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Much Does Air Conditioner Installation Cost?

How Much Does it Cost to Install an Air Conditioner?

In Canada, air conditioner installation cost can range between approximately $5,000 and $8,000, with an average price of $5,500*, labour included (before applicable taxes).

The exact cost to install AC will depend on several factors unique to your project. The size and layout of your home will largely determine the type, size and output of the AC unit required, while the condition of your home’s existing insulation and ductwork can determine whether additional work is required to complete the job properly.

*The average price of $5,500 is based on national average pricing to supply and install a 2-ton Trane XR13 central air conditioner in a 1500 sq ft home, tax excluded.

Get Your FREE Consultation

Here's How Air Conditioner Installation Works

Our licensed HVAC installers will upgrade your home with top performing heating and cooling systems that deliver comfort all year round. Our installers will:

✔  Help you choose from energy-efficient air conditioner options and provide a detailed quote for your AC installation cost.

✔  Source your new, high-performance air conditioner and deliver it to your home.

✔  Schedule and complete a professional installation from our licensed and experienced technicians.

Central Air Conditioner Prices

Central air conditioners are designed to serve an entire home and come in a range of sizes. They consist of outdoor and indoor components, working with a furnace or air handler to distribute cooled air to your home via ductwork.

Central Air Conditioner Prices

Central Air Conditioner Cost

Central AC installation cost ranges from approximately $5,000 in the low range to $8,000 in the high range, with an average supply & install cost of $5,500 (before applicable taxes).

Average cost: $5,500

Approximate cost range: $5,000 to $8,000

Our estimate includes:

  • Central Air Conditioner unit
  • Standard Installation and Related Materials
  • Standard warranty (1 year labour, 10 years parts)
  • Removal of the old unit (disposal fees extra)

Central Air Conditioner Installation Costs By Province

BC / AB

Brand

Model

Average Price

(2-ton)

Cost Range

Trane®

XL16I

$7,450

 $7,250 - $8,800

Trane®

XR13

$5,500

 $5,200 - $7,500

RunTru®

4A4C3

$4,500

 $4,800 - $7,000

Comfortmaker®

C4A3

$5,200

 $5,500 - $8,400

ON

Brand

Model

Average Price

(2-ton)

Cost Range

Trane®

XL16I

$7,450

 $6,900 - $8,500

Trane®

XR13

$5,500

 $4,500 - $6,560

RunTru®

4A4C3

$4,500

 $4,000 - $6,000

Comfortmaker®

C4A3

$5,200

 $4,800 - $7,800

Brand

Model

Average Price

(2-ton)

Cost Range

BC / AB

ON

Trane®

XL16I

$7,450

 $7,250 - $8,800 $6,900 - $8,500

Trane®

XR13

$5,500

 $5,200 - $7,500 $4,500 - $6,550

RunTru®

4A4C3

$4,500

 $4,800 - $7,000 $4,000 - $6,000

Comfortmaker®

C4A3

$5,200

 $5,500 - $8,400 $4,800 - $7,800

All costs shown include installation and exclude applicable taxes. Average prices include average installation cost for a 2-ton Central Air Conditioning unit, in a 1,500 square-foot home. During the free in-home consultation, the Home Depot Installer will recommend the most appropriate HVAC system options, based on the size of the customer’s home as well as other unique factors.

What Are Ductless Air Conditioners?

Ductless, or “mini-split,” air conditioners are designed to serve homes or parts of homes that are not equipped with ductwork. They consist of an indoor and outdoor unit, cooling the air and distributing it directly to your home.

Because they don’t require ductwork or any additional delivery systems such as a furnace or air handler, they can be an effective and energy-efficient alternative to a central air conditioner.

With mini-split air conditioning systems, additional indoor units can also be installed to allow a ductless system to serve more than one room at a time.

Ductless Air Conditioner Costs

How Much Does It Cost to Install Ductless AC?

In Canada, ductless AC installation cost can range from approximately $5,000 in the low range to $9,000 in the high range, with an average installed cost of $5,750 (before applicable taxes), for a mini-split system with 1 indoor and 1 outdoor unit.

Average cost: $5,750

Approximate cost range: $5,000 to $9,000

Our estimate includes:

  • Ductless Air Conditioner (indoor and outdoor unit)
  • Standard Installation materials and labour
  • Standard warranty (1 year labour, 10 years parts)
  • Removal of the old unit (disposal fees extra)

Ductless AC Installation Costs By Province

BC

Brand

Model

Average Price

(12K BTU)

Cost Range

Trane®

4MXW25

$4,400

 $5,000 - $8,000

Trane®

4MXW38

$6,500

 $6,750 - $9,000

Trane®

4MXW85

*Available for multi-head unit installations only; for more information on pricing, request a consultation

RunTru®

M4THS2312

$5,800

 $6,500 - $8,900

ON

Brand

Model

Average Price

(12K BTU)

Cost Range

Trane®

4MXW25

$4,400

 $4,000 - $6,500

Trane®

4MXW38

$6,500

 $5,500 - $7,500

Trane®

4MXW85

*Available for multi-head unit installations only; for more information on pricing, request a consultation

RunTru®

M4THS2312

$5,800

 $5,100 - $7,800

QC

Brand

Model

Average Price

(12K BTU)

Cost Range

Trane®

4MXW25

$4,400

 $4,800 - $7,500

Trane®

4MXW38

$6,500

 $6,000 - $8,400

Trane®

4MXW85

*Available for multi-head unit installations only; for more information on pricing, request a consultation

