Best Air Conditioning Unit Prices

Air conditioning unit prices vary depending on the type of unit, season and their power. There are many ways to go when looking for one and it really comes down to your budget and requirements. Even though it is very important to stay cool and comfortable during the summer months, do not have your family go hungry in order to accomplish it.

Central Air Conditioning

This is the typical system which would cool a family home. Not only does it provide air conditioning but it also filters and dehumidifies the air, creating for more comfortable and cleaner breathing conditions.

Installing central air conditioning to an already setup forced-air heating system in a 2,000-square-foot house usually runs around $3,500 -$4,000. The installation can possibly be done by two professionals within two or three days. This is if little or no change has to be done to the existing ducting. Under a scenario where ducts must be added, the work time tends to double and with it the cost, upwards to $7,000 -$8,000 or more.

When it comes to a smaller, older house of 800-1,000 square feet with no existing duct work the typical setup estimates at roughly $2,100 -$6,000. It can go up as high as $10,000 and up, depending on the quality and type of equipment installed, the current state of the local economy, and the amount of space available for installing vents and ducts.

The place where most people go wrong is buying a larger unit than needed for their home size. This runs up their electric bill and also costs more in the installation. Many of the larger units also contain more expensive replacement parts in case something does go wrong.

Mini-split / "ductless" air conditioners

These are much less visible and quieter than regular window units. They can be a less expansive option than installing central air in a house that lacks ducts and the space to needed to install them. Many large city buildings are perfect for such setups and the units will definitely pass on the savings to the buyer.

For the most part, expect to pay between $2,000 -$5,000 to install a complete ductless mini-split air conditioning system within a 800-1,000-square foot residence. This will raise to $5,000 -$7,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home.

These ductless units are for the most part twice the cost of regular window systems and roughly 30 percent more than installing central air with existing ducts. They are definitely less expensive than adding central air and ductwork.

split systems have been used for many years in more technologically advanced countries such as Japan and have become a favorite there. Many of these units will provide both heat and air conditioning. Their installation should be left to professionals and a distributor which also installs will be the perfect place to purchase them.

Window Units

Almost anyone has had or seen one of these units sticking out of a window. They are easy to install and work great to cool down a room or two but are very loud. If you own a larger home, be prepared to have to purchase multiple units in order to cool it down.

The prices range from $50-$400 depending on the size and power. In the winter time they are best taken out of the windows so also consider a storage place for them. Otherwise you will pay more money for heat as they do not keep the cold air out very well.

Here's a short video of an air conditioning unit: