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CostHelper.com > Home & Garden  > Central Air Conditioner

Central Air Conditioner Cost

How Much Does a Central Air Conditioner Cost?

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

Related Topics:

Ductwork

Room Air Conditioner

Ductless Air Conditioner

Ceiling Fan

Upgrading an Electrical Panel

Replacement Windows

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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 a central air conditioner:
Article updated June 2007
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

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Carrier Performance
Amount: $5,400.00 for the cake
Posted by: BBT in Fairfax, VA.Posted: January 8th, 2011 12:01PM
Contractor: CyprusBTUs: 24-42K
Went with 2 Ton 15 SEER unit (25HPA524A31 and FV4CNB003) for 2000K sq ft townhome. TP-PHP thermostat. Big improvement over 25 year old Rheem air handler /16 year old Trane heat pump in terms of airflow and speed to heat.5400 price is before 300 VA state credit and 1500 Fed tax credit.
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Supply and Return Plenum replacement is not covered by home warranty
Amount: $780.00 for the cake
Posted by: Rima in Los Angeles, CA.Posted: February 3rd, 2011 03:02PM
Contractor: BPG InsuranceBTUs:
I have a home warranty insurance and the evaporative coil of an air conditioner with heat pump system has to be replaced, this is covered by warranty. What is not covered - supply and return plenums. Estimated cost out of pocket is $780. The warranty contract says: "Company determines that upgrades to a ducted heat pump system are required to comply with 13 SEER and/or 7.7 HSPF requirements, Company will replace covered components that are necessary to maintain compatibility with the replacement unit, including the air handler, evaporative coil,
transition, plenum, etc" It says plenum is covered, but I do not understand how to read "to comply with 13 SEER"?? Shoudl the plenums be covered as well as the evaporative coil is covered? I appreciate knowledge sharing.
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All new 4 ton 13 SEER York equipment
Amount: $3,800.00 for the cake
Posted by: Forney in Riverside, CA.Posted: February 5th, 2011 11:02PM
Contractor: Direct Buy Heating and AirBTUs:
Get lots of estimates and research companies before signing any contracts.
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Did I pay to much for this unit?
Amount: $4,800.00 for the cake
Posted by: Unsure women in Marrero, LA.Posted: February 24th, 2011 03:02PM
Contractor: Dial oneBTUs:
This 4ton 14. Seer York unit (no duct work needed ) comes with 10 year warranty on parts. Did I pay to much for this equipment
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New Install central Air
Amount: $0.00 for the cake
Posted by: rudy56 in Nassau Cty, NY.Posted: March 2nd, 2011 11:03AM
Trying to put Central air in allready renivated house. HVAC is what I assume is what I want. Access to attic is easy. House size is 1700 max sq ft. Live in Nassau County NY. Can anyone tell me what this would cost - approx. ? txs
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Price to replace coil or full replacement of unit heating & air
Amount: $2,880.00 for the cake
Posted by: Lynn Hughes in San Antonio, TX.Posted: March 22nd, 2011 03:03PM
Contractor: AirtronBTUs: 4ton
I am replacing my air conditioning and heating unit (4ton) and I was quoted $6900. I was also quoted $2880 for coil replacement so I think we are just going to replace the unit but is the quote to high?
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Tax on top of estimated cost for a/c ductwork replacement
Amount: $3,600.00 for the cake
Posted by: slovell24@gmail.com in Tampa, FL.Posted: March 25th, 2011 10:03AM
Contractor: EverclearBTUs:
I was given an estimate of $3600 to replace the ductwork in my 1950's house. Has taken weeks instead of the day & a half estimated. However, that's another story - it's almost done, and contractor added 7% sales tax on top of the $3600. Is this legit? Roofer did not add tax to the original estimate; driveway paver did not add tax to the original estimate. Seems fishy that this outfit is.
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5 ton trane xr15
Amount: $6,166.00 for the cake
Posted by: a user in Swarthmore, PA.Posted: April 7th, 2011 08:04AM
Contractor: OliverBTUs: 60,000
Replace Carrier that compressor failed after ten years and replace coil. Is this a good price.
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replaced split sysem
Amount: $2,732.00 for the cake
Posted by: jobe in san antonio, TX.Posted: April 11th, 2011 10:04PM
4 ton 13 seer goodman 5 year part warranty ,wo/heat pump 10k heat strip
