The quick answer to this question is: It depends. Pricing for air conditioning will vary depending on a number of factors, but, in the long run, it will always be a better option than sticking to window air units. The national average cost is between $4,500 and $6,200, but it could be much higher (or lower) depending on your individual situation. Here are a few factors that will affect the overall cost of your installation project: If you have a larger home, then you will need a larger air conditioning unit. Air conditioning units are sized in “tons.” That number reflects the amount of heat that the unit can remove from a home in one hour. A 1-ton unit, for example, can remove 12,000 BTUs of heat in an hour, while a 3-ton unit can remove 36,000 BTUs of heat. As the size of the house increases, the required tonnage will increase. Total square footage will help determine what size you need, but that is not the only factor you consider when determining what size of air conditioner to get.

You will also need to consider very specific information about your home, such as the basement size or how much cooling power will be lost as the air travels through the ductwork. One of the things that increases the cost of installing an air conditioner is that there must be duct work in place to allow the cool air to travel throughout the house. If you are installing an air conditioner for the first time, then making sure that all of this ductwork is in place can get costly. Generally, ductwork can tack on additional $2,000 to $3,000, and that will vary depending on the home. However, if you are simply replacing your air conditioning unit, then there may be little to no added cost for this component. Adding other updates, like a new thermostat, may also increase the total price. Other additions, like increased insulation, may also affect the overall installation price. In Southern Florida, some air conditioning units are also tied in with heat systems. This allows increased energy efficiency and cuts down on the amount of ductwork required.

If you decide to update both the air conditioning and the heating at the same time, that will affect your overall price.best ac units in the market Energy efficiency is a huge selling point for air conditioning units, especially when compared to window air conditioning units. high efficiency ac unitHowever, as the energy efficiency numbers increase, so does the price. air conditioning unit installationEnergy efficiency for air conditioning is measured as a ratio called SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). It is the ratio of the cooling output to the total electric energy input. All air conditioning units sold today are over 13 SEER, and some of the high-end models can reach 27 SEER. Increased SEER not only increases energy efficiency, it also decreases the time it takes to cool your home.

For Florida residents who have a longer hot season, having a higher SEER rating may be worth the investment in the long run. Keep in mind that you may be able to get some tax incentives for installing a new energy-efficient air conditioner. If having a unit that is very quiet is important to you, then you can expect to pay more for the unit itself. Loud units can actually be painful to listen to closely on hot days because the noise level can reach 80 decibels. Some local laws require that the unit be under a certain decibel level to avoid neighborhood noise. It is worth checking your local area ordinances or homeowners’ association requirements before purchasing a unit. Adding an air conditioning unit can be a big investment, but it will definitely be worth it. If you are already running window-air units, you know the hassle of having several units and not being able to use your windows. Central air removes this hassle and adds energy efficiency that will pay off in the long run.