Central air provides comfortable and consistent temperatures throughout your entire home.
The cost to install central air ranges from $3,882 to $7,903.
On average, central air costs about $5,860 to install.
Galinast / Getty Images
Expect to pay between$3.00and $7.50 per square foot to install central air.
The average cost to install central air is $5.25 per square foot.
Ductwork running through the house’s ceiling or floor delivers cool air to each room through registers or vents.
Central airis the quietest key in of air conditioning because the mechanical operations are removed from the living areas.
A permanent addition to the home, central air can add to the value of the home.
The drain, refrigerant, and electrical lines lead from the indoor evaporator units to the outside.
One downside of mini-splits is the indoor evaporator unit that must be mounted on the wall.
Also, each room to be cooled would need to have its own unit.
Window Unit Air Conditioners
Window unit air conditionersfit in an open window to cool an individual room.
So, to cool an entire house, each room must have a window unit AC.
Window unit air conditioners are flexible and can quickly provide cool air without the need for complicated installation.
But window unit air conditioners block light and prevent the window from being opened to fresh air.
With an estimated five- to seven-year lifespan, window unit air conditioners frequently need replacement.
Portable ACs can be set up anywhere there is an operable window and a 120V outlet.
Portable air conditioners must be vented to the outside through a window.
Portable ACs are easier to move around than window-unit ACs.
It’s important to buy an AC unit that fits the size of your home.
Purchase the central air unit size according to the size of the house.
Consider these factors when deciding if you need central air.
Fun Fact
Across the U.S., air conditioning represents 17 percent of all electricity costs.
In hot-humid areas, that share jumps to 27-percent.
DIY vs. Professional Cost
Central air generally cannot be installed by a do-it-yourselfer.
Otherwise, it’s best to leave central air installation to qualified HVAC professionals.
The average cost of AC repairs is around$650for most issues.
Homes in mild areas can be cooled with fans or window-unit ACs during heat spells.
Smaller homes, too, can be effectively cooled with window-unit or portable air conditioners.
InterNACHI’s Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes.International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
Moisture Control, Part of Indoor Air Quality Design Tools for Schools.United States Environmental Protection Agency.
02, 2020, pp.
- doi:10.4236/jwarp.2020.122006
Air conditioning accounts for about 12% of U.S. home energy expenditures.U.S.
Clean Energy Tax Provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act.
House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition.
Maintaining your Air Conditioner.
U.S. Department of Energy.