RunTru®

M4THS2312

$5,800

 $4,400 - $6,800

Brand

Model

Average Price

(12K BTU)

Cost Range

BC

ON

QC

Trane®

4MXW25

$4,400

 $5,000 - $8,000 $4,000 - $6,500 $4,800 - $7,500

Trane®

4MXW38

$6,500

 $6,750 - $9,000 $5,500 - $7,500 $6,000 - $8,400

Trane®

4MXW85

*Available for multi-head unit installations only; for more information on pricing, request a consultation

RunTru®

M4THS2312

$5,800

 $6,500 - $8,900 $5,100 - $7,800 $4,400 - $6,800

All costs shown include installation and exclude applicable taxes. Average prices include average installation cost for a Ductless Air Conditioning system with a single indoor head unit. During the free in-home consultation, the Home Depot Installer will recommend the most appropriate HVAC system options, based on the size of the customer’s home as well as other unique factors.

What is BTU and What Does it Mean for my Air Conditioner?

“BTU” stands for “British Thermal Unit”, which is used to measure thermal energy output. It takes 1 BTU to change the temperature of a pound of water at sea level by 1 degree Fahrenheit.

An air conditioner’s BTU rating reflects its overall cooling capacity. The amount of BTUs required depends on the size and layout of the space to be cooled, as well as the condition of your home’s insulation and/or ductwork.

Other factors unique to your home, such as ceiling height, the amount of sunlight or shade it receives and the number of people living in it, also need to be considered to help determine the correct size and capacity of air conditioner.

Adding Central Air Conditioning Without Existing Ductwork

A central air system is most easily installed in a home during construction, before the drywall has gone up. For that same reason, your air conditioning installation cost will be higher if the job requires not just installing a new central AC system, but also retrofitting your home with ductwork.

Thankfully, our experienced HVAC Installers know how to make a central air retrofit job as mini . For instance, ducts can be installed to run through the attic, crawlspaces and closets where possible, reducing the need to tear down walls.

During your free, in-home consultation, a Home Depot Installer will be able to determine whether your home needs new ductwork and factor it into your no-obligation AC installation cost estimate.

Multi-Unit Ductless Air Conditioners

Multi-Unit Ductless Air Conditioners

Another solution for a home without ductwork is to consider a ductless air conditioner instead. Multi-unit ductless AC systems can be installed to serve multiple rooms in your home and can be a cost-effective, less intrusive alternative to retrofitting ductwork for a central air system.

The cost to install ductless AC will depend on the number of additional indoor units and overall BTU output required to adequately serve your home.

During your free, in-home consultation, a Home Depot Installer will be able to determine whether a multi-head ductless AC setup is preferable for your home and provide a detailed, no-obligation quote for the recommended work.

Portable and Window Air Conditioner Costs

Portable and Window Air Conditioner Costs

Portable, window and through-the-wall air conditioners are small, single-room units that can be purchased in-store or online. They’re a great choice for those with smaller units and apartments or those who are on a tighter budget when it comes to air conditioner costs.

How to Choose an Air Conditioner

9 Factors That Affect Air Conditioner Prices:

Type of AC unit

A Home Depot Installer will help you determine whether you need a central or ductless air conditioner and the price associated with both options.

Size of AC unit

Central air conditioners are available in sizes ranging from 1.5-5 tons. A Home Depot Installer will determine the correct size for your home’s square footage.

Efficiency rating

Upgrading to an efficient new air conditioner can allow you to cool your home while using less energy. SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings of 13-14 are standard, while 16 and higher are considered high efficiency.

Brand name

The Home Depot carries a variety of top air conditioner brands, including Trane®, RunTru®, GE® and Comfortmaker®, to match your needs and budget.

Amount of work required

Factors unique to your home, such as the location of the unit and general state of repair, could affect the overall air conditioner installation cost.

Ductwork

Most air conditioner installations only require minor adjustments to ductwork to fit the new AC equipment; however, the Installer will assess whether additional repairs or changes are needed.

System upgrades

Your Installer may recommend additional equipment, such as a smart thermostat or HVAC zoning system, to help control temperatures more precisely and boost your new air conditioner’s performance.

Your Location

Air conditioner prices may vary from one region to the next.

Warranty

Your air conditioner comes with a standard 1-year labour warranty.

Energy Efficiency: What Does SEER Mean?

Energy Efficiency: What Does SEER Mean?

Air conditioners are now more energy efficient than ever before. Look for the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating to compare their performance. 13-14 SEER is now considered standard efficiency for a central air conditioner, with many available systems rated at 16 SEER or even over 20. By comparison, many older and aging AC units carry SEER ratings of 10 or lower.

The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner. While the most efficient air conditioners typically carry a premium up-front cost, they also consume less energy to do the same job as a less-efficient unit.

Ductless air conditioners are often more energy efficient than central air conditioners, with many carrying SEER ratings in the low-20s or higher. This is largely because they deliver cooled air directly to the room rather than indirectly through the home’s ductwork.

Can I save on my new air conditioner cost by installing it myself?

All central and ductless air conditioners require professional installation. It’s a complex job that includes electrical work and refrigeration, requiring the skill and expertise of a licensed HVAC technician. Home Depot Installers are trusted professionals, dedicated to matching the right air conditioner for your needs.

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