new handler and outside unit no duct work dune. came with new thermo
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new 4 ton carrier ac
Amount: $4,800.00 for the cake
Posted by: Nereida in rio grande city, TX.Posted: April 15th, 2011 08:04AM
Contractor: carrierBTUs:
Had a complete installed 4ton ac for $4,800...includes 10-5-1 warranty..
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is estimate fair
Amount: $6,800.00 for the cake
Posted by: a user in easton, CT.Posted: May 13th, 2011 08:05PM
Contractor: american standardBTUs: 2.5 ton
2,500 sq ft home. house built in 1984. no existing duct work, price does not include electrical
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Replacing Air
Amount: $0.00 for the cake
Posted by: PRC in Suwanee, GA.Posted: May 27th, 2011 09:05AM
3,000 sq ft house, currently a 4 ton unit -15 years old. What is a reasonable cost for replacing and install?
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replaceing gaspack 4 1/2 ton system
Amount: $4,400.00 for the cake
Posted by: a user in nashville, TN.Posted: June 8th, 2011 04:06PM
the price was the best I found around nashville,tn. It was from a small contractor out of madison,tn. he was very good and honest with me. He said most of his work is from people that call the big store for cost then call him.
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Evaporator Coil
Amount: $1,700.00 for the cake
Posted by: gizzie in Trophy Club, TX.Posted: June 11th, 2011 12:06PM
Contractor: Cote'sBTUs:
Allstyle, Model: ASFM485411, serial: 2L00547S
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Rheem 3 1/2 ton 14 SEER
Amount: $5,200.00 for the cake
Posted by: Cadam in Stockton, CA.Posted: June 14th, 2011 03:06PM
Contractor: SawersBTUs:
Replaced a packaged Central Heat and Air unit. Used existing duct work. Price included instalation of unit, new curb, new thermostat, and roof repair. Plus we got Rebates from electric company $200.00, Manufacturer $300.00, Tax Credit $300.00 Paid 6K but nettted down to $5200.00. Good Deal???
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Replace A/C
Amount: $5,000.00 for the cake
Posted by: a user in Opp, AL.Posted: June 16th, 2011 04:06PM
We agreed to remove old unit and duct work to help cut cost. Old unit in attic. New unit installed in hall closet. 4 ton unit installed. 11 flex vents off main run. main run consist of 14" step down to 12" then to 10" all insulated, stapled and taped. House is approx 2700 sf
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CENTRAL AIR CONDITION
Amount: $1,860.00 for the cake
Posted by: summer9876 in Taylor, MI.Posted: June 19th, 2011 12:06PM
Contractor: BTUs: 2 1/2 TON
i just had central a/c installed friday, a Trane...for a home that is 1200 sq ft ...i paid 1860.00 and u say 4,000 & up !!! what a rip off
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A Fair Price for a 3 Ton Unit installed
Amount: $3,000.00 for the cake
Posted by: rcheatingair in Plainfield, IL.Posted: June 19th, 2011 07:06PM
Contractor: BTUs: 3 Ton
Been In there heating Air trade for 20 Plus yrs , Your typical home uses a 3 Ton AC. For A Decent unit American Standard costs me to buy around 1400 plus another 400 for the coil inside furnace and another 200 for the line set .
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Entire install including duct work 2000 sq ft
Amount: $10,350.00 for the cake
Posted by: Leese in Arvada, CO.Posted: June 20th, 2011 07:06PM
Contractor: NowBTUs: 35600
Having all duct work completed, currently have hot water heat throughout. Having Trane XR15 3 ton with air handler digital thermo and indoor coils- charging me $10,350.00 states we will qualify for tax rebate???
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Replace Central A/C condenser and air handler
Amount: $8,100.00 for the cake
Posted by: Bob 408 in Merrick, NY.Posted: June 28th, 2011 01:06PM
Contractor: elmBTUs: 4 tons
This is what we were quoted for both condenser and blower with new Luxaire condenser and air handler (Ducts in place). Does this seem high?
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3.5 ton
Amount: $0.00 for the cake
Posted by: isaac in yuma, AZ.Posted: June 28th, 2011 02:06PM
I'm looking at geting my ac unit replaced
The one in the home is from the 70 s
I was quoteed from 5500 down to 4100 it that
About right. It's a split unit
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10000 for goodman 16 seer complete heat pump system
Amount: $10,000.00 for the cake
Posted by: KimmieNEric in San Antonio, TX.Posted: July 1st, 2011 05:07PM
Contractor: Texas air mastersBTUs:
I am scared I paid to much after seeing how cheap everyone else got it done for
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Price
Amount: $2,500.00 for the cake
