What is the cost of installing central air? The amount will vary, based on a number of factors in your home and any complications you may have with installation, as well as the type of unit you choose to purchase.

Central air conditioner prices do vary widely, and installation costs may vary a great deal too, even though the technician is doing nearly the same thing. It's worthwhile to know some of the steps that are required to install central air, and then look at how much individual contractors charge for those services.

When it comes to central air conditioning prices, at least for installation, the subject is no longer the objective measure of BTUs and SEER ratings. It is important at this point to consider the subject topics. You want to decide how you feel about the person and staff that will be installing the air conditioner and make a decision based on the people with whom you'll be working.

The company also determines the cost of the installation, so it is not a matter to undertake lightly. In fact, a leading consumer organization recommends choosing the contractor before you choose the actual product you want.

Get price quotes from three different contractors so you can compare the costs of installation. It's a great idea to go to the actual manufacturer of the unit you're interested in and find out the cost of the unit itself. Most contractors give you a combined cost for the unit and the installation, so it may be difficult to separate out the costs without an idea of the unit cost. You can also ask each contractor for an itemized bid with a cost breakdown.

If you are installing a replacement unit, it is likely that the contractor will need to do some ductwork to retrofit a new unit into the space of the old. Most new, higher efficiency units are smaller than the old air conditioning, and the cost of installing air conditioning increases with increased ductwork.

If your home is large, with several floors or many thousands of square feet, there may be multiple heating and cooling systems in the home, or a variety of zones to improve control and limit costs. These items will increase the cost of installation of central air.

Access issues can also increase the costs. If it's hard to reach the air conditioning unit or ductwork, then installers will raise the costs.

Costs may also vary if there is a slab rather than a basement in the home, or if the home is under construction so that it is easy to get to any area in the home.

Although air conditioning units do vary in cost based on their efficiency, the installation costs do not generally vary based on efficiency. Be wary if a contractor insists that higher efficiency furnaces cost much more to install – the contractor may be trying to extract extra cash from you. Be sure to get multiple bids for any work done.

A very rough rule of thumb for the prices for installing central air is approximately $2,000 for an easy replacement installation. For challenging installation, a new install, or a complex situation, the installation price can be as much as $6,000 or more. That's why you should always get multiple bids.

Interested in central air for your home? Get your project started by submitting a free BuyerZone request for air conditioning price quotes.