Welcome to the Central Air Conditioner Price Comparison site. The information on this page is updated weekly and contains the latest 2012 central ac prices compiled from industry information, consumer submissions, and data gathered from readers and contractors across the web who have chosen to share it.

Jump: Brand Prices | Priced by Size | Efficiency

Central AC Prices by Brand

For the purpose of this brand price comparison, we used a baseline of a standard efficiency 2.5 ton central ac and matching evaporator coil, from the different leading brands of central ac below. A 2.5 ton unit is the approximate size used in most 1400-1800 square foot homes. All prices are approximate.

Central AC & Evaporator Coil Brand
Equipment Only
AC & Coil Installed
Aire Flow $880
$1,720
Amana $1,310
$2,550
American Standard $1,640
$3,195
Armstrong $1,020
$1,990
Bryant $1,035
$2,020
Carrier $1,650 $3,220
Coleman $850 $1,740
Comfortmaker $850 $1,740
Gibson $1,100 $2,145
Goodman MFG $1,090 $2,125
Heil $1,350 $2,630
Lennox $1,750 $3,410
Rheem $1,260 $2,450
Ruud $1,200 $2,340
Tempstar $940 $1,830
Trane $1,590 $3,100
Whirlpool $970 $1,910
York $1,420 $2,770
Average Cost of Name Brand AC & Coil
 $1,215 $2,370

Average AC Prices by Size or Capacity


Central AC units are manufactured in very specific sizes ranging from 1.5 – 5 tons of cooling capacity. An HVAC contractor can perform a load calculation on your home to tell you the exact size for your house. Many states now require a load calculation for both new and replacement central air systems, to have the system permit and inspection completed. If the AC Contractor does not pull a load calculation, use a different contractor! (free quotes)

Central AC Size
AC & Coil
AC & Coil Installed
1.5 Tons, 18,000 btu $710
$1,485
2 Tons, 24,000 btu $1,025
$1,990
2.5 Tons, 30,000 btu $1,215
$2,370
3 Tons, 36,000 btu $1,340
$2,613
3.5 Tons, 42,000 btu $1,460
$2,847
4 Tons, 48,000 btu $1,510 $2,940
5 Tons, 60,000 btu $1,640 $3,198

Central AC Prices by Efficiency


High efficiency central air systems can save you a considerable amount of money on energy. Gone are the days of 7-10 seer home ac units, and the lowest efficiency central air conditioner you can purchase from a manufacturer is 13 seer. The highest efficiency central ac units are rated at 24 seer, and other brands use solar panels to assist in providing electricity during peak use.

SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (Higher is better, like mpg in a car)

For the purpose of this SEER Efficiency Comparison, we chose a 2.5 ton central air conditioner unit and matching evaporator coil. Manufacturers recommend you only install matched systems to achieve the ARI ratings listed.

Central Air Efficiency Ratings
AC & Coil
AC & Coil Installed
13-14 SEER (Standard Efficiency) $1,215
$2,370
15-16 SEER (High Efficiency) $1,610
$3,140
17-18 SEER (High Efficiency) $1,960
$3,820
19-21 SEER (Super High Efficiency) $2,490
$4,860
22-24 SEER (Highest Available Efficiency) $2,980
$5,810

Note: Some of the higher SEER central air conditioners (18-24 SEER) may require the addition of a solar panel to your roof, to assist in providing renewable green electricity to power the ac during peak use.