How much does an ac cost: How Much Does It Cost To Install Central Air?

How Much Does It Cost To Install Central Air?

Ah, the refreshing cool of central air in the scorching days of summer.  But if your current AC is failing to chill your home and you’re ready to invest in a new system, it’s important to know what kind of central air conditioning you need and how much installation costs.

Central air conditioning costs an average of $5,651 to install; the typical range runs from $3,800 for smaller systems to $7,500 for larger or upgraded systems, according to HomeAdvisor. But many factors significantly impact the price, including the type of unit you purchase, the unit’s size and energy efficiency and the layout/structure of your home. 

Types of air conditioning (AC) units

Before making a decision on installing air conditioning (AC), it’s important to understand the options for residences. Basically, all air conditioning boils down into two categories: individual units and central systems. The most common types and their installation costs, via HomeAdvisor, include:

  • Window unit: This single device operates from your window and has an average cost of $150 to $500, but cooling is usually limited to just one or two rooms.
  • Portable unit: If you live in a mild climate, you may only need AC for a few weeks of the year. In that case, a portable unit (which moves from room to room, like a space heater) may be your best option. Prices vary by brand, but expect something similar to a window unit.
  • Ductless split air conditioning system: This is a three-part system that includes an air handler, an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condenser and compressor unit. Split systems cost between $2,000 and $14,500.
  • Central air system: A packaged central air system contains all the same elements as a split system, but they’re bundled into one unit placed on your roof or the side of your home. The system runs between $3,900 and $7,500.

How much does central air conditioning cost?

If you decide to go with a central air system, many factors determine the overall cost. The size of your unit in particular is an important consideration.

By “size,” AC industry professionals don’t mean the air conditioner’s physical dimensions, but its power — that is, its cooling capacity. This capacity is generally referred to as BTUs, an acronym for British Thermal Unit. A BTU is a measure of the amount of energy needed to lower the temperature of a pound of water by a single degree. As part of this measurement system, 12,000 BTUs are called one ton. For instance, a 2.5-ton air conditioner would be equivalent to 30,000 BTUs.

These are the average air conditioning unit costs, including installation, by size, according to HomeAdvisor:

AC size Average cost
1.5-ton $2,500–$4,500
2-ton $3,100–$5,100
3-ton $3,400–$5,400
4-ton $4,200–$6,200
14 SEER $3,000–$6,000
16 SEER $3,700–$9,000

In general, for every 500 or 600 square feet of space in your home you will need about one ton of cooling. Older homes with outdated frameworks may not be equipped to support modern systems, so you could need extensive repairs or even replacement ductwork costing $10,000 or more.

What affects the cost of installing central air conditioning?

A variety of factors can impact the final price you pay for the installation of central air conditioning including the amount of ductwork involved and the fees for labor. Here are some of the installation costs to consider.

Pre-installation evaluation

Every air conditioning installation project is unique and will be based on the needs and condition of your house. Before a unit can be installed, it’s important to have a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) professional assess your home. A pre-installation evaluation can determine such things as what size system you need, how well your home is insulated and whether there are existing ducts and vents. Specifically, the pro will perform a Manual J load calculation to measure how your home retains heat. This determines what size unit you’ll need, which will in turn influence the cost.

“The pre-installation evaluation is likely the most important step you undertake,” says Thomas Jepsen, founder of Passion Plans, an online platform that sells house plans. “While it typically costs about $250 for such an evaluation, it will save you thousands over the years. The pre-installation evaluation makes sure that you get the right air conditioning unit for your home installed.”

In fact, $250 may be on the less-expensive end of the spectrum. Bailey Carson, home expert with Angi, says the cost averages around $420 but can be as high as $2,000 depending on the size of your home and whether you’re looking for a simple or advanced audit.

Bear in mind that a pre-installation evaluation can help you avoid unforeseen setbacks that could drive up the overall cost of the work being done.

“Like with any project, planning is the most important thing you can do to limit unexpected costs, roadblocks or surprises down the road,” says David Steckel, home expert at Thumbtack. “With AC units in particular, a site visit to create a scope of work by a professional is required as they will base their calculations on the size and length of ductwork, the size of home and, of course, what problems you are solving for.”

Ductwork

Ducts and vents provide a flow system for the air conditioning. Older homes may not have ductwork in place, so depending on the type of air conditioning system you want to install, you may need to factor that into your costs, Carson says.

“There are ductless air conditioning systems, which tend to be both more efficient and more expensive than the alternative and are a good option if your walls are too thin for ducts,” Carson says.

Ductless units are typically wall mounted, and you’ll need a few to cool a home. Ducted units come in two forms: traditional larger-format duct systems and small duct high velocity (SDHV) systems, which use small, flexible tubing rather than standard ductwork.

“The age and wall assembly of your home will determine which system you go with,” Steckel says. “Central air conditioning became popular in the 1970s, so if your home hasn’t been renovated since before then, chances are you’re going to need to go with a SDHV system. If your home is newer than that, you probably can see the ducting system in your basement already.”

The cost to install ducts and vents can range from $500 to $2,100.

Labor

Central air systems do require a pro to install, and that means labor costs will be a significant part of the overall expense. The average cost for labor and installation of a central air conditioning system can vary significantly based on the size, shape and orientation of your home, as well as the contractor, Carson says. Another factor that impacts the labor cost: the energy efficiency of your unit.

An air conditioning unit’s seasonal energy efficiency is described as its SEER rating. SEER ratings are calculated by dividing a unit’s cooling output for a particular season by its electric input — or  usage — during the same season.

Air conditioning systems with higher SEER ratings offer operate more efficiently, but are typically more expensive to install. However, they may save you money in the long run through lower energy bills.

How to lower central air conditioning installation costs

Here are a few options to help bring down the cost of your central air conditioning project.

Shop around

To help minimize the price to install central air, shop around to see which provider and system fit your home and your budget. Many companies may manufacture the size air conditioning system you need, but costs vary greatly. HomeAdvisor found Payne to be the least expensive central air manufacturer based on average pricing of $1,400, but Aire-Flo, Coleman, Comfortmaker, Tempstar and Whirlpool all priced below $2,000 as well.

Install in the off-season

If possible, plan to install your unit during spring or fall — before the rush starts.

Research rebates

The popular $300 federal income tax credit for homeowners who installed Energy Star-rated central air conditioning expired in 2021, alas. But you can research the availability of state and local credits for energy-efficient units. Some utility companies and manufacturers offer rebates too, especially if you install in the off-months before summer heat kicks in.

Buy a smaller unit

Residential central air units are available with up to 5-ton capacity, but if you live alone or only need to cool certain areas, you could benefit from a smaller system. It is also possible that you don’t need a new AC unit but just some simple repairs to fix leaks or replace parts.

How to pay for central air installation costs

A central air installation can be a four- or even five-figure significant investment, and not everyone has thousands of dollars at their disposal. Here are some financing options.

Personal loan

A personal loan is an excellent option if you need to receive funds quickly for home improvements. There are almost no stipulations regarding its use, and loans can exceed $35,000 if you have good credit. Personal loans give you a fixed amount that is distributed in a lump sum. There is no need to use your property as collateral, but you’ll likely pay higher interest on this type of unsecured loan. Terms for personal loans typically range from 12 months to 60 months, and the loans have fixed monthly payments.

Home equity loan

A home equity loan is a popular way to finance a new central air unit using the equity you have in your home. This is also referred to as a second mortgage and is often used for large expenditures, such as installing a new central air system. As with a personal loan, you receive the funds in one lump sum and make monthly payments with interest until the loan is repaid. Home equity loans usually have lower interest rates than personal loans since they are secured by your home. Terms may extend up to 10 or 15 years.

Home equity line of credit

A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, also uses your home as collateral, but it works more like a credit card. Your bank gives you a credit limit that can be continually reused within the draw period as long as you make your payments on time. This draw period lasts around 10 years. After that, you’ll make payments on the amount you borrowed for another 10 to 20 years. HELOCs charge a variable interest rate, which means that your payments will fluctuate based on how much you borrow and the current market rate you’re being charged at the time of payment.

The bottom line

There’s no doubt that installing central air can be pricey. AC unit costs can climb to $9,000 or more, especially if you have a large or old home. If that price is daunting and you don’t have the funds to pay out of pocket, there are ways to finance the expense. If you’re looking to borrow money to install central air, compare rates from a few personal loan, home equity loan and HELOC lenders to see what your monthly payments might look like.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace a central air unit?

According to HomeAdvisor, it can cost as much as $12,500 to replace an AC unit. The work required to remove and dispose of the old system adds to the price, as well as the size of your home, the brand of the AC unit and the ductwork complexity.

If I already have ductwork installed, can it be used with a new unit?

While ductwork can fail over time, replacing ductwork isn’t always necessary. If there’s a problem with airflow in your house, ducts can be repaired, reattached or resealed individually. Dust and other impurities can also be cleaned out of old ductwork to improve airflow efficiency.

Can I install my own central air unit to save on costs?

A DIY approach may seem cost-effective, but it may be a better idea to leave it to the professionals.

