Central Air Conditioner Prices and Cost Guide

Cost Comparison of AC Brands, Unit Sizes, Repair Costs, Replacement Cost, and Different Efficiency Central Air Systems.

The information we display on this site is updated weekly with central air conditioner pricing we compile from industry information, consumer submissions, and data gathered from readers and contractors across the web who have chosen to share it. The price range to have central air installed can vary widely by location, your home and many other factors. This page is meant to be your replacement cost guide and help you get started in understanding those costs.

Average Price: $5,640

Average Cost Range: $3,870 – $7,150

Average Central A/C Unit Prices by Brand

For the purpose of this price list of leading central air conditioner brands, we used a baseline of a standard efficiency 2.5 ton central ac unit and matching evaporator coil, from the different leading brands below. A 2.5 ton unit is the approximate size installed in most 1400-1800 square foot homes. All central ac unit prices online are approximate, based on the latest pricing sheets we have. Prices updated to reflect 2022 new pricing and economic conditions.

Central AC Unit Brand	AC & Coil Cost	AC & Coil Installed Cost
Aire Flow	$1,378	$3,390
Amana	$1,980	$3,735
American Standard	$2,295	$4,855
Armstrong	$1,865	$3,545
Bryant	$1,780	$4,695
Carrier	$2,610	$5,390
Coleman	$1,760	$4,470
Comfortmaker	$1,680	$3,810
Frigidaire	$1,980	$4,190
Gibson	$1,750	$3,435
Goodman	$1,980	$3,680
Heil	$1,875	$3,580
Lennox	$2,690	$4,990
Rheem	$1,960	$4,310
Ruud	$1,890	$4,060
Tempstar	$1,590	$3,590
Trane	$2,985	$4,820
Whirlpool	$1,790	$3,960
York	$1,799	$3,770

Upper Tier Brand Pages: Carrier | Trane | Lennox | American Standard
Average Tier Units: Bryant | Heil | Amana | Gibson | Rheem | Ruud | York

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Central AC Unit Pricing By Size

Central air conditioner units are manufactured in specific sizes ranging from 1.5 – 5 tons of cooling capacity for home use. An HVAC contractor can (and should) 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 ac units, to have the system permit and inspection completed. If the AC Contractor does not pull a load calculation, use a different contractor! (free quotes)

Average A/C Unit Prices by Size or Capacity

Central AC Unit Size	AC & Coil	AC & Coil Installed Cost
1.5 Tons, 18,000 btu	$1,340	$2,695
2 Tons, 24,000 btu	$1,490	$3,190
2.5 Tons, 30,000 btu	$1,725	$3,395
3 Tons, 36,000 btu	$1,970	$3,690
3.5 Tons, 42,000 btu	$2,380	$3,750
4 Tons, 48,000 btu	$2,560	$3,950
5 Tons, 60,000 btu	$2,720	$4,290

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A/C Unit 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 units you can purchase from a manufacturer is 13 seer, and those are limited to specific units. In most cases today, you’ll get a 14-17 seer minimum efficiency unit. The highest efficiency central a/c units are rated at 24 seer, and other brands use solar panels to assist in providing electricity during peak use. Of course, the AC unit prices with higher seer ratings are much more than their lower initial cost counterparts.

SEER General Meaning – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (Higher is better, like mpg in a car) While the initial cost of a high SEER A/C unit is more, the operating costs, especially over a long period of time are much less.

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 Conditioner Prices by Efficiency Performance

Central Air Efficiency Ratings	AC & Coil	AC & Coil Installation Cost
13-14 SEER (Standard Efficiency)	$1,735	$3,270
15-16 SEER (High Efficiency)	$2,360	$3,960
17-18 SEER (High Efficiency)	$2,600	$4,950
19-21 SEER (Super High Efficiency)	$3,450	$6,190
22-24 SEER (Highest Available Efficiency)	$3,980	$8,250

Note: Some of the higher SEER central air conditioners (18-24 SEER) like those offered by Lennox, 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. When you estimate central air cost for your home, be sure to add in incidental costs that will accumulate for items that you may be interested in. In addition, if you choose to look at the solar alternatives, keep in mind the added cost for an electrician, panel costs, improvements to the roof, etc.

