When the weather gets hot, air conditioners are essential for keeping your home comfortable. A cooling system is a great way to relieve the heat in summer, regardless of whether you live in a desert climate or a high-humidity area. Even ten years old, air conditioners can consume 20–40% more energy than newer units.
In addition to the air conditioner, installation, maintenance, and energy bills, there are other costs associated with air conditioning. To give you an idea of average costs, This Old House Reviews conducted in-depth research.
Types of air conditioner
A system’s price is only one factor to consider when choosing it. Based on your comfort, you may prefer one type over another depending on the type of home you have. You can learn about the average prices of the five most popular air conditioners by reading this article. Please enter your ZIP code below to connect with a local professional who can help you determine what is best for your home:
Air conditioning in central locations
Many homes are equipped with central air conditioners, which are the most common types of the air conditioner. In the outdoor condensing unit, they use refrigerant to compress air from the inside of the house. Condenser coils are used to turn the remaining gas into a hot liquid. The new fluid passes through the evaporator coils of the indoor furnace unit and becomes a cool gas when it evaporates. The air is distributed throughout your home by fans and ductwork.
If your house already has ductwork, it may be best to purchase a central air conditioner. Including installation costs, the total cost of these typically ranges between $2,500 and $7,000 depending on factors such as size and other factors.
A window-mounted air conditioner
A window air conditioner operates similarly to a central air conditioner but on a much smaller scale. Rather than cooling the whole house, window AC units are only designed to cool the room in which they are placed. Cool air is blown throughout the room by fans, while hot air is vented outside through windows.
In most cases, these units do not require installation, and they are the cheapest on the market. They are easy to install in your window within minutes of purchasing. Power levels and room size are taken into account in their sale. Examples of power levels and their associated square footage in British thermal units (BTUs):
- BTUs: 350–550 square feet for 8,000–12,000 BTUs.
- A size of 550-1,050 square feet is required for a heating unit with 12,000 to 18,500 BTUs.
Window air conditioners do not need to be professionally installed, and the cost of an AC unit is between $150 and $700.
Ductless Mini-Split
Air conditioners that use mini-splits maybe your best option if your home does not have ductwork. You can set different temperature zones in other parts of your home. These types require only one power supply connection and don’t use as much electricity.
When determining the price, it depends on how many zones you wish to condition. In other words, if your house is more significant, you’ll have to install more indoor units, which can cost a lot. Our estimates range from $1,500 to $8,000 for the total average cost for units and installation.
Geothermal
Geothermal heat pumps use ground-source temperatures to heat and cool your home. It captures heat and transfers it to the compressor using 4 feet of tubing and an antifreeze solution buried in the ground. After being compressed, the air is sent to evaporator coils, heated or cooled to the desired temperature, and blown through centralized ducts and vents throughout the home. In addition to cooling your house, it can also remove hot air and return it to the ground.
The installation of geothermal heat pumps requires a lot of labor, including digging trenches and the laying of piping. It is, therefore, one of the more expensive options for air conditioning. Prices range between $13,000 and $36,000. However, it’s a relatively inexpensive way to use less gas and electricity to condition your house’s air. Long-term, it might be worth it.
Read More: How Much Does Mini Split Installation Cost? All You Need To Know
Cost of an air conditioner
While shopping for an air conditioner, you should consider various factors. Choosing an air conditioner based solely on price should not be your primary consideration. You should consult an HVAC expert who can advise you on the unit’s type, model, and installation details you are considering. AC units are priced based on a few different factors:
- A good air conditioner is the right size for cooling your home, even if the larger sizes are more expensive. You may end up spending more on energy and maintenance if you purchase a smaller unit than you need. If you’re unsure of the size you need, speak to a professional before purchasing.
- To ensure that your air conditioning system is more reliable, read reviews from other homeowners about top manufacturers. If you hire an HVAC contractor for the installation, you should also read reviews about them to ensure they’re licensed and reputable.
- Hire an HVAC technician for your installation if it’s a complicated job and takes a long time. Unless you are simply buying a window unit, this is a necessary expense since most AC units need professional installation. Contacting a contractor doesn’t hurt since many offer free consultations.
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): This rating tells you how much energy it takes to cool a device. A higher ratio means a more efficient unit, resulting in lower energy bills. 14-24 is a typical range to consider when purchasing a unit.
- Taking advantage of tax credits or rebates on Energy Star-certified equipment can help lower the cost of your air conditioner. The Energy Star program is a partnership between Energy Star and The Energy Star program is a partnership between Energy Star and the An Energy Star program encourages eco-friendly and energy-efficient manufacturing through a partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
How much does one AC unit cost?
A new central air conditioning unit will typically cost clients between $1,500 and $4,000 in total. Remember: Those costs apply to the actual AC unit. High energy-efficiency models will cost more upfront, but they can save you thousands in energy expenditures over time.
A new central air conditioning unit will typically cost clients between $1,500 and $4,000 in total. Remember: Those costs apply to the actual AC unit. High energy-efficiency models will cost more upfront, but they can save you thousands in energy expenditures over time.
Are air conditioning systems energy-intensive?
An hour’s worth of power from a residential air conditioner typically uses around 3,000 watts. 72,000 watts of power are used each day if you leave it on all day. The ‘fan-only’ option, on the other hand, uses just roughly 750 watts per hour.