Depending on where you live, you may need a permit to install a new unit. A professional in your area already knows the ins and outs of this process. Adding refrigerant to your AC unit or removing an old unit that has refrigerant inside may also require an EPA certification. To obtain this sort of certification, you must pass an exam and pay a fee, whereas a technician is already certified.

You could also end up paying more over the long run by installing the system yourself. If ductwork is not properly sealed and insulated, it greatly reduces your systems efficiency and you could see massive spikes in your energy bills.

Installing the system yourself may also void the warranty, as most require units to be installed by licensed technicians.

How long do AC units last?

AC units can last up to 15 years, according to HomeAdvisor. However, if a unit’s frequently used or not maintained, it could require replacement much sooner. Units should also be replaced once they’re out of date or not working properly.

Learn more:

  • 10 ways to save on air conditioning costs
  • 6 ways to pay for home improvements
  • Should I get a personal loan for home improvements?

How Much Does a Central AC Unit Cost to Install?

Updated August 18, 2022 · By Robert Skorpil

AC Installation Costs by Square Footage

One way to calculate the average costs for a new AC unit would be by figuring the exact area of square feet you are wanting to cool for your home. Installing a central air conditioner into a 2000 square ft. home with an existing forced air furnace heating system would cost between $5,000 to $6,000. There has to be additional ductwork installed if not in place already.

How much does it cost for an A/C Unit for a 2,000 Sq. ft Home?

The average AC unit can cool 400 square feet of your home per 1 ton of air conditioning cooling capacity. This would produce 12,000 BTU’s per 400 square feet. You can take the 2000 sq. ft measurement and divide by 400 sq. ft of cooled area (per 1 ton AC unit cooling capacity) and calculate that you would need a 5.0 TON air conditioner. This A/C system should be able to remove 60,000 BTU’s per hour (5.0 tons x 12,000 BTU’s.) A 5.0 TON air conditioner would cost around $1,980 for the AC unit alone or a total installation cost of $5,100. Top known brands may cost more.

Let’s calculate AC unit installation cost for your home:

AC Installation Costs by Tons

AC Unit Costs by Size – Tons
Central Air Conditioner Size AC Unit BTU AC Unit Only
1. 5 Tons 18,000 BTU $2,000
2 Tons 24,000 BTU $2,620
2.5 Tons 30000 BTU $2,895
3 Tons 36000 BTU $2,920
3.5 Tons 42000 BTU $3,550
4 Tons 48000 BTU $3,650
5 Tons 60000 BTU $3,690

AC Costs by SEER Rating

Some of the best AC units will have high energy efficiency capabilities (also known as high SEER ratings) can save you a considerable amount of money on your average heating and cooling energy bill costs. However, a higher energy efficiency level may mean a higher HVAC installation cost. SEER ratings can range from the lowest point of a 13 SEER to the maximum efficiency air conditioners boasting a 24 SEER rating.  The average price for a standard AC unit providing a 13 to 14 SEER rating will cost around $2,820 for total unit installation, while a unit with a 24 SEER rating will cost much more initially at around $6,800 for total installation. See chart below for all SEER ratings and central AC costs.

AC Unit Costs by SEER
SEER Efficiency Ratings AC Unit + Installation Energy Efficiency Level
13-14 SEER $2,820 Standard Efficiency
15-16 SEER $3,420 High Efficiency
17-18 SEER $4,650 High Efficiency
19-21 SEER $5,390 Very High Efficiency
22-24 SEER $6,800 Max Efficiency

Air Conditioner Unit Costs by Brand

Each of the best AC unit brands offer different tiers of central AC units depending on the needs for your home. Air conditioner brands like Goodman, Rheem, and York all have decently priced units in the $2,500+ range. Well known brands like American Standard, Trane, and Carrier will be more in the $4,800 + price range and will usually have better quality products depending on your home cooling needs. When buying from brands, you are only looking at the AC units, ductwork and other expenses will be added at the time of installation. You may also be interested in seeing the top furnace brands as well. See the full AC brands cost chart below.

Central Air Conditioner Best Brands by Cost
Air Conditioner Brands: Average Unit Cost: SEER Rating:
American Standard $3,656 16.8
Carrier $3,895 16.8
Goodman $2,488 15.5
Trane $3,220 17.2
Rheem $2,968 17.1
Lennox $3,794 17.8
York $2,354 16.4
Ruud $3,200 17.1
Amana $2,935 17. 5
HEIL $3,400 18.2

Hidden Costs in Your Estimate

There are also air conditioning installation costs that most likely are not included in the initial AC estimate but you may want to factor in, if applicable for your local installation prices. You also may need to consider installing a new furnace with your AC unit. These are the things you should ask the HVAC contractor about and whether or not the cost is included in the initial estimate they’re providing. Here are a few cost related questions you should have answers to:

  • Will a permit be required from your local city or county building department? Will the unit also require an inspection by a representative of the building department to ensure the system is up to code?
  • If you live in an older home that has asbestos or lead paint, there may be an additional cost to test, remove, or replace the material. Ask about this.
  • What about ductwork? Does my existing ductwork can be used or new duct installation is recommended?

Evaluating AC Installation Price Quotes

There are a quite a few factors to consider when determining what could effect the cost of a new air conditioner unit installation.

High Priced Bid Factors:

  • Air conditioner replacements can vary drastically in price. These disparities could be due to the type of unit—how quiet an air conditioning system is, for example. We encourage homeowners to research their desired AC system and make sure it is the best suited for their homes and needs.
  • Air Conditioners can also vary in total cost depending on hardware other than the main units themselves. The increasingly popular smart thermostat is often paired with a new A/C unit, which could cost as little as $30 or as much as $300.
  • High-end air conditioning contractors will likely have more equipment and overhead, which may be seen in your price quote.
  • Air conditioning unit warranties will also impact your total quoted installation cost. Most AC installers offer manufacturer’s warranties that protect you from faulty unit equipment. Some might offer additional guarantees for the air conditioner installation as well, covering potential damage to your roof (if applicable.) Be sure the quoted warranty is clear in what it covers—and in what it doesn’t.
  • Research and be aware of potential hidden costs— like permits and potential fines. Your quote should include a proper breakdown of how local or federal regulation applies to you and what your AC contractor will or will not do in that regard.
    • For example, if your installed air conditioner system’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating is lower than 13, the Department of Energy might flag your contractor for selling it.
    • An air conditioner having an average SEER rating of 16 could mean saving upward of $400 annually in comparison to other lower efficiency options. Expect an analysis of what your bills should look like after your air condtioner installation, and how you should expect these heating and cooling energy costs to change in upcoming years.

Low Priced Bid Factors:

  • If a contractor does not have proper insurance (or any at all), they will often provide a lower bid. This may leave the homeowner responsible for laborer injuries or damages that occur. We recommend that homeowners always select a licensed contractor for their home improvement projects.
  • If a contractor doesn’t have a solid grasp of local policies or applicable local, regional, and federal incentives—like the ones found at the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency, they may leave that to you and subsequently lower their fees since they have less paperwork to worry about. While a contractor may charge you for help navigating the bureaucracy of air conditioning regulation, a good contractor will assure your energy compliance in your area and maximize your return on investment utilizing expertise you may lack.
  • Extremely low bidders may also be desperate for a job, which is never a reassuring sign. Be sure to always vet your air conditioner contractor fully before hiring.

Additional cost factors that might be involved:

  • Plumbing
  • Electrical work
  • Removal of an existing HVAC system
  • Installing the air conditioner at a new location
  • Modifying the framing or surfacing of the home for installation
  • Bringing any current paired systems up to code.
  • Ductwork

For any bid you receive you should always double check your final AC installation quotes for possible price errors. While it’s rare, errors can happen when trying to determine your full installation costs. Communicate any and all questions and concerns with your air conditioning installer before signing off on any contracts.

For a full list of price evaluation tips see our full list from our  homeowner’s guide to evaluating your HVAC price quotes.

2022 HVAC Replacement Cost | Local Cost Calculator

HVAC replacement cost  can range from a minimum $3,200 to a maximum of $12,500, which would include installation of both a new central AC unit and gas furnace combo along with the labor work. If you need to replace ductwork as well, you can expect an additional $2,100 for a single story 2,000 sq. ft home.

Average HVAC Replacement Costs
National Average Cost $7870
Minimum Cost $3,200
Maximum Cost $12,500
Average Price Range with Ductwork $5,645 – $10,110

HVAC Unit Costs

Most homeowners who are looking at replacing an HVAC system will be able to simply check what their old heating and cooling unit types were to make a decision as to which HVAC unit works best for their home. However, there are many combinations of heating units and cooling units that you can choose from depending on your local climate and home size needs. We have broken out below the average costs to install each different type of HVAC unit in order to give you an idea on pricing:

HVAC Costs by Combo System Type
HVAC Unit Installation Costs Low Cost High Cost
Central Air Conditioner $5,000 $9,000
Ductless Split AC $2,100 $4,000
Electric Furnace $2,700 $3,500
Gas Furnace $3,000 $3,700
Oil Furnaces $5,300 $7,900
Heat Pump $5,300 $8,000
Geothermal Heat Pumps $15,000 $38,000

 

What Factors Affect HVAC Replacement Cost?

