Central Air Conditioner Prices

Of all the types of air conditioning systems, centralized ones are the most expensive. Thus, you need to browse your options carefully before deciding what type of new unit to buy, especially because central air conditioner prices vary widely based on multiple factors. Below are the estimated price ranges.

Central Air Conditioner Prices By Brand

Two units with similar specifications can come at different prices if they are from different brands. More premium brands usually offer products with greater durability and better after-sale services. Therefore, it is better to get products from medium-tier and upper-echelon brands. Medium-tier brands include Rheem, Amana, Ruud, York, and Bryant. Central air conditioner prices are usually between $1,600 and $3,600. But if you want to invest more, there are premium brands like Lennox, Trane, Carrier, and American Standard. They usually cost anywhere from $2,200 to $4,500. The prices mentioned above are for a single brand-new unit. Consider that the standard efficiency is around SEER 14-18, and the size can range from 2 to 4 tons.

Air Conditioner Prices By Efficiency Rating

Efficiency rating shows how much you can save in the long run by consuming less energy. This factor is crucial to consider so you can choose a unit within your budget. Here are the price ranges for every level of SEER rating: ● 13-14 SEER: $1,400 to $2,700 ● 15-16 SEER: $1,800 to $3,500 ● 17-18 SEER: $2,200 to $4,200 ● 19-21 SEER: $2,800 to $5,300 ● 22 SEER and up: $3,700 to $7,000 Experts recommend no less than 13 SEER. But, the best units usually come in at around 16-18 SEER. The record for highest efficiency rating is held by a Lennox product with a 26 SEER.

Air Conditioning Prices By Size

Generally, the larger the unit coverage, the more expensive the unit will be. Most residential buildings only need around 2.5 to 4 tons of AC unit. Here is the estimated price list: ● 1 to 1.5 tons (18,000 BTU): $950 to $1,800 ● 2 – 2.5 tons (24,000 – 30,000 BTU): $1,400 to $2,700 ● 3 – 3.5 tons (36,000 – 42,000 BTU): $1,700 to $3,600 ● 4 – 5 tons (48,000 – 60,000 BTU): $1,900 to $4,500

Per Parts and Possible Additional Costs

Bear in mind that the central air conditioner prices mentioned above are the prices for the units. If you are installing a brand-new system on your property, there might be other items you need to include as well. And, if you are just replacing one or two parts, then you might need to be aware of the a la carte prices as well. Here is a list of additional things you may need to pay for: ● Condensing unit: $1,000 to $2,300 ● Evaporator coil: $200 to $350 ● Ductwork installation: $1,500 to $3,000 ● Thermostat: $35 to $450 ● Air handler or furnace: $500 to $2,500 ● Inspection service: $75 to $200 ● Installation permit: $100 to $250 ● Electrical breaker box: $125 to $300 ● Refrigerant lineset: $150 to $400 Although expensive, central air conditioner prices are a worthy long-term investment if you choose the right unit for your property. Not only will it serve the whole building optimally, but it also will have a longer lifespan than any other type of AC.     ECM Air Conditioning, with its headquarters located in Boynton Beach, FL, provides air conditioning services within Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If you’re looking to have a new HVAC system installed, we’re on-call and ready to assist you. So if you’re in need of an HVAC installation, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an inspection! Our HVAC installation experts will check your ductwork, measure, check wire sizes, and more before making recommendations to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort. Call us at 561-295-1763 or contact our HVAC installation team online by clicking here.