Posted by: a user in Oxford, MI.Posted: July 7th, 2011 05:07PM
Contractor: BTUs: 3-ton
OMG...Hard to believe the prices paid. Lighting storm took ours out to dinner and stuck us with the bill. $2500. for a new one or $1600. to replace the condencer/compressor...We're going with new, the unit is 10 yrs.old. Homeowers paid most of the bill.
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New Kenmore Air Conditioner and Furnace
Amount: $8,400.00 for the cake
Posted by: Kevin Mueller in Kannapils, NC.Posted: July 7th, 2011 08:07PM
Contractor: SearsBTUs: 24000
Replacing existing 1.5 ton A/C and Old Gas Furnace with new 2.0T 16 seer Kenmore A/C and 90% Eff Furnace. Is this price excessive?
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TRANE 3T XR-15
Amount: $0.00 for the cake
Posted by: Shaunna in Carrollton, TX.Posted: July 13th, 2011 10:07PM
Contractor: ?BTUs:
replacing a 16 yr old Carrier 3T unit with TRANE XR-15 3T, with variable blower, furnace and coil, new metal supply horizontal plenum, new whip, contractor asking $5,900 plus tax, why will I be TAXED when it is HOME Improvement? can contractor do that?
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Central AC + air cleaner
Amount: $3,800.00 for the cake
Posted by: cjmcgee in Atlanta, GA.Posted: August 24th, 2011 12:08PM
Contractor: Reliable AirBTUs:
Purchased a Train XR13 air unit
a new coil
an Aprilaire air cleaner
and had some duct work fixed
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Central Air 3 ton
Amount: $950.00 for the cake
Posted by: Bob, Heating in Chicago, IL.Posted: October 16th, 2011 09:10PM
Contractor: BTUs: 36000
3500-4000 what is this unit nade from, gold plated.
your pricing is absurd. A 16 seer 3 ton cost under $1900.00.
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All My Prices in Fort Myers Florida area.
Amount: $3,999.00 for the cake
Posted by: Joe Corbett in Fort Myers, FL.Posted: December 20th, 2011 09:12AM
Contractor: Corbett CoolingBTUs: 24,000 BTU-60,000 BTU
2ton Price $3999 16 SEER
2.5ton Price $4499 16 SEER
3ton Price $4999 16 SEER
3.5ton Price $5499 16 SEER
4ton Price $5999 16 SEER
5ton Price $6499 16 SEER
This offer includes all equipment, materials and labor for a complete air conditioning system. We install central air conditioner systems that include both inside and outside units, heater, digital thermostat, permit, hurricane tie down kit, emergency float switch, drain pan, connected to your copper, ducts, drain and electric. Includes taxes and permit fees.
Electric whip, plastic slab, circuit breakers included. (as needed).
Proper removal and recycling of your old equipment.
Some restrictions may apply.
239-303-0101
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York 13 SEER 4 Ton AC and 95.5 % efficient Furnace
Amount: $8,000.00 for the cake
Posted by: Nandhu Sriram in Overland Park, KS.Posted: January 7th, 2012 11:01AM
I received a quote for 13 SEER YORK 4 ton AC and 95% AFUE furnace for 8100, is that too much ?
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Am I Paying Too Much?
Amount: $5,800.00 for the cake
Posted by: Single & Unsure in Humble, TX.Posted: February 7th, 2012 03:02AM
Contractor: 1 Hour A/C or MasterBTUs:
I am replacing a 12SEER 4-ton a/c unit and gas furnance with a 16 SEER Amana a/c unit and Amana 5 ton gas furnance for $5800 plus tax with Master Mechanical or 14SEER 4 ton a/c unit and gas furnance for $7450 plus tax at 1 hour.
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Replacing 3.5 T in Tyler Tex
Amount: $3,800.00 for the cake
Posted by: R Lee M in Tyler, TX.Posted: March 16th, 2012 05:03PM
Contractor: BTUs: 3.5T
Packaged unit outside 1700 sg ft house. Quoted at $3,800 for Trane 3.5 T unit with 5 year warranty. \r\n\r\nDoes that sound right in East Texas ?
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Quote given
Amount: $7,100.00 for the cake
Posted by: MEW in Fort Walton Beach, FL.Posted: May 8th, 2012 06:05PM
Contractor: One Hour Heating and Air ConditioningBTUs: 2 Ton
I am glad I decided to shop around. One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning of Niceville FL I was quoted a $7141 for a 15 seer Amana Air Conditioner; $5995 for a 14 seer Amana; 5295 for a 13 seer Amana, all with 10 year parts/labor warranty. I asked the salesman about trying to get the 15 seer for $6000 with 12 months no interest. He tried to call his manager once or twice to see if he could "get me a better deal" but when I said I'd still like to shop around, he snapped his phone shut, puffed his chest ever so slightly and said, "Well I'm not going to call and ask him if you're not willing to buy now." Looking online, I think I might even see if I can just get the compressor and burnt out cording on my 2003 Rheem repaired... your thoughts?
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