HVAC installation costs will change depending on a few factors that are specific to your home and location. Here are the main things that your air conditioning contractor will assess in order to give you a total price quote for your replacement HVAC system:

  • Local climate conditions
  • Current ductwork conditions
  • Home age and construction
  • HVAC unit features such as size, brand, and energy efficiency (SEER)
  • Top air conditioner brands and associated installation costs

Local Climate Conditions

Depending on where in the US your home is located, the local region’s climate can change dramatically. A home located in the South would need an AC unit with a size capable of cooling your home due to high temperature summers. A home in the Northern part of the US would need a much larger heating capacity as well which will affect costs. See the chart below for the average central air conditioner replacement costs by TONS.

AC Unit Costs by Size – Tons
Central Air Conditioner Size AC Unit BTU AC Unit Only
1. 5 Tons 18,000 BTU $2,000
2 Tons 24,000 BTU $2,620
2.5 Tons 30000 BTU $2,895
3 Tons 36000 BTU $2,920
3.5 Tons 42000 BTU $3,550
4 Tons 48000 BTU $3,650
5 Tons 60000 BTU $3,690

Do You Need Ductwork Replacement?

If you are replacing your current air conditioning system, it’s safe to assume that you already have ductwork installed. Ductwork delivers the conditioned air from your HVAC system throughout your home through vents often found in your home’s attic. However, with time ductwork can lose its efficiency or may need to be altered to work with your new AC system. New ductwork installation can tack on an additional cost anywhere from $2,100 to $4,000 depending on the level of complexity to install or alter. Plan to add a few days of labor to your HVAC replacement project if you do need ductwork replacement.

Home Age and Construction

The ability to cool and heat your home at maximum efficiency will depend a lot on how well insulated your home is currently and the size of your home. A 2,000 square foot home will need a much larger AC unit than a smaller home, which will impact installation costs. Also a house with energy efficient windows that are well insulated and sealed well with no cracks for air flow will require far less AC capacity to keep temperatures comfortable. Other factors that can affect this could be the insulation elsewhere such as the foundation, roof, attics, basements, flooring, and more.


HVAC Unit Types

A local and trusted HVAC service installer will be able to tell you best what features you may need or want for your home’s system. Higher priced AC unit costs will come with higher energy efficiency levels known as the SEER rating. The size of the unit will also make a difference in AC unit prices. The HVAC brand you choose will also impact total installation costs. Higher end central AC units will cost more upfront. However, better brands usually come with a longer lifespan, better warranties, and smarter technology built in to fully control your home’s temperature.


Hidden HVAC Installation Costs

There may also be some AC installation costs that are not included in the initial HVAC estimate but you will want to factor in just in case. These are the things you should ask the air conditioning contractor if the following costs are included in the initial quote they’re providing. Be sure to always ask these questions.

  • If a permit is required from your local city or county building department. The unit will also require an inspection by a representative of the building department to ensure the system is up to code.
  • If you live in an older home that has asbestos or lead paint, there may be an additional cost to test, remove, or replace the material.
  • If any of the following requires additional work involved with the installation process – plumbing, electrical work, removal of an existing system, installing the HVAC system at a new location, modifying the framing or surfacing of the home, or bringing any systems up to code – it will also factor into the cost estimate for your home’s new HVAC installation.

 


Evaluating Price Quotes for HVAC Installation

There are a quite a few factors to consider when determining what could affect the cost of a new HVAC system installation price quote. Some factors may cause your initial cost estimate to be higher or lower. It is advised to get at least four local price quotes from different qualified HVAC contractors. Let Modernize help connect you to reliable local contractors.

High Priced AC Installations:

  • HVAC installation and replacements can vary drastically in price. These disparities could be due to the type of HVAC unit—how quiet an air conditioning system is, for example. We encourage homeowners to research their desired HVAC system and make sure it is the best suited for their homes and needs.
  • HVAC units can also vary in total cost depending on hardware other than the main units themselves. The increasingly popular smart thermostat is often paired with a new residential HVAC unit, which could cost as little as $30 or as much as $300.
  • High-end heating and cooling contractors will likely have more equipment and overhead, which may be seen in your price quote.
  • HVAC unit warranties will also impact your total installation costs. Most HVAC installers offer manufacturer’s warranties that protect you from faulty system equipment. Some might offer additional guarantees for the total HVAC installation as well, covering potential damage to your roof (if applicable).
  • Research and be aware of potential hidden HVAC costs— like needing permits and potential fines for your installation. Your heating and cooling quote should include a proper breakdown of how local or federal regulation applies to you and what your HVAC contractor will or will not do in that regard.
    • For example, if your installed HVAC unit’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating is lower than 13, the Department of Energy might flag your HVAC contractor for selling it.
    • An HVAC system having an average SEER rating of 16 could mean saving upward of $400 annually in comparison to other lower efficiency options. Expect an analysis of what your bills should look like after your new HVAC installation, and how you should expect these heating and cooling energy costs to change in upcoming years.

Low Priced AC Installations:

  • If an HVAC contractor does not have proper insurance, they will often provide a lower bid. This may leave the homeowner responsible for HVAC laborer injuries or damages that occur. We recommend that homeowners always select a licensed HVAC contractor for their heating and cooling replacement projects.
  • If a contractor doesn’t have a solid grasp of local policies or applicable local, regional, and federal incentives—like the ones found at the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency, they may leave that to you and subsequently lower their fees since they have less paperwork to worry about. While a contractor may charge you for help navigating the bureaucracy of air conditioning regulation, a good contractor will assure your energy compliance in your area and maximize your return on investment utilizing expertise you may lack.
  • Extremely low bidders may also be desperate for a new HVAC job leads, which is never a reassuring sign. Be sure to always vet your HVAC contractor before hiring for the job.

For any bid you receive you should always double check your final HVAC installation quotes for possible pricing errors. Errors can happen when trying to determine your full HVAC system installation costs. Communicate any and all questions and concerns with your air conditioning installer before you sign off on any contracts.

For a full list of price evaluation tips see our  homeowner’s guide to evaluating your HVAC cost estimates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to install different heating and cooling systems?

The average costs for different heating and cooling systems will vary by the brands, energy efficiency level, size of the unit needed for your home, and also what the local labor rates are for installation.

You can use our HVAC Installation Cost Calculator to get an average price for installation in your area and then talk to reliable local contractors about your specific project afterwards if you’d like.

  • Central Air Conditioner Installation Costs: $3,500 to $7,600
  • Ductless AC Installation Costs: $3,000 to $5,000
  • Heat Pump Installation Costs: $5,000 to $6,500
  • New Furnace Installation Costs: $4,000 to $6,500

What are the top factors that affect the cost of your HVAC installation?

The major factors that will affect the total cost of your HVAC installation can include:

  1. Type of HVAC System Installed
  2. Size of Unit Needed
  3. Cooling – Heating Capacity Needed
  4. Energy Efficient Levels – SEER or AFUE Ratings
  5. Needing Ductwork Installation – Replacement
  6. Local Labor Costs – Varies by Region
  7. Seasonality – Local Climate Extremities

Read in depth about the details here on each of these cost factors and get an estimate on how much each HVAC system will cost to install in your area.

Can you negotiate HVAC Installation costs with contractors?

Negotiating the costs of your air conditioner installation with your contractor is definitely possible. You should always have backup resources to justify the local costs in your area for a new AC unit.

HVAC installation costs typically range from $3,500 to $7,525, but homeowners can reduce those costs by negotiating the contract price and terms with their contractor by getting multiple quotes from local contractors or using our cost calculator to get average local prices as a negotiating basepoint.

What are the top brands of HVAC systems?

When installing a new HVAC unit, brand and associated costs can be an important decision factor. A good HVAC brand can usually offer a price point to fit any budget from a low cost AC unit or furnace to top performing HVAC systems.

Some brands offer extensive warranties, boast incredible customer support teams, and offer smart home technology for your new air conditioner. It really depends on your budget and what you value the most in a new home heating or cooling unit and the brand of it. Like most things, you get what you pay for and should plan your budget accordingly when looking to install a new HVAC system in your home. See our review list of the the best air conditioner brands and top furnace brands.

How do you find a local reliable cooling and heating installer?

When you install a new home cooling or heating system, it can become an urgent situation if your home’s temperature starts to become extremely cold or unpleasantly warm. Finding a reliable local HVAC contractor fast is possible. The best strategy is to ask friends and family for recommendations first.

It is then smart to vet the recommended contractors by doing research and using a service like Modernize to instantly compare multiple quotes from the top HVAC contractors. We provide information on local service professionals along with their current Google business ratings, Better Business Bureau ratings, and even recent reviews from homeowners in your neighborhood who also completed HVAC projects with those same heating and cooling contractors.
You can also use our HVAC contractor checklist to make sure you hire the right person for efficient and smooth run for your home project.

