If you’ve been wondering just how much a good investment for your home’s new air conditioner is in 2024, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about typical AC costs for different air conditioner types and brands, home sizes, and efficiency level, plus some extra information on financing options, so that you can make a well-informed purchase decision when you finally get your new AC.

But before that, be sure to check out our article on some common causes to AC issues or breakdowns, just in case you only need to repair your old AC instead of splurging on a new system. If you’re looking for a reliable HVAC company in West Michigan to repair your broken AC, don’t forget to check out our AC tune-up and maintenance page and schedule an appointment with us. Still think you need a new AC unit? Read on because we’ll be diving deeper into the costs of a new air conditioner in 2024!

How Much Should You Expect to Pay for a New AC in 2024?

Your new AC cost will depend on factors such as your unit’s capacity and efficiency, your house size, and the labor costs associated with installing your new air conditioner. Generally, the total costs for a new air conditioner unit can run from about $3,000 to as high as $15,000 in 2024, making it a substantial financial commitment. In a residential setting specifically, the average cost for a new AC unit installation is about $8,500. Your final price ticket is also going to depend on the type of AC you’re going for, each having their own technological advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a concise breakdown of what you might expect to spend on your home’s new AC unit based on the category of unit you choose:

Keep in mind that these figures are estimates and may vary based on specific installation requirements, local labor rates, and additional modifications to your home’s existing HVAC system. For the most accurate estimate, we recommend consulting with HVAC pros who can assess your home’s unique needs.

Overview of Key Factors Influencing AC Cost

AC capacity: The size and output capability of the AC unit should be matched to the cooling demands of your home for efficient operation.

AC efficiency: The unit’s efficiency, often measured by the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, directly impacts both the upfront cost and long-term expenses.

Size of your house: The larger your home is, means more powerful AC unit required to cool your home.

Installation labor costs: The expertise of professional installation services ensures optimal performance of your AC unit, with costs varying based on the project’s scope.

Breakdown of Cost by Type of AC Unit

The type of AC you should get depends on your cooling requirements. You might not need to get a central air conditioning system if you’re only trying to cool a small section of your house. By the same token, it wouldn’t be prudent to get a portable AC if you’re trying to cool down your entire house. And different types of air conditioners have different price tags. Here’s a list of cost estimates for each AC type, organized from the least expensive to the most expensive:

Central Air Conditioner Unit Sizes

Finding the right AC unit size for your home should definitely be the first thing that comes to your mind. As a rule of thumb, you will need about 20 BTUs for each square foot. Here are some manual j load calculations for common home sizes. Here are some of the BTUs requirement for cooling your home:

‍500 to 600 square feet: 12,000 to 14,000 BTUs

‍600 to 1000 square feet: 14,000 to 18,000 BTUs

1,000 to 1,200 square feet: 18,000 to 21,000 BTUs

1,200 to 1,500 square feet: 21,000 to 24,000 BTUs

1,500 to 2,000 square feet: 24,000 to 30,000 BTUs

2,000 to 2,500 square feet: 30,000 to 34,000 BTUs

2,500+ square feet: 34,000+ BTUs