Central Air Conditioner Cost
Central air conditioners cost between $3,500 and $12,000. If you also use a forced hot air furnace, these are sometimes referred to as split HVAC systems. Central air conditioning uses ducts to deliver cooled air to every room. There is just one unit with the condenser and air handler. It is usually installed outside, although it can be installed in an attic in rare instances. It is installed indoors if you have a furnace so that both systems use the same ducts.
Identifying Common Issues With Ac Condenser
Often, if a certain component fails, it can be replaced without buying a new unit. These are some of the most typical problems with air conditioner condensers that homeowners face.
In the long run, trash and other particles might jam up the air conditioner, causing it to malfunction. The condenser unit eventually self-destructs due to this flaking, which is mainly caused by inadequate maintenance or age. AC repair in Ridgefield, WA, could help you solve this issue.
- Filthy components
Outside the house, the air conditioner condenser is frequently installed. As a result, its not uncommon for the condenser or some other components to become dusty over time. Bush, grass, and other plants commonly grow around the unit, obstructing the components ability to function properly.
Your entire air conditioners effectiveness is jeopardized if the condenser coil is damaged. Typically, Debris and corrosion are the common causes of coil damage.
When Should You Replace Your AC Condenser?
You must evaluate the age of the equipment while deciding whether to replace or repair your broken-down condenser unit. Repairing an older, less efficient AC condenser may cost the same as replacing it, if not more.
Even if the condenser can be easily repaired, you may find it cheaper to replace the unit in a few years due to repair expenses and advances in efficiency for newer systems.
Cost of replacing an air conditioner condenser
Assess The Efficiency Of Your Current System
Even if your central air conditioner is just eight to 10 years old, it could suck up to twice the electricity that even a low-end new one would use. That’s because it operates at or below 10 SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is the amount of energy needed to provide a specific cooling output. Until 2006, 10 SEER was standard, but these days, the minimum allowed by federal law is 13 SEER. That translates to 30% less electrical consumption and 30% lower cooling bills than equipment installed just a few years ago.
For an 1,800 square foot house, a new 13 SEER unit will cost $3,000 to $4,000. You can double your energy savings by jumping up to 16 SEER, which will reduce cooling expenses by 60% over a 10 SEER unit. At $5,000 to $6,000, these super-efficient units are more expensive, but they qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $300 and possibly local incentives, too.”Your installer can run the numbers for you to see whether it’s worth the additional cost,” says Ellis Guiles of TAG Mechanical in Syracuse, New York. “If you’re south of the Mason Dixon line, certainly, you can make up those dollars pretty quickly.”
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Bryant Air Conditioner Prices
Bryant air conditioners cost between $3,200 and $7,120. Bryant is also considered a high-end or high-quality air conditioner. They are well-known for having high-efficiency models that can save on power bills. Their units have features like variable capacity and many sizes. Many installers also carry Bryant. This makes finding the unit and installer easier.
Ac Unit Replacement Cost By Home Size

Below is a chart calculating the national average cost to replace a central air conditioning unit according to the square footage of a home
- AC Unit for 1,200 Sq. Ft. Home: $2,215
- AC Unit for 1,500 Sq. Ft. Home: $3,435
- AC Unit for 2,000 Sq. Ft. Home: $3,402
- AC Unit for 2,500 Sq. Ft. Home: $3,945
- AC Unit for 3,000 Sq. Ft. Home: $4,685
- AC Unit for 4,000 Sq. Ft Home: $5,215
AC cost does not include installation, which will be between $90/hour $150/hour for a qualified technician. For exact pricing, please request to compare quotes from HVAC companies near you.
A Las Vegas, NV AC company can replace your entire AC unit or just the outside unit. AC brands like Trane, Rheem, and Carrier typically are fairly close in their price points. This guide helps with
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How To Save Money On Hvac Installation
With such a large price tag for an HVAC unit replacement, many homeowners wonder how to help save money during this process. One great way to do so is to search for manufacturer rebates. These price incentives can often be combined with any other deals youre able to locate, or any discounts your installer might offer. To search for rebates, simply visit the manufacturers website and search for the model youre looking to purchase.
And when it comes to finding an HVAC professional, you may be able to save on the installation cost by finding a contractor through word of mouth rather than signing with a large, well-known company.
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What Is An Hvac System
HVAC is an abbreviation for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning. Like the name implies, an HVAC system handles maintaining temperature, regulating humidity and cleaning the air in your home. A lot of homeowners will think of their HVAC system as the metal box in the basement that you control with your thermostat. While this is somewhat correct, there is a lot more that happens behind the scenes.
It is true, that your HVAC system affects every level of comfort in your home from consistent home temperatures to sleep quality!