How Much Does It Cost to Run An Air Conditioner? (Cost Calculator)

The No. 1 expense of every air conditioner is electricity.

There are several ways to reduce how much does it cost to run an air conditioner. The two main ones are:

  1. Buying an air conditioner with a high energy efficiency rating (EER, SEER, CEER ratings are valid specifications).
  2. Reducing the number of hours per day that you use a given air conditioner.

Note: It’s recommended to estimate how much electricity does an air conditioner use before buying a specific unit.

On average, running an air conditioner costs between $0.06 and $0.88 per hour. Let’s calculate how much does air conditioning cost per month (running 8h per day):

  • Low end: $14. 40/month.
  • High end: $211.20/month.

This is quite a large cost interval because air conditioners range from small 5,000 BTU portable AC units to large 50,000 BTU mini-split units.

Note: Make sure to use the air conditioner cost calculator (you’ll find it further on) to estimate your electricity bill. Here’s an example of an AC running cost calculation for 24,000 BTU AC with a $0.1319 kWh price:

Obviously, a 5 zone mini split air conditioner electricity expenditure per hour is several times greater than that of a single 12×12 room AC unit.

For example, if you have a 5,000 BTU AC unit, powered by 600W, the maximum cost of running such an air conditioner is $0.08 per hour.

Every air conditioner has a unique energy-efficiency profile. To best estimate how much does it cost to run your particular air conditioner on per hourly basis, we have prepared 4 sections to help you out:

  1. Table with a per hour running cost of the most common air conditioners.
  2. Calculator. You can input power (W) and electricity costs in your area, and the calculator will calculate how much that particular air conditioner costs to run per hour.
  3. Formula. The mathematical background of how to calculate the electricity costs for any air conditioner.
  4. Per week, per month, and season calculations. Examples of how much you’ll pay for electricity if you run an air conditioner for longer periods of time.

You can also check two very useful articles that will help you understand air conditioner power consumption. These are:

  1. How many watts do air conditioners use here.
  2. How many kWh or how much electricity do air conditioners use here.

Per Hour Running Cost Of Most Common Air Conditioners

3 most common air conditioners and the most common capacities (in BTU) are:

  1. Portable air conditioners (5,000 BTU – 15,000 BTU).
  2. Window air conditioners (5,000 BTU – 20,000 BTU).
  3. Mini split air conditioners (12,000 BTU (1 ton) – 48,000 BTU (4 ton)).

If we presume that all these devices have an EER rating of 10 (estimate) and that the average cost of electricity in the US is $0.1319 per kWh, we can approximate the costs of running these 3 kinds of air conditioners:


How Much Electricity Cost A Portable AC Use? (Table 1)

Portable AC Unit (BTU) Estimated Cost Per Hour
5,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Costs $0.07 per hour
8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Costs $0.11 per hour
12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Costs $0.16 per hour
15,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Costs $0.20 per hour

How Much Does It Cost To Run A Window Air Conditioner? (Table 2)

Window AC Unit (BTU) Estimated Cost Per Hour
5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner Costs $0. 07 per hour
10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner Costs $0.14 per hour
15,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner Costs $0.20 per hour
20,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner Costs $0.26 per hour

Cost Of Running Mini Split AC Unit (Table 3)

Mini Split AC Unit (BTU) Estimated Cost Per Hour
12,000 BTU (1 ton) Mini Split AC Costs $0.16 per hour
24,000 BTU (2 ton) Mini Split AC Costs $0.32 per hour
36,000 BTU (3 ton) Mini Split AC Costs $0.48 per hour
48,000 BTU (4 ton) Mini Split AC Costs $0.64 per hour

How much does it cost to run a mini split per month? Let’s say you use the mini split for 8 hours per day at 100% output. That means:

  • Running a 1-ton mini split will cost $38. 4 per month.
  • Running a 2-ton mini split will cost $76.80 per month.
  • Running a 3-ton mini split will cost $115.20 per month.
  • Running a 4-ton mini split will cost $153.60 per month.

You can check a more detailed article about how much does it cost to run a mini split per month here. As you can see, the cost of running the most common air conditioners ranges from $0.07 to $0.64 per hour. It’s quite interesting to see that running the smallest air conditioners will cost you less than $0.10 per hour.

Calculate Running Cost Of Air Conditioner (Per Hour)

 

Formula: How To Calculate How Much Running An Air Conditioner Per Hour Costs

In most basic terms, the formula of how much electricity expenditure we can expect from an air conditioner comes down to two things:

  1. Maximum power of the air conditioner (measured in W). We can find this in the specifications of every AC unit.
  2. Price of electricity in your area (in cost per kWh)

Kilowatt-hour is a unit for the amount of electricity. 1 kWh simply means that we can run a 1 kW (equivalent to 1000 W) electric device for 1 hour. We have to pay for that 1 kWh of electricity; the price in the US ranges from $0.095 in Louisiana to $0.3277 in Hawaii per kWh. The cost of kWh in California, for example, is about 20 cents.

Here is the formula for the per-hour cost of running an air conditioner:

CostPer Hour = PowerAir Conditioner(in W) * Electricity CostPer kWh / 1,000

A simple example would be a 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner, powered by 1000 W, in California. Here’s how you can use the formula to calculate the cost of operating the air conditioner on your own:

CostPer Hour = 1000W * $0.20 / 1,000 = $0,20 per hour

Note that this calculation is only a theoretical estimation. In practice, the air conditioner can drain less energy because it doesn’t always operate at 100%.

You can find these running costs for all electricity-power appliances quite easily. We have calculated the runnings costs for a number of different appliances including:

  • How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?
  • How much does it cost to run an electric fireplace?
  • How much does it cost to run an air purifier?

How Much Does AC Unit Cost Per Day, Week, Month, And Season

In the long run, it makes sense to know how much will we spend on electricity overall. Per hour calculations can help us estimate the price of electricity we spend running an air conditioner daily, weekly, and monthly. We can also assess what an overall yearly or per season bill will be for air conditioning.

The key question here is how many hours per day do you have the air conditioner turned on. During the 3-month long summer season, most households run for 8 hours per day.

Let’s again take 10,000 BTU, powered by 1,000 W, as an example. Let’s say this unit is based in California, where the price of electricity is $0.20 per kWh.

10,000 BTU AC Unit Est. Cost (Per Hour) Est. Cost (Per Day) Est. Cost (Per Week) Est. Cost (Per Month) Est. Cost (Per Season)
$0.20 $1.60 $11.2 $48 $144
Be Aware These Are The Maximum Rates (In Practice, You Pay Less For Electricity)

With all these calculations, we have estimated that the air conditioner is running at 100% capacity. For example, 1000 W AC is always presumed to use 1000 W of energy. The bigger 5 zones mini-split system can easily draw 3000 W.

In practice, air conditioners don’t always run on 100% power. In fact, most of the time, they use less than 80% of their total capacity.

When we turn the AC unit on, it will start with 100% capacity. After a predetermined indoor temperature is obtained, the air conditioner will use energy only to maintain that temperature. For this, it will usually need less than 80% of its overall capacity. That also means that the electricity bill will be at least 20% lower.

Note: A ceiling fan can also reduce the cooling costs by as much as 30%. For that, it’s vital to choose the correct fan direction. You can read all about ceiling fan direction for summer and winter here; it’s a simple fan rotation switch from winter to summer and summer to winter that can save you more than $100 per year on cooling and heating.

The best way how to reduce your cooling electricity expenses is to invest in an energy-efficient unit. Here are some suggestions of highly energy-efficient units (several different types of AC):

  • Most energy-efficient portable AC units (10+ EER).
  • Most energy-efficient window AC units (11+ EER).
  • Most energy-efficient mini-split air conditioners (20+ SEER).

Hope this helps everybody to reduce cooling expenses as much as possible.

Table of Contents

2022 Central Air Conditioner Cost

Cost to install central air

The average cost to install central air is $2,500 to $7,500, depending on the size (tons), brand, and efficiency rating (SEER). New central AC unit prices are $1,000 to $5,000, plus $1,000 to $2,500 for labor to install.

Average cost to install central air conditioning – chart

Cost to install central air
Home size (square feet) AC unit tons Total cost installed
1,000 1.5 – 2 $2,000 – $5,500
1,200 2 – 2.5 $2,500 – $6,000
1,500 2.5 – 3 $2,700 – $6,500
1,600 3 – 3. 5 $3,000 – $7,000
1,800 3 – 4 $3,000 – $7,500
2,000 3.5 – 4.5 $3,100 – $7,800
2,200 4 – 5 $3,500 – $8,000
2,500 4.5 – 5 $3,700 – $8,000
3,000 5+ $4,000 – $8,500

Table of contents

[hide][show]

  1. Cost to install central air
  2. Central air installation cost calculator
  3. New AC unit cost by size
    • Cost by tons
    • Cost per square foot
  4. Central air conditioner prices
    • Prices by SEER rating
    • Prices by brand
  5. Air conditioner replacement cost by type
    • Central air types and speeds
    • Ductless mini-split AC
    • Window or portable AC
    • HVAC
  6. Home AC unit and system installation cost factors
    • Add central AC to existing furnace
    • Install ductwork for central air
    • Additional costs
  7. Frequently asked questions
    • What size do I need?
    • Is it worth it?
    • How much does it cost to run?
    • How long does it last?
    • How long does it take to install?
  8. Getting AC unit replacement quotes and estimates
  9. AC installation companies near me

Central air installation cost calculator

The following table shows the average cost to install or replace a central AC unit.

