The Cost to Install Central Air and 3 Ways to Save

Central air costs about $3,000 to $7,000 on average. Save by hiring the right contractor, scheduling installation in the off-season and using rebates or tax credits.
Beth Buczynski
By Beth Buczynski 
Updated
Edited by Amanda Derengowski
The Cost to Install Central Air and 3 Ways to Save

Some or all of the mortgage lenders featured on our site are advertising partners of NerdWallet, but this does not influence our evaluations, lender star ratings or the order in which lenders are listed on the page. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners.

Summer heats up fast when all you have is a fan to cool you down. Central air conditioning could solve all your sweaty problems, but the price may knock you out cold.

The cost to install central air conditioning, including the unit, ranges from around $3,000 to over $7,000 on average, according to home services company HomeAdvisor. But the price tag varies widely depending on where you live, the type of system you need and the condition of your existing air ducts.

Here's more information about what goes into the cost and tips to help you save.

HELOC & Home Equity Loans from our partners

Figure - HOME_EQUITY logo
Check Rate

on Figure

Figure

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Figure - HOME_EQUITY logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 

640

Max loan amount 

$400,000

Check Rate

on Figure

Rocket Mortgage - HOME_EQUITY logo
Check Rate

on Rocket Mortgage

Rocket Mortgage

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Rocket Mortgage - HOME_EQUITY logo

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 

680

Max loan amount 

$350,000

Check Rate

on Rocket Mortgage

Bethpage Federal Credit Union - HOME_EQUITY logo
Check Rate

on Bethpage Federal Credit Union

Bethpage Federal Credit Union

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Bethpage Federal Credit Union - HOME_EQUITY logo

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 

670

Max loan amount 

$1,000,000

Check Rate

on Bethpage Federal Credit Union

What factors affect the cost to install central air

The price of an air conditioning unit is only one piece of the total cost to install central air. You’ll also need to pay for a pre-installation evaluation, possible air duct installation or modification, and a qualified professional in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, to do the work.

Pre-installation evaluation

A Manual J load calculation is the first step in proper installation, says Rob Minnick, CEO and president of Minnick’s Inc., an HVAC company in Laurel, Maryland. This calculation tells contractors how much heat your house gains throughout the day and what size air conditioner will keep it cool.

An energy audit can cost several hundred dollars, but your utility company may offer discounts or rebates.

Ideally, the load calculation would be part of a home energy audit. This assessment identifies air leaks and other issues that increase the cost to run an air conditioner. An energy audit can cost several hundred dollars, but your utility company may offer discounts or rebates.

Ductwork and design

After the Manual J load calculation, your contractor should check the systems an air conditioner relies on, especially ductwork, and ensure they can handle central air.

Existing ducts often can’t handle the airflow of a modern air conditioner, says Louis Fuentes, president of Air Conditioning Guys Inc., in El Centro, California. Your home may also lack space to run a refrigerant line to the exterior, or room for an air conditioner coil or properly-sized vents.

Any upgrades or modifications to accommodate the new system will likely increase the total cost to install central air conditioning, but they can help you avoid high energy bills and hot rooms.

The central air unit

After home performance and support systems are evaluated, it’s time to select an air conditioning unit. Depending on the size and structure of your home, you’ll choose from the following types:

These have three main elements: the condensing unit, the evaporator coil and the air handler. The condensing unit is placed outside and looks like a big metal box with a fan in it. The evaporator coil and air handler live inside. Split systems are most economical in homes that already have a furnace, and are generally quiet, efficient and affordable to maintain.

Average price: $1,400 to $1,700 plus labor

These function like split systems, except all three elements are housed in a single “box” located on the roof or next to the foundation. Packaged units are uncommon in residential settings unless a split system won’t fit, and they don’t offer the same efficiency.

Average price: $1,800 to $3,000 plus labor

They act as both an air conditioner and furnace, and are best suited for mild climates. The heat pump extracts hot air from your home and dumps it outside in the summer, then pumps outdoor heat inside during the winter. Heat pumps can be an efficient option, especially when combined with an existing gas furnace.

Average price: $3,200 to $3,700 plus labor

In addition to type, the cost of a central air unit varies by size. An air conditioner’s capacity to cool the air is measured in tons; residential systems are generally available in 1.5- to 5-ton capacities. Bigger isn’t always better; your air conditioner’s size should be determined by the load calculation mentioned above.

Don’t choose an air conditioning unit just for its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER rating, either. An air conditioner with a high SEER rating costs more but will still waste energy if it's improperly installed or your home is full of leaks, Minnick says. So make sure your contractor evaluates the home’s performance before recommending a unit.

Installation and labor

An HVAC contractor’s business size and location affect the cost to install central air conditioning, says Todd Washam, director of industry and external relations at the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, or ACCA. But don’t get too hung up on finding the lowest bid.

Almost half of all HVAC systems are installed incorrectly, reducing their efficiency by up to 30%, according to the EPA.

“If it's good and cheap, it won't be fast. And if it's fast and cheap, it won't be good,” Washam says.

Almost half of all HVAC systems are installed incorrectly, reducing their efficiency by up to 30%, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star website. So finding an HVAC pro who does it right is worth the time and expense.

To find a high-quality HVAC contractor:

  • Read online reviews and ask friends for referrals

  • Search for contractors on the ACCA website (and use this handy checklist to guide the conversations)

  • Compare estimates from at least three different companies

  • Ask lots of questions about their qualifications and standards

3 tips to control central air conditioning installation costs

1. Examine your cooling needs

If you’re an empty nester or only home at night, consider a ductless mini-split air conditioning system. These systems combine an outdoor compressor and condenser with indoor blower vents that can be installed on just about any exterior wall.

While not technically central air, ductless systems can be an efficient way to cool small zones within a larger home, like a TV room or bedroom, Fuentes says.

2. Time it right

HVAC contractors are always busy during the hottest and coldest months, Washam says. Scheduling installation in the off-seasons — spring and fall — may yield a lower price or faster turnaround time because workers aren’t as busy.

3. Look for equipment rebates and tax credits

Local governments, as well as utility companies and manufacturers, promote the use of high-efficiency air conditioners through financial incentives. Use the Energy Star rebate finder to find money-saving opportunities in your ZIP code.

HELOC & Home Equity Loans from our partners

Figure - HOME_EQUITY logo
Check Rate

on Figure

Figure

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Figure - HOME_EQUITY logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 

640

Max loan amount 

$400,000

Check Rate

on Figure

Rocket Mortgage - HOME_EQUITY logo
Check Rate

on Rocket Mortgage

Rocket Mortgage

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Rocket Mortgage - HOME_EQUITY logo

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 

680

Max loan amount 

$350,000

Check Rate

on Rocket Mortgage

Bethpage Federal Credit Union - HOME_EQUITY logo
Check Rate

on Bethpage Federal Credit Union

Bethpage Federal Credit Union

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Bethpage Federal Credit Union - HOME_EQUITY logo

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 

670

Max loan amount 

$1,000,000

Check Rate

on Bethpage Federal Credit Union

NerdWallet’s Best-Of Award Winner
Best Mortgage Lender For Home Equity Line of Credit
Bethpage Federal Credit Union

Bethpage Federal Credit Union: NMLS#449104

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Learn more

at Bethpage Federal Credit Union

WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT
Bethpage offers a home equity line of credit with a high borrowing limit, no annual fee and a fixed-rate option. It’s easy to see HELOC qualifications, too.
Get more smart money moves – straight to your inbox
Sign up and we’ll send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money.