The HVAC system is an integrated operation comprised of many parts both inside and outside your home. When you adjust your thermostat, your entire house works in harmony to ensure that all these individual components deliver your desired temperature setting. The main components of your HVAC system are:
When thinking about the replacement cost for your HVAC system, its important to understand that several pieces of equipment make up the entire HVAC system. The cost youll pay is dependent on the type of equipment, the condition, and how many components you need to replace.
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Cost Of Replacing An Air Conditioning Unit
Type | |
Heat Pumps | $2,000 $8,000 |
If youre just looking to replace your air conditioner, expect to spend between $3,300 and $5,900 on average for a central air conditioner. If you need to install ductwork, budget for an extra $1,800 to $3,300. Learn more about central air conditioner costs here.
Of course, there are other types of air conditioners to consider as well. For example, a mini-split system will cost you between $2,000 and $14,500 depending on how many evaporators you need. Window air conditioners are, by far, the cheapest, with average prices hovering between $150 and $1,000. Read our article about window air conditioner insulation for more information about window air conditioners.
So if you encounter problems with your air conditioners and you hire a professional for AC Repair in Phoenix, AZ, you better keep these numbers in mind and see if youll spend more on the repairs compared to having a brand new AC unit installed.
HVAC contractors will often try to nudge you towards selecting an option that doesnt require ductwork. Installing ducts can be very labor-intensive, making it often more economical for a company to sell you a mini-split. This wont inconvenience you in terms of cooling efficiency but its worth mentioning. Learn more about the difference between mini-split air conditioners and central units here.
Time Required To Replace Your Central Ac
A professional can install central air conditioning in 1 to 5 days or more. All of this is determined by the jobs difficulty.
AC replacements, as well as jobs involving major ducting repairs or installs, take longer. This extra time could last something from one day till one week!
If you know how towing works, you can imagine what is involved in AC replacements. If youre not familiar with towing, it is the action of taking a breakdown vehicle from one place to another.
For AC replacement, the action is quite similar. The work becomes more difficult if the existing duct system and air handler need repairs. It also becomes more time-consuming.
Replacing an AC system involves ripping out drywall. Also, disconnecting ducts that lead to the air handler or outdoor unit.
It also includes disconnecting electrical wires that lead to thermostats, moving furniture and fixtures, and many other tasks. If the unit was installed correctly, it should be easy to remove!
Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, get estimates from a few independent contractors for replacing or installing a central air conditioner.
Next, determine the time frame needed for your job. The contractor is supposed to provide you with a timeframe. Make a list of all the actions youll need to finish your job on your own.
Then, once each task is finished, cross it off your list. For example- if you have to replace your air handler, think about how long it will take at each step.
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Replacing An Exposed Ductwork
Several homeowners prefer installing AC ductwork that is concealed to prevent external damage.
However, replacing concealed ductwork is pretty expensive. Several people prefer installing a ductwork system that is exposed as it looks more appealing.
In addition, replacing exposed ductwork will cost less as it removes the price of patching walls. Moreover, on average, depending on the homes size, replacement costs between $1,400-5,600.
Portable Ac Vs Window Ac
Portable and window air conditioners make great choices for those who do not want something invasive or permanent. They also make great choices for those in apartments. Of the two, portable units are easier to use because they do not require installation. Some models need to vent out a window, but others do not require this. Window units are typically less expensive and not as large or likely to get in the way as portable units. They can sometimes be left in the window year-round. In others, they may need to be removed and reinstalled seasonally, which makes them slightly more difficult to use. Both options can effectively cool a room in your home. Portable units can move with you from space to space, so they are more versatile when cooling a home without an open floor plan.
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How Long Do Ac Compressors Last
AC compressors last 10 to 20 years, depending on the homes location. Air conditioner compressors last 15 to 20 years in the northern regions of the U.S. with proper maintenance. In the south, AC compressors last 8 to 10 years due to higher usage.
Region | |
---|---|
Southern U.S. | 8 10 |
Routine maintenance, replacing the AC filter regularly, and keeping the outdoor unit clean and free of debris prolongs the compressors lifespan.
Central Air Conditioner By Size

Pay attention to the square footage recommendations listed for each air conditioning unit youre considering. The general rule is that every 500 or 600 square feet require 1 ton of cooling power. However, this calculation can vary.
You can also estimate your overall price based on the British Thermal Unit capacity, which measures how many BTUs per hour the AC unit can add or remove from the air. You’ll need about 18 BTU capacity per square foot, but anywhere from 14 to 26 BTU capacity per square foot is acceptable.