Central air installation cost calculator
National average cost $4,700
Minimum cost $1,100
Maximum cost $15,000
Average cost range
$2,500
to
$7,500

Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

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New AC unit cost by size

AC units are sized in tons. One ton of cooling capacity equals 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTU). One ton of air conditioning cools 450 to 600 square feet on average, depending on the home’s layout, insulation, and local climate.

AC unit cost by tons

Replacing a 3 to 5-ton AC unit costs $3,000 to $8,000 for a 1,500 to 2,500 square foot home.

AC unit cost by tons
Tonnage BTUs AC unit prices AC cost installed
1. 5 tons 18,000 BTU $1,000 – $3,800 $2,000 – $5,000
2 tons 24,000 BTU $1,200 – $4,000 $2,500 – $5,500
2.5 tons 30,000 BTU $1,500 – $4,500 $2,700 – $6,000
3 tons 36,000 BTU $1,700 – $5,000 $3,000 – $6,500
3.5 tons 42,000 BTU $1,800 – $5,200 $3,100 – $7,000
4 tons 48,000 BTU $2,000 – $5,500 $3,500 – $7,500
5 tons 60,000 BTU $2,500 – $6,000 $4,000 – $8,000

Whole-house AC cost per square foot

Installing central air for a 1,200 square foot house costs $2,500 to $6,000. Installing central air for a 2,000 square foot home costs $3,100 to $7,800 or more. Homes over 3,000 square feet may require two condenser units.

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Central air conditioner prices

Central air conditioner prices are $1,000 to $8,500 for the unit alone, depending on the size, brand, and efficiency. Large systems with high SEER ratings or AC units from top brands cost the most.

Air conditioner prices by SEER rating

Air conditioners have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of 13 to 26. AC units with a higher SEER rating cost more upfront but are more efficient and reduce long-term energy costs.

Air conditioner prices by SEER rating
SEER Efficiency AC unit prices Total cost installed
13 – 14 SEER Standard efficiency $1,000 – $4,200 $2,500 – $6,000
15 – 16 SEER High efficiency $1,500 – $5,700 $3,000 – $7,500
17 – 18 SEER High efficiency $1,800 – $6,100 $3,500 – $8,600
19 – 21 SEER Very high efficiency $2,500 – $7,500 $4,000 – $10,000
22 – 26 SEER Maximum efficiency $3,700 – $8,500 $6,000 – $11,000
  • The Department of Energy mandates a minimum SEER of 13 in the northern U. S. and 14 in the southern U.S.
  • In 2023, the minimum SEER standard increases to 14 in the northern U.S. and 14.5 to 15 in the southern U.S., depending on the AC system’s size.

Central AC unit prices by brand

Central AC unit prices by brand
Brand SEER AC unit prices Total cost installed
Aire-Flo 13 – 14 $1,000 – $2,000 $2,400 – $4,500
Amana 13 – 24 $1,300 – $4,500 $3,000 – $7,500
American Standard 13 – 20 $1,500 – $4,300 $3,800 – $8,000
Armstrong 13 – 20 $1,100 – $2,500 $3,000 – $4,600
Bryant 13 – 20 $1,400 – $3,500 $2,500 – $6,800
Carrier 13 – 24 $2,500 – $5,800 $4,700 – $8,700
Coleman 13 – 20 $1,300 – $3,500 $2,500 – $5,000
Comfortmaker 13 – 19 $1,300 – $3,000 $2,800 – $5,800
Frigidaire 13 – 20 $1,300 – $3,000 $2,500 – $4,800
Goodman 14 – 24 $1,200 – $3,000 $3,200 – $5,000
Heil 13 – 19 $1,400 – $3,000 $2,800 – $4,800
Lennox 13 – 26 $1,600 – $5,600 $5,300 – $9,000
Payne 13 – 17 $1,000 – $1,800 $2,500 – $3,900
Rheem / Ruud 13 – 20 $1,800 – $5,500 $3,600 – $8,500
Tempstar 13 – 19 $1,300 – $3,000 $2,600 – $5,200
Trane 14 – 22 $1,600 – $5,800 $4,000 – $9,000
York 13 – 21 $1,400 – $4,700 $3,500 – $8,000

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Air conditioner replacement cost by type

Air conditioner replacement cost by type
AC type AC unit price Total cost installed
Central air conditioner $1,000 – $5,000 $2,500 – $7,500
Central air conditioner and ductwork $3,400 – $9,000 $6,000 – $12,000
Ductless mini-split AC system $1,500 – $8,000 $3,000 – $10,000
Window AC unit $150 – $800 $300 – $1,100
Portable AC unit* $200 – $900 $200 – $900
HVAC system (furnace and AC) $2,400 – $5,600 $4,800 – $9,400
Air-source heat pump $2,000 – $4,000 $4,000 – $8,000
Geothermal heat pump $2,500 – $8,000 $15,000 – $35,000

*No installation required.

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Central air system types and speeds

Central air conditioning systems come in two types:

  • A split-system AC features an outdoor condenser unit containing the compressor and an indoor air handler cabinet containing the evaporator coil. Most homes in the U.S. have split systems.
  • A packaged air conditioner combines the condenser, compressor, and evaporator coil in a single outdoor cabinet, typically used in commercial settings.

Central AC units come with different compressors:

  • Single-stage air conditioners are the cheapest but have only one speed and run at full capacity until the indoor air reaches the set temperature.
  • Two-stage air conditioners have two speeds—full capacity and 60% to 70% capacity. Two-stage units run more quietly and efficiently but cost more than single-stage units.
  • Variable-speed air conditioners cost the most to install but operate at any capacity, making them more efficient, better at dehumidifying, and the least expensive to run.

Ductless mini-split air conditioning cost

Ductless mini-split AC installation costs $3,000 to $10,000 on average, depending on the number of zones, BTU size, SEER rating, and brand. A ductless AC system features an outdoor condenser that supports up to five indoor air handlers, also called “zones”.

Window or portable AC unit

A window AC unit costs $300 to $1,100 with installation or $150 to $800 for the unit alone. Window air conditioner prices depend on the size, brand, efficiency, and features.

A portable AC unit costs $200 to $900 and does not require installation. A portable unit uses a hose to vent hot air outside through a window, wall, ceiling, or door.

HVAC replacement – central heat and air unit

The cost for HVAC replacement depends on whether the home has a furnace or heat pump:

  • Replacing an HVAC system costs $5,000 to $11,000, including a new central air conditioner unit and a new gas furnace.
  • Furnace replacement costs $2,000 to $5,400 on average, depending on the system size, efficiency, brand, and fuel type.
  • Installing a heat pump costs $3,800 to $8,200, depending on the type, size, brand, and efficiency rating.
  • Geothermal heat pump installation costs $15,000 to $35,000, depending on the system size and loop type.

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Home AC unit and system installation cost factors

The labor cost to install central air conditioning is $1,000 to $2,500 or more, depending on if it includes new ductwork. Labor makes up 40% to 60% of the total installation cost.

New AC unit cost to install – chart

Home AC unit and system cost to install
Factor Average cost
New AC unit $1,000 – $5,000
Labor cost to install AC $1,500 – $2,500
Ductwork installation* $1,400 – $6,600
Total cost to install $2,500 – $14,100

*May not be required.

The following factors affect the cost to install a central AC unit:

  • AC system size – AC units in larger ton sizes cost more.
  • Efficiency and SEER rating – High-efficiency models with higher SEER ratings cost more than standard efficiency units.
  • System type – Split systems typically cost less than packaged systems.
  • Location – Installing a condenser unit on the ground costs less than installing it on a rooftop.
  • Accessibility – Installation costs more for AC systems in difficult-to-access areas like attics and crawlspaces.
  • Zoning – Adding an HVAC zoning system costs $1,700 to $4,500. Large homes may benefit from a zoned AC system to minimize the required AC unit size and reduce energy costs.
  • A condenser pad costs $40 to $250, depending on if the pad is prefab composite or poured concrete.
  • Permits for AC replacement cost $100 to $250. Permits for new AC installations with ductwork cost $250 to $1,500. Contractors typically include permit fees in the estimate.
  • Removing an old air conditioner costs $50 to $200, depending on local disposal and freon removal fees.
  • Federal tax credits expired in 2021, but new AC units may qualify for local tax credits and rebates. Check the Energy Star rebate finder and the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for available rebates and tax incentives.

