Central Air Conditioner Prices

There are many different kinds of air conditioner systems available, from mini or portable air conditioners, to window units and ductless wall mounted units, but central air is largely considered the best climate-control investment for your home in terms of longevity, and effectiveness.

Let's start with what central air means. A central air system basically means that one base unit controls the temperature of all of the rooms in your home. Treated air is then pumped through ducts inside the walls of your home or building and out of vents installed in the ceilings or walls of individual rooms.

Central air is ideal for even-keel climate control, and is usually the most attractive option because generally the only visible components inside the home are the actual air vents. Prices vary, but are typically fairly reasonable for the heating and cooling units, though larger expenses may arise if your home needs ductwork altered or even fully installed. The most expensive part of a central air installation comes if your home was built with no ductwork and drywall must be demolished and replaced for its installation.

Lets talk about the various units associated with central air systems. There is always a need for a condenser, or cooling system, and some type of air pump that will actually propel the air through the ducts of your home. There are condenser units that serve only to cool air, sometimes simply referred to as "heat pumps," and typically are found at the lowest prices, but will require other components, such as a separate gas furnace for heat if you intend to have full climate control. Gas heat is almost always necessary, unless you live in a severely southern or tropical climate, and even then it's ideal for situations where heat is required.

All in one units, sometimes called "self-contained" or "gas-electric" units, tend to have higher prices, ranging in the thousands, but include a cooling and heating unit in addition to an airflow system all housed inside one piece that can be mounted outside of your home, or even on top of your roof. These systems are the most common and most efficient for climate control, and also the quietest systems since all of the mechanisms are housed outside.

Prices for these units will vary based on energy efficiency ratings and power. Remember when choosing an air conditioning system that government environmental restrictions are currently changing what chemicals manufacturers can use as refrigerants, so it is important to consider this when choosing a system, as it may effect how your unit can be serviced in the future.

Prices will also be affected by power output, which is usually measured in tons or BTUs, and also by the unit's SEER rating. SEER stands for "seasonal energy efficiency ratio," and usually the higher that number, the more efficient your product is and the lower your utility bill will be.