Air Conditioner Size in Tons | Capacity |
---|---|
48,000 | $4,200 $6,200 |
The rule of thumb is that the bigger the house, the more cooling power is needed. But too big of a system isn’t good either because the central air system will cycle on and off all the time, which will waste energy and give off a loud, disruptive noise. On the opposite side of the spectrum, a too-small system will work overtime and cool your house inefficiently. Be sure to consult an AC pro to get the most accurate estimate for this project.
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Why Buy A New Ac
If youre planning a home renovation, buying a new home and your current air conditioning unit is more than 15 years old or cant be fixed, it might be time to buy a new air conditioner. A modern, high-efficiency central air conditioning system provides you and your family with many benefits, such as:
How Much Does It Cost To Replace An Air Conditioning Unit
The term HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and thus the system is made up of three major components: an outdoor furnace, ductwork, and an air conditioner. While these elements usually function in harmony with one another, it is common for one component to fail before the others, for instance, the AC unit before the furnace. In such a scenario, the best course of action is to replace the AC unit alone. While it is possible to repair the old AC, a replacement might save you from the trouble of fixing recurring problems down the line.
However, it is worth mentioning that replacing an AC unit sounds simpler than it really is, and there are plenty of factors that can affect the overall replacement cost. According to Atlas AC Repair, LLC, the average cost of new AC with a basic SEER of 14 ranges from $3,200 to $4,200. Remember, the cost may be higher depending on the factors we plan to discuss. Let’s jump right in!
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Common Reasons For Replacing Your Air Conditioner
Its not always obvious that your AC needs to be replaced, and it isnt always the case that it simply stops working. Here are the main reasons for replacing your AC and the tell-tale signs to look out for:
The AC Is More Than 10-15 years old
ACs and HVAC systems are not designed to last forever and will typically only function properly for 10-15 years. After this point, the internal components within the AC can start to break, and you will likely experience more issues. If your AC is this old, then youve already got a lot of value from it, and its worthwhile looking for an upgrade. Modern machines are almost always more effective and energy efficient, so it could save you more in the long run.
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The AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air
If your AC isnt blowing cold, then you dont need to be a specialist to know theres an issue. Theres a lot of different reasons that cold air isnt flowing, and it could be related to the compressor, blower, or even the level of refrigerant within the air conditioner. Youll need to get a professional to come and give it a once over, but a lot of the time, it may be more cost effective to replace the AC rather than pay for expensive repairs.
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The Airflow Is Very Poor
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Lots of Moisture & Leakage Around The Unit
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Does Central Air Increase Home Value Is Central Air Worth It
Installing central air conditioning increases a home’s resale value by 2% to 10%, depending on the location. Central air is a good investment in warm climates but provides less value in regions with mild summer weather. Replacing an existing central air system maintains but does not increase the home’s value.
70% to 85%
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How Long Does It Take To Install Central Air Conditioning
It can take one to five or more days for a local HVAC installation pro to install central air conditioning. AC replacements take more time, as do projects with extensive ductwork repairs or installations. This extra time can range anywhere from an additional day to another week.
Have More Questions? Ask a Local AC Installer.
Geothermal Air Conditioning Cost
Geothermal heat pumps cost $12,000 to $30,000. Geothermal heat pumps are not air conditioners, but they can cool the air. In cold weather, they take heat from the ground and move it into your home. In hot weather, they take the hot air out of your home and move it into the earth. This is a very efficient method of heating and cooling and works best in cold climates. Once installed, it has much lower lifetime costs than other HVAC systems.
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Should I Replace My Compressor Or Whole Ac Unit
Because compressor replacement is so expensive, sometimes it’s more cost-effective to replace the whole AC unit instead. If the unit is still under warranty, most HVAC technicians recommend replacing the compressor.
Consider replacing the whole AC unit if:
- The compressor is no longer under warranty.
- The AC unit is more than 10 years old.
- The unit has a history of other problems.
- The repair cost is 50% or more of the price of a new AC unit.
Before replacing the compressor or entire AC system, have a technician inspect the unit for other problems. Compressor failure symptoms often mimic the symptoms of other issues that cost less to repair.
Typical Annual Operating Cost Of An Ac Unit Based On Seer Rating:

Assumptions made for the calculations below include:
- 3 Ton Air conditioner
- NV energy charge per Kwh is $.12
- Average hours used for cooling annually is 2200 hours
Equation:Tonnage X 12000 / SEER Rating / 1000 X Hours of use X cost per Kwh
Using these average parameters the operating costs of each unit is
10 SEER Annual operating cost is $962
11 SEER Annual operating cost is $875
12 SEER Annual Operating cost is $801
14 SEER Annual Operating cost is $687
16 SEER Annual Operating cost is $601
18 SEER Annual Operating cost is $534
20 SEER Annual Operating cost is $481
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