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Cost to add central air conditioning to an existing furnace

Adding air conditioning to an existing furnace costs $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the home size and the new AC unit’s SEER rating. Adding central AC to a forced-air system may require other upgrades:

  • Sealing the ductwork to prevent leaks and improve efficiency
  • Upgrading the furnace blower to move enough cool air through the home
  • Replacing old supply registers with wider vent grilles to improve airflow

Install ductwork for central air

The average cost to install ductwork for central air is $2,400 to $6,600 to retrofit a home without existing ducts. Replacing HVAC ductwork costs $1,400 to $5,600, depending on the home’s size.

Cost to install ductwork for central air
Install type Cost per linear foot Average cost
New duct installation / retrofit $40 – $65 $2,400 – $6,600
Ductwork replacement $25 – $55 $1,400 – $5,600
  • Ductwork repair costs $200 to $700 for minor jobs, depending on the duct size, accessibility, and service type.
  • Air duct cleaning costs $300 to $700 on average or $25 to $45 per vent.

Additional costs to put in central air

  • Thermostat replacement costs $140 to $350, depending on the type and features.
  • Indoor air quality (IAQ) modifications include whole-house air purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers:
    • Installing a whole-house air purifier costs $400 to $4,000.
    • Installing a whole-house humidifier costs $400 to $1,200.
    • Installing a whole-house dehumidifier costs $1,500 to $3,500.
  • A new AC line set costs $200 to $650 and should be replaced at the same time as the AC. Many HVAC companies do not include a new line set in the AC replacement unless requested.
  • AC refrigerant line set covers cost $40 to $120, depending on size and style.
  • Replacing the drain pan costs $200 to $600.
  • Replacing the condensate pump costs $100 to $450.
  • Repairing an AC costs $150 to $650 and may delay the need for AC replacement.
  • The cost to upgrade the electrical panel is $850 to $4,000, depending on the amps needed.
  • Installing an electrical breaker box costs $500 to $1,000 on average.
  • New insulation costs $1,000 to $3,000. Extra insulation reduces AC energy costs.

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Frequently asked questions

What size air conditioner do I need?

An air conditioner needs 16 to 30 BTUs per square foot of living space on average. Hire a licensed HVAC contractor to perform a Manual J Load calculation and determine the home’s ideal AC size.

A Manual J Load calculation considers factors like:

  • Zone, climate, and humidity
  • Square footage and number of stories
  • Home layout and ceiling height
  • Number, type, and placement of windows
  • Sun exposure or shade
  • Insulation amount and quality
  • Number of people in the home
  • Heat-generating appliances
  • Basement, slab, or crawlspace conditions

The following table shows the recommended AC size in tons based on the home’s square footage and climate zone:

AC unit size calculator
AC size Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5
1. 5 Tons 600 – 900 sf 600 – 950 sf 600 – 1000 sf 700 – 1050 sf 700 – 1100 sf
2 Tons 900 – 1200 sf 950 – 1250 sf 1000 – 1300 sf 1050 – 1350 sf 1100 – 1400 sf
2.5 Tons 1200 – 1500 sf 1250 – 1550 sf 1300 – 1600 sf 1350 – 1600 sf 1400 – 1650 sf
3 Tons 1500 – 1800 sf 1500 – 1850 sf 1600 – 1900 sf 1600 – 2000 sf 1650 – 2100 sf
3.5 Tons 1800 – 2100 sf 1850 – 2150 sf 1900 – 2200 sf 2000 – 2250 sf 2100 – 2300 sf
4 Tons 2100 – 2400 sf 2150 – 2500 sf 2200 – 2600 sf 2250 – 2700 sf 2300 – 2700 sf
5 Tons 2400 – 3000 sf 2500 – 3100 sf 2600 – 3200 sf 2750 – 3300 sf 2700 – 3300 sf

Do not buy a cooling system that is too small or too large for the home:

  • An oversized AC will “short-cycle”, turning off and on more often. Short cycling uses more energy, reduces the system’s lifespan, and prevents the AC from dehumidifying the home.
  • An AC unit that is too small will constantly run, reducing efficiency and adding wear and tear.

Does central air increase home value? Is central air worth it?

Installing central air conditioning increases a home’s resale value by 2% to 10%, depending on the location. Central air is a good investment in warm climates but provides less value in regions with mild summer weather. Replacing an existing central air system maintains but does not increase the home’s value.

Installing a new high-efficiency AC unit with a high SEER rating provides a return on investment (ROI) of 70% to 85%.

How much does central air conditioning cost to run?

The cost to run central air conditioning is $80 to $200 per month on average, depending on the AC unit’s BTU size, SEER rating, and local utility rates.

Air conditioning cost to run
AC type Monthly cost to run
Central air conditioning $80 – $200
Ductless mini-split AC $30 – $150
Window AC unit $12 – $120

*Running 8 hours per day.

  • New AC units are 20% to 40% more energy-efficient than models more than 10 years old.
  • Look for ENERGY STAR-certified units, which have the highest efficiency rating.
  • Use a programmable thermostat to reduce energy costs.

How long do AC units last?

An air conditioner lasts 12 to 15 years if correctly sized for the home and properly maintained. An AC unit’s lifespan depends on the quality, environment, and usage. Improperly sized air conditioners or units located in areas with extreme heat typically have a shorter lifespan.

Signs an air conditioner needs to be replaced:
  • Warm air or limited airflow from the vents
  • Excessive humidity in the home
  • Moldy, musty, or smoky odors
  • Loud or unusual noises from the AC system
  • Increased utility and energy bills
  • AC is more than 10 years old
  • AC uses R-22 Freon
  • AC requires frequent repairs
  • The repair cost is at least 50% of the cost of a new AC.
  • The repair cost multiplied by the system’s age in years exceeds $5,000.

How long is an average air conditioner warranty?

An air conditioner warranty lasts 10 to 15 years if the product is registered within 60 days of installation. Coverage timeframes for individual parts vary from 5 to 20 years, depending on the brand. Standard AC warranties cover equipment malfunctions but typically do not cover labor.

An AC tune-up costs $70 to $200. Failing to perform regular AC maintenance may void the manufacturer’s warranty.

How long does it take to install a central AC unit?

Installing a central AC unit takes 1 to 2 days on average if using the existing ductwork. AC installations requiring new ductwork take 3 to 5 days or more, depending on the home’s size, age, duct type, and crew size.

What is the difference between a heat pump and an air conditioner?

An air conditioner can cool but cannot heat. A heat pump can cool in the same way but can also reverse itself to provide heat instead when needed. Air conditioners are typically paired with a furnace to heat the home during cold months.

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Getting AC unit replacement quotes and estimates

Before hiring an AC company near you, be sure to:

  • Get at least three estimates to compare.
  • Look for a NATE-certified company with experience installing central AC units.
  • Select an HVAC contractor who will perform a complete home evaluation to assess your cooling needs.
  • Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
  • Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business longer than five years.
  • When comparing quotes, confirm they include equipment of the same size and quality.
  • Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
  • Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
  • Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead for work completed.

Questions to ask AC installers

  • Are you licensed and insured to install an HVAC system?
  • How long have you been in business?
  • Is a central air or ductless mini-split system best for my needs?
  • What AC unit size or capacity do you recommend for my house?
  • What is the SEER rating of the AC unit you recommend for my house?
  • Can the existing ductwork be used with the new unit?
  • Will you inspect my existing ductwork for leaks, mold, and asbestos?
  • How much will it cost to remove my old AC unit?
  • What extra costs should I expect?
  • What upgrades are available for new AC units?
  • How much will I save on energy costs each month?
  • Which brands do you recommend and why?
  • Are there any local or federal rebates or tax credits available?
  • How long is the warranty, and what does it cover?
  • How long will it take to install the central air system?
  • What kind of maintenance will the system require?
  • Can I do any maintenance myself?
  • How long will the system last?

Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted pros:

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+ 5 Sources

  • 2021 Craftsman Site License – National Estimator. (2021).

    http://www.craftsmansitelicense.com/
  • How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost? (2021).

    https://www.thisoldhouse.com/heating-cooling/22371384/air-conditioner-costs
  • How Much Does It Cost to Install AC in My Home? (2021).

    https://jacobsheating.com/blog/how-much-does-ac-install-cost/
  • How Much Does HVAC Installation or Replacement Cost? (2021).

    https://homeguide.com/costs/hvac-cost
  • Cost to Install Air Conditioning. (2021).

    https://www.homewyse.com/services/cost_to_install_air_conditioning.html

How Much Does It Cost to Install AC in My Home?

This post was originally published on March 19th, 2019, and last updated on April 13th, 2022.

Twenty years ago, air conditioning was a luxury for many of us in the Pacific Northwest. This has changed in recent years. The summers have been getting hotter and hotter, and AC has gone from a luxury home upgrade to a basic necessity for many individuals and families. In fact, we’ve seen a huge uptick in air conditioning installation requests over the past few years. Air conditioning is an investment in your home and daily comfort. While AC installation costs vary depending on the type you choose, the size of your home, and more, it’s usually a worthy investment.

Are you thinking of installing air conditioning in your home to keep you cool during the hot summer months? Cost is a major consideration for many homeowners looking to add AC.

In fact, when it comes to installing new AC systems or replacing old ones, one of the first questions we often get is: What is it going to cost? Keep reading to find out how much you can expect to spend.