Price Breakdown of a Replacement AC Unit Cost

The list of items below represents the parts and supplies cost to replace a home ac unit. The price list is broken into two separate tables. The first table shows the components most often required to replace a home ac unit. The second table shows parts that are often changed, though not required if they are not needed, or not part of the overall change-out.

Parts Most Often Replaced on an AC Unit

HVAC Unit Component or Part Name	Cost
Condensing Unit The AC condenser is the large box-like unit that is outside the home.	$1,400 – $2,950
Evaporator Coil AC Coils are most often indoor components (Except on packaged units) that are connected through a refrigerant lineset, and mounted to an air handler or furnace.	$240 – $420
Refrigerant Lineset The lineset is a set of copper tubes wrapped in insulation. These allow the movement of refrigerant to and from the condensing unit to the indoor evaporator coil. They are not always replaced if the new and old unit have the same size requirements and type of refrigerant, but preferred by most contractors.	$190 – $420
30 AMP Electrical Breaker & Box The outdoor breaker has to meet current code requirements in order to pass inspection. It’s very common to have the breaker replaced when a new ac unit is installed.	$165 – $390
Installation Permit and Inspection In most areas of the US, a permit to install and and inspection after the installation is required by local code laws. This is to assure proper sizing ahead of time and safety requirements completed during the install.	$115 – $340

Optional, Not Required AC Parts / HVAC Equipment Costs

HVAC Unit Component or Part Name	Cost
Air Handler or Furnace An air handler or furnace (gas, oil, electric) is the unit attached to your indoor coil, that moved the air through your duct system. Often, a gas furnace is matched to the AC unit.	$750 – $3,250
Drain Pan & New Safety Float Switch Most local code calls for a drain pan with a float switch under any unit installed inside a home. This is to prevent flooding, should the drain line clog or become obstructed. When water builds, the float switch automatically turns off all systems, and prevents them from damaging ceilings and floors.	$85 – $250
Thermostat (Standard or Programmable) The thermostat is the brain of the HVAC system in your home. Often, contractors prefer to replace them at the time of a complete system replacement. They range from simple thermostats to very intelligent, programmable communicating thermostats.	$35 – $450
Condensing Unit Pad In order to assure the outdoor unit stays level and on solid ground, it’s common to replace the outdoor unit pad. These can be plastic, composite, or concrete. In areas close to the beach or prone to flooding, it’s common to build the unit pad several feet off the ground.	$60 – $150
Evaporator Drain Line or Condensate Pump The drain line is a PVC pipe that allows the condensate water from the coil to drain outside or into your home drain system. On some units, a condensate pump is needed to assure the proper drainage of condensate water.	$65 – $400
Duct Cleaning, Replacement or Modifications It’s not uncommon for a new unit to require changes to the HVAC duct system. This could mean a second return duct (air taken from the home, through a filter and back to unit), or the addition of supply ducts to various rooms for added cooling or heating needs.	$280 – $400 / each

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A/C Price Comparison by Type of AC Unit

Type of Air conditioner	Unit Cost	Installation Cost
Portable AC Units	$400 – $1,100	N/A
Ductless / Minisplit Air Conditioners	$450 – $6,500	$750 – $4,500+
Window A/C Units	$150 – $400	$50 – $250
Floor Mounted  / PTAC AC	$1,200 – $2,900	$650 – $2,200
Central A/C Units	$1,650 – $6,500	$1,500 – $6,000
Geothermal Systems	$$2,500 – $6,500	$5,000 – $40,000
Dual Fuel Heat Pump Systems	$1,950 – $8,500	$750 – $5,500+

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