Central Air Conditioner by Labor
Labor adds between $500 and $2,500 to the material costs. Installing a brand-new system with all new ducts will require more work than replacing an existing system with ducts already installed.
Additional Central Air Conditioner Cost Considerations
Depending on your home and current AC system, you may also encounter these additional cost factors.
Installing Ducts and Vents
You'll need a system of ducts and vents for the central AC to work because the unit carries cool air to the various rooms in your home via supply ducts and vents, or openings in the walls, floors, or ceilings covered by grills. Installing ducts and vents costs $500 to $2,100.
A lack of existing ductwork is often why homeowners don't install central air conditioning. If you're installing new ducts, it’s also an excellent time to explore upgrading your heating system, as it'll be cheaper to do both together.
Repairing the AC
If your air conditioner unit is relatively new, you may want to pay for AC repair costs. Most homeowners will spend about $390 on repairs.
Warranty
Any newly installed air conditioning unit will come with a manufacturer's warranty, which generally lasts for five to 15 years and may save you money if you're still covered.
Insulation
Explore the costs of home insulation since your heating and cooling systems will work more efficiently and save you money.
Adding Central Air to Forced Air Heat
Many central air systems use furnace blowers to distribute cool air throughout the space. If you don’t have a central heating system, installing a cost-effective heating and air conditioning system at the same time can be worth it. You can use the existing fans and duct system for the central air if you already have central heating.
Replacing a Central Air Conditioner Unit
Replacing a central AC costs around $5,000, depending on the size of your home, AC unit brand, and project complexity. Prices can go up as high as $12,500 to replace an air conditioning unit. The labor of removing and disposing of the old system also adds to the cost.
DIY vs. Hiring an HVAC Pro
For a skilled DIY-er, installing a central air conditioning system can be a large but doable project. You may need to crawl under your home, lift heavy parts, prepare an installation site, pour concrete, and climb onto the roof. It'll also involve some paperwork since in most places, your local government may require a permit to replace or install large-scale appliances like HVAC systems.
If you hire a local air conditioner installation pro, your technician will complete the entire process for you. They may start with a load calculation—known as the Manual J methodology—to determine the proper unit size for your home. A pro will also look at your home’s insulation, walls, floors, and windows to determine the best model for your needs, as well as examine any leaks, seals, and existing ducts or vents to make sure your AC works at its best. Lastly, pros may even help you get a discount on the unit itself and offer maintenance plans for any future repair work.