Table of Contents

  1. How much does it cost to install a new Air Conditioner and Ductwork?
  2. How much does it cost to replace an Air Conditioner with Existing Ductwork?
  3. How much does it cost to replace a Furnace and Air Conditioner?
  4. How much does it cost to replace a Compressor in an Air Conditioner?
  5. How much does it cost to replace an AC Capacitor?

Factors for Determining AC Installation Cost

The cost of installing home air conditioning depends on a variety of different factors, including the following:

1. Square Footage

The cost of installing an AC system depends on the size of your home and the size AC you need for it. For larger spaces, you’ll need a more robust and customized system. However, thanks to advancements in home-cooling technology, it’s easy to keep even the largest of homes cool and comfortable – all the way from basements to top-story bedrooms.

2. Desired Level of Comfort

Do you want to be able to cool your entire home? Or are you more concerned about maintaining a comfortable temperature in specific spaces within your home? Will you keep the AC on 50% of the time or 100% of the time during the hot months? Installation cost will depend on both square footage and your desired level of comfort.

3. Home Efficiency

If you have great insulation, few west-facing windows, and adequate tree coverage, your home likely already does a good job of naturally staying cool during the hotter months. However, if you have a lot of natural light and poor insulation, you’re going to need a more robust system to keep your living spaces cool and comfortable.

4. Desired Efficiency

In simple terms, AC efficiency is the ratio between the amount of heat that’s removed and the power used to cool the space. This is generally discussed using a system’s “SEER” rating. It’s important to consider what level of efficiency is best suited to your home and preferences. Depending on where you live, there may be specific efficiency requirements. In Portland, for example, the government requires us to sell equipment that is 13 SEER or higher. However, in 2023, these regulations will tighten to a minimum SEER of 14 for the northern U.S., which will likely result in higher equipment prices.

Energy efficient air conditioners may be more expensive up front, but you’ll benefit over time from lower monthly utility bills and overall utility costs.

5. Noise Requirements and Sensitivity

Are you sensitive to continuous humming and/or buzzing sounds? Or does your HOA have noise restrictions? If you’re noise-sensitive or need to adhere to specific noise-related requirements, you’ll want to consider a quieter model. Fortunately, thanks to new technology, we have lots of quiet options available!

6. Type of System

The cost of installing an AC unit in your home may depend on the type of AC system you choose. There are many different types of systems to consider. From a central air conditioner to a heat pump to a ductless AC unit, and there are pros and cons to each. When you speak with one of our consultants, we can customize a solution that works best for your particular home, needs, lifestyle, and preferences.

7. New or Replacement System

Are you installing AC in your home for the first time? Or are you replacing an outdated system? When replacing an outdated or inefficient system, the cost of installation is generally lower than for first-time installs.

AC Installation and Replacement Costs

Considering all the different variables and the number of options available, the cost of air conditioner installation can vary quite a bit. Central AC units generally start around $5,000 and run up to about $10,000.

For ductless systems, prices start around $5,500 and can go up from there. While ductless is more expensive than a central AC unit, it has countless benefits, which are all outlined on our blog about the pros of ductless systems. One of our favorite benefits is zoning, which allows you to separately control which rooms or areas of your home you want to keep cool at any given time.

How much does it cost to install a New Air Conditioner and Ductwork?

The cost of AC installation can vary depending on many different factors, such as the size of your home, the type of AC system you choose, and whether or not you already have ductwork. If your home doesn’t have existing ductwork, installing a furnace, AC and ductwork would generally cost between $20,000 and $30,000.

How much does it cost to replace an Air Conditioner with Existing Ductwork?

Replacing an air conditioner when your home has existing ductwork is significantly less expensive than installing a brand new system. That’s because each duct run adds cost, especially when you’re replacing solid ducts in walls or ceilings. Typically, you can expect to spend between $5,000 and $10,000 for a new system when your home has pre-installed ductwork, depending on a variety of factors, including your home’s size and efficiency.

How much does it cost to replace a Furnace and Air Conditioner?

A furnace/AC combination is a popular choice for many homeowners, as “matched” systems can provide increased energy efficiency and optimized indoor comfort. Rather than paying separately for a furnace installation and a replacement AC, if you need both installed or replaced, it often makes logical and financial sense to replace both units at the same time. This generally costs somewhere between $9,000 and $16,000 but varies depending on the type of system you choose and the heating and cooling requirements of your home.

How much does it cost to replace a Compressor in an Air Conditioner?

A compressor is essentially the heart of an AC system. It takes the refrigerant from a gas state to a liquid one and keeps it pumping through the system — much like the heart does with blood in the body. In many cases, a dead compressor is a sign you need to replace the entire system, especially for older models that are unlikely to last much longer. However, there are many cases where just replacing the compressor is the most efficient and affordable option, especially if the manufacturer’s warranty covers it. Most compressors cost somewhere between $1300 and $3000, depending on the system.

How much does it cost to replace an AC Capacitor?

Capacitors are components within your air conditioner’s outdoor condensing unit and in the furnace and work to power the motor and keep your system running. Replacing an AC capacitor is usually a relatively quick and inexpensive process, as long as you have a qualified and knowledgeable installer. Prices typically range from $300 to about $500, including the part and labor. It’s important to note that, although you can often buy an AC capacitor online unless you have significant HVAC experience, it’s always best to hire a professional contractor for a capacitor replacement, as the process can be potentially dangerous.

Additional reading: Do You Need Air Conditioning in Portland?

Ductless AC Costs

A ductless air conditioning system is a great option if your home doesn’t have existing ductwork. Ductless ACs are often referred to as “mini-splits,” and they’re actually a type of heat pump. There are some unique benefits to ductless systems. One of the biggest advantages is the “zoning” feature, where you can adjust the temperature of each indoor unit separately, allowing you to heat or cool areas in your home to different temperatures depending on what rooms are being used via separate remote controls.

Ductless ACs are relatively expensive to install, ranging from $5,500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the number of indoor units you have installed. However, despite the higher installation cost, mini-split systems save you tremendously on energy costs in the long run due to their unique efficiency technology. If you’re planning to stay in your current home for the foreseeable future, it’s often a worthwhile investment.

AC Costs by Ton, SEER Rating, & Brand

It goes without saying that the cost of an AC installation depends on a number of different factors such as type, size, brand and manufacturer, and SEER efficiency ratings. Efficiency impacts price, both upfront and in the long run. A system with a higher SEER rating will cost more upon installation. However, high-efficiency systems can also save you money in the long run as yearly electricity costs are lower, often by thousands of dollars. 

ACs are not all created equal. That’s why it’s also important to consider brands when looking for a reliable AC system. We install Carrier because it’s a time-tested brand that utilizes higher-quality and longer-lasting components that don’t require extensive upkeep.

Investing in a New AC

Cooling our homes with technologically advanced HVAC systems used to be considered a luxury. Now, with summer temperatures hotter than ever before, AC is a requirement for many homeowners. When you replace or install AC, you invest in your daily comfort, health, productivity, energy levels, and even your home’s market value. In fact, experts estimate that having air conditioning installed can increase a home’s value by about 10%.

An AC installation can be expensive, but it can also add measurable value and improve the quality of life in your home. Jacobs Heating & Air Conditioning offers financing options and payment plans, and we’re here to help you navigate the budgeting process so you can stay cool and comfortable during the hot summer months without breaking the bank.

AC Maintenance

Regular maintenance is an important aspect of caring for your home’s HVAC system, avoiding emergencies, and extending your system’s life. Nothing’s worse than investing in an effective, comprehensive home-cooling system only to have it quit on you in mid-July when you need it the most. Opting for yearly HVAC maintenance and tune-ups is significantly less than the costs associated with repairing or replacing an HVAC unit that’s been neglected for years.

Benefits of Air Conditioning

With significant advances in home-cooling and energy-saving technology in recent years, we’re seeing an increasing number of benefits to air conditioning. AC has become more efficient and better at optimizing comfort. Additionally, with the use of a zoning system, which allows you to only cool certain rooms or areas at a time, you can minimize your environmental (and economic) footprint by only cooling the parts of your home that need it the most.

In addition to increased comfort, air conditioning systems can also be a good choice to protect yourself from environmental pollutants. We’re seeing a huge upsurge in summer forest fires, which has been impacting the outdoor air quality. In the summer months, with AC, you won’t need to open windows to keep your spaces cool. You can improve your indoor air quality by only bringing in conditioned, filtered air.

We’re Here to Help With Your Home Heating & Cooling Needs

At Jacobs Heating & Air Conditioning, we carry the highest-quality equipment and systems from the leading brand, Carrier®, who actually invented air conditioning! You can explore our wide-ranging selection here.

At Jacobs, we’re always here to provide our clients transparent, accurate, and fair estimates about new installs or system updates. If you’re interested in getting a specific quote, we’d love to help. Reach out to us at any time online or complete a service request form to get started. We’re here to answer any questions you have and help you make the best decision for your home and family.

How much does a Steam account cost, how to find out the cost of a Steam profile

Content

  • How to find out the cost of an account
  • Tip
  • FAQ
  • Related videos

Steam is a popular online distribution service for computer games and software. Internet platform users spend quite a lot of money on it. To find out how much an account in Steam costs, you can use special calculators. Such information will be needed if the user decides to calculate all his expenses for entertainment on the Internet.

How to find out the cost of an account

Special services will help you find out the cost of an account in Steam, the principle of which is based on price dynamics. The figures obtained as a result of the use of calculators should be perceived by users for review. This is not the real value of the profile, for which it can be sold to third parties. Not all games saved in the account were purchased at the lowest price. Also, the library of a particular user is not always interesting for other players in full.

SteamDB SteamCalculator Steam tools
https://steamdb.info/calculator/ https://steamcalculator. com/ https://steam.tools/

SteamDB

The site is quite popular among players because it allows not only to calculate the cost of an account. With it, you can find out useful statistical information (time of visiting video games, participation in promotions). To perform the calculation, follow the instructions below:

  1. Go to the site using the link https://steamdb.info/calculator/.
  2. In the first field, enter the link to your Steam account, in the second field, select the currency.
  3. Click the button below the input fields.
  4. Log in with Steam to allow the service to access information about games. Click the “Sign in via …” button.
  5. If you have logged into your account in a specific browser, it remains to select the desired profile. If not, log in. Enter your username and password for your page.
  6. If you have a mobile authenticator, wait for an SMS message to your phone and enter it in the appropriate field.
  7. After the authentication is completed, a page with the required information will appear. Two numbers will be displayed. Green – corresponds to the cost of the account, provided that all games are purchased at the lowest prices. The red number indicates how much the profile costs today without any discounts.

Note:
In the “Products” tab, you can find out the current cost of each game and the number of hours played in it.

Read also:

Steam account activation

SteamCalculator

The SteamCalculator service is considered less informative than SteamDB. Here you cannot select the currency in which the final cost will be displayed. The calculation is performed according to the portal’s internal database. Therefore, the final cost is usually very high.

To perform the calculation using the SteamCalculator, use the instruction:

  1. Go to https://steamcalculator.com/.
  2. In the input field, enter a link to the personal profile of the online platform.
  3. Click the confirmation button next to the link field.
  4. Authorize through your Steam account by clicking the “Sign in …” button.
  5. After completing these steps, the price of the profile in the United States will be displayed, excluding discounts that are currently in effect.

Note:
At the bottom of the page you will see the cost of each purchased game without discounts and promotions.

Steam tools

Steam tools is the perfect place for users who want to know the cost of their profile with inventory. This is very important since many games are not very expensive. But the purchase of various additional tools costs the player a round sum.

To use the Steam tools, follow the instructions:

  1. Go to https://steam.tools/.
  2. Select the “Item Value Sorter” section.
  3. In the window that opens, enter your SteamID or a link to your personal page.
  4. Press the “Fetch” button. Near the inscription “Total” the total amount and the amount of inventory will be displayed.

Note:
The functionality of the site allows you to select a specific game for evaluation, change the currency and use various filters.

Advice

In order to use the calculators to calculate the cost of a profile in Steam, you need to make it public. If it is completely or partially closed, you must go through additional authorization on the site using the data of your Steam account.

When a user does not want to enter personal information – login and password – on third-party portals, access should first be opened in Steam. To do this, find the “Edit profile” section on the right side of the window. Select “My Privacy Settings”. In the section that opens, open access to game information and inventory. Also keep in mind that the system needs some time to update (up to 1 hour).

FAQ

How do I get the account URL?

Go to your profile, then right-click on any free area. Select “Copy page address”.

Can I sell my Steam account for the price given by one of the calculators?

The cost of accounts calculated by special services can be used for informational purposes only. The sale of profiles to third parties is strictly prohibited by the developers of the Internet platform. Such actions are punished by an eternal ban.

Here’s how to check the value of your Steam account

The SteamDB portal continues to delight with new features

SteamDB portal capability.

The service recently began reporting free games and free weekends on Steam. But do you know how much your account is worth?

First you need to know the URL of your account. The fastest way is to go to your Steam profile, right-click anywhere, and then select “Copy page address”. Then, in the profile, click on the right “Edit profile” and on the open page “My privacy settings”. Access to game information must be “Open”. After checking it can be closed again.

Then follow the link to the SteamDB calculator, paste the previously copied link into the “Profile URL” field and click “Get disappointed in your life” (Disappoint in your life). If you forgot to open your profile, the information will remain inaccessible for an hour. After that, the procedure can be repeated.

The calculator will show not only the approximate value of your account, but also the time, as well as the number of games in which you spent time.

2020-04-15 12:00:41

Dmitry Krivov

Announced by Old World. Mix of ideas Civilization, Crusader Kings and Offworld Trading Company will be released in the summer of

Diablo 4 and Call of Duty 2020 will be released without problems. Bobby Kotick’s phone was given to all employees of Activision Blizzard

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The market doesn’t care about toxicity. Indifference Electronic Arts

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While some bloggers are screaming that disgruntled players are killing singles with toxic remarks, EA continues to work. The company monopolized sports games, strangles the audience with microtransactions and didn’t care about the opinion of “toxics”. And despite the hatred of the players, she continues to make a profit. How did it happen? Let’s figure it out.

This is not a mod. This is the shooter of the year! Review of Entropy: Zero 2

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Entropy: Zero 2 is a Half-Life 2 mod where you play as an elite Alliance soldier. He ruthlessly kills the rebels who are trying to free the Earth from alien invaders. And he does it for the privileges that his masters promised him.

Back to the roots. What will Assassin’s Creed Mirage be like?

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On September 10, the Ubisoft Forward conference took place and the announcement of Assassin’s Creed Mirage turned out to be a headliner. A return to the basics of the series, the Middle East, a charismatic protagonist, a video about what the Mirage will be like and three texts from Western journalists – we have collected all the information in this article.

Do not buy this at full price! Review of The Last of Us Part 1

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Sony Interactive Entertainment does not understand the definition of a remake. The company, without hesitation, makes it clear to the players that it is holding them for fools – otherwise it is impossible to justify the price of a full-fledged AAA project, for a remaster of a remaster.

Don’t need a Valve console? OneXplayer review and comparison with Steam Deck

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It seemed that Valve revolutionized the world of portable systems by releasing the Steam Deck. But where Newell’s team is treading neatly on an uncharted path, Chinese rivals have long marched in order. The “Steam Deck’s answer” was the OneXplayer, a portable device with the power of a desktop PC.

How to find out the cost of a Steam account: the price of an account

Sometimes it is useful to find out the cost of a Steam account – we have selected the coolest services that will help you get the numbers you need in a few seconds! Just copy the short link to see the full report on your Community account.

Is it possible

Why do you even need to know how much a Steam account costs? Some users want to calculate how much money they spent during registration in the Community – do you remember that games are paid? And then there are in-app purchases…

Others want to estimate the value of an account for a theoretical sale. The third is just curious – after all, in this way you can find out the price of a Steam account from any user. Get not only personal data, but also information on the profiles of friends or acquaintances.

It is very difficult to calculate expenses on your own, especially if a larger number of various games were bought on the account. Here, special algorithms come to the rescue that will do the work for you.

Whatever the reasons, let’s get down to business! We have found some cool tools, the final choice is up to you.

Prerequisites

Before you find out how much my Steam account is worth, you need to prepare – and follow a few simple steps. So, let’s move on to the preliminary work:

  • Open the web client, log in if necessary;
  • Click on your name at the top right and go to the “Open profile” section through the drop-down menu;
  • Click the Edit icon on the right;
  • Click the “Privacy” button. It’s on the panel on the left.

Now you need to make sure that you put the value “Open” next to the following items:

  • My profile;
  • Access to game information;
  • Inventory.

If some information is hidden, it will not be possible to find out the price of the Steam account. Therefore, if necessary, you need to correct the set privacy settings.

Now make sure you uncheck the box next to Hide total game time even when other data is visible.

Changes are saved automatically, so just choose the appropriate settings and close the page.

To find out the cost of a Steam account, you must be sure to arm yourself with a link to the page or find a personal ID number.

Getting a link to a page is very easy!

  • Go back to the main page and click on the “Open profile” icon again through the username;
  • Now copy the contents of the address bar to your clipboard (example: https://steamcommunity.com/id/user11/).

Sometimes the Steam account is evaluated only through the id, the link to the profile is not enough. Therefore, let’s try to get the identifier in simple ways. Open any site:

  • https://steamid.xyz/;
  • https://steamid.co/;
  • https://steamidfinder.com/;
  • https://steamid.io/.

The functionality and interface of the services are practically the same. It is enough to paste the account link you copied earlier into the search box – in a few seconds you will receive a window with the desired results.

Important: there is no difference between ID, ID3 or ID64, you can use any identifier. Despite external differences, they have the same meaning.

The preparatory phase is over – now you can actually evaluate your account on Steam, this will help special services.

Steamdb.info

Let’s use the cool Steam account calculator. It is as simple as possible, convenient, works flawlessly – hundreds of thousands of users