unit and pipes developed leaks over years due to improper slab installation and age.

The work would be done in CT.

Thank you.
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Amount: $5,700.00 replacing a Carrier system
Posted by: Carol in Anderson, SC.Purchased: 2009
It looks like we're going to have to replace the ac and furnace we had put in the house when we bought it 21 years ago as the leads to compressor have corroded and keep falling off. We've been quoted a price of at least $5700 on a Lennox system, but we don't have anything in writing and we keep hearing different estimates for different systems from the same contractor. Our house is only 1100 square feet, 2 bd, 1bth, and only worth, tops, about ~$80,000. We also plan to (finally) move in about 3-4 years. I don't want to spend that much money on a system for such a small house. Am I being unrealistic?
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Amount: $3,500.00 3.5 ton Comfortmaker
Posted by: Shaun Jenkins in Auburn, GA.Purchased: May, 2008
Contractor: all season heating & airBTUs:
I purchased a 13 seer 3 ton condesing coil with a variable speed air handler heat pump unit all installed for 3500.00 :) I think I got a steal!!
They said they charged me cost on the equiptment and 1000.00 to install it.. Hope that helps.. Atlanta Ga.
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Amount: $5,200.00 Carrier 2.5t Installed
Posted by: Ourranch2009 in Pittsgrove, NJ.Purchased: April, 2009
Contractor: SearsBTUs: 30,000
I got a quote from Sears for a new system with Puron for just under $5200. A Carrier with 10yr warranty, 13seer. I had ducts installed 2 years ago with a new heating system.
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Amount: $3,300.00 warranty on Rheem A/C unit
Posted by: homeownerhell in Knoxville, TN.Purchased: June, 2005
Contractor: A-1 FinchumBTUs:
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Amount: $8,000.00 ac and heater
Posted by: Reyes Cortes in norwalk, CA.Purchased: April, 2009
Contractor: framersBTUs: 4 ton
WE had a 4 ton central air put in are home, plus ducks and the heater i wanted to know if thats to much or if we got a good price.
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Amount: $5,300.00 2 Carrier 2-ton SEER 13 units
Posted by: JohnM in Lawrenceville, GA.Purchased: May, 2009
Contractor: RelianceBTUs: 48000
Replace two 13 year old comfort maker units (that finally died) with two Carrier 2 ton SEER 13 R-410A with 2 condensing units.
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Amount: $2,745.00 Did it myself!
Posted by: valentino Caspari in central Cal, CA.Purchased: March, 2008
Contractor: me and a friendBTUs:
Purchased a 4 tone 14 SEER Trane packaged AC (all included roof mounted)through a friend who worked for Trane co.and had it delivered to my house. I dismantled the old unit piece by piece with the help of a cordless drill and a screw driver bit)sold the metal to a metal scrap yard for $145.00 (copper is expensive). I fabricated a new platform to match the new AC unit.connected to the roof in lace of the old one. I hired a crane for 195.00. The crane picked up the new AC and placed it on my new stand. connected the sheet metal duct (perfect match to the old one).Hired an electrician to hook up the existing wires (I don't deal with electricity) for $150.00. Done! one day (sping time). Contractors just scalp you for such easy work.
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Amount: $9.00 HVAC Natiral Gas Packwith infinity air cleaner
Posted by: beatrice in Cope, SC.Purchased: March, 2009
Contractor: Sears home improvementBTUs: 30,000 cooling/60,000 heating
I purchased a 2.5 Kenmore gas pack unit with an Carrier Infinity Air Purifier just recently for
9,782.00 - 1,200 tax credit. does this amount seem accurate. They connected to my original duct work.
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Amount: $3,500.00 15 SEER Airconditioner
Posted by: Nimmag in Ann Arbor, MI.Purchased: June, 2009
Contractor: ColonialBTUs:
Actually i got this y'day for $3500 with 15 SEER trane 3.5 ton capacity air conditioner with trane humidifier, Replaced old card board panning in basement with sheet metal panning ( at least took six hours for one person) and ran gas connection for fireplace almost 30 feet from junction with 16 months same as cash. Do you think it is a good deal ?
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Amount: $8,250.00 RHEEM
Posted by: JAMES CRISTOFOLETTI in SAN ANTONIO, TX.Purchased: June, 2009
Contractor: 1ST CALL HEATING AND AIRBTUs: 3.5 TON
I PAID 8250. TO HAVE A COMPLETE UNIT REPLACED . I WAS INSTALLED IN THE ATTIC . THE OLD UNIT WAS IN THE CLOSET , BUT THE NEW ONE WOULD NOT FIT IN CLOSET.I WAS TOLD IT WAS A 16 SEER BUT THE PAPER WORK AND OWNERS MANUAL SAID 14 SEER .. NOT TO SURE WHOM TO REPORT THIS TO. I THINK I MAY HAVE BEEN RIPPED OFF
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Amount: $5,500.00 18 SEER AMANA
Posted by: Deez Nutz in Cocoa, FL.Purchased: June, 2009
Contractor: wont saeBTUs: 35000
What is the going price for an Amana 18 seer 3 ton total replacement with no duct work?
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Amount: $7,000.00 a/c heating add on
Posted by: Brett in Garden Grove, CA.Purchased: 2009
Contractor: Bel-Air Cooling and HeatingBTUs:
I am a TRANE certified contractor and the price of most the installs I see here are pretty much on par with what we charge here as long as they are done correctly and with good equipment. 3500 -5000 for an add on install? This is as much, or more, as we pay for equipment with materials and labor/overhead. beware of lowball bidders. Make sure they are carrying current workers comp and are licensed. If they are removing asbestos make sure a certified company is doing this and dont take any shortcuts. A recent survey shows that 90% of all installs are done wrong and are costing the customer in efficiency. I pay many $$$ to keep my install team up to date with training and the best materials to keep in the 10% that do it right.

And valentino, "Contractors just scalp you for such easy work"??? Keep in mind Package units are much easier typically than split systems and our price reflects it. What if you fall off the roof or have a gas leak or electrical problem, who is liable? What if the there is problems with the unit? No one will warranty it. We carry all the liablilty that you dont see and unfortunately this liability comes at a price.

Hope this helps

Bdd
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Amount: $7,000.00 Space Pak System - Heat Pump
Posted by: tony 2727 in Highland Park, NJ.Purchased: May, 2009
Contractor: MyselfBTUs: 36000
Recently install a Space Pack system including ductwork for 19 outlets on two floors. 1920\'s home with no duct work, just steam radiators. Works great and also I got a heat pump with a dual fuel thermostat. Only about $400 in additional material cost. Oil heat will only come on when it is below 25F or so. (I can set this depending on the cost of oil.) If you are installing new central air you should ask about this type of setup as you can save money on heat especially if you have oil. I do not recommend do it your self unless you are very handy and have the assistance of an HVAC professional. (My father help with the charging of the system etc.)
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Amount: $2,450.00 material and labor to install a TXV box coil
Posted by: k & d in spring, TX.Purchased: July, 2009
Contractor: new balance a/cBTUs:
Too much?? This quote includes material and perform labor necessary for the completion of installing A TXV box coil, system includes:
1) drain pan and float switch
2) leave existing gas furnace
3) transition to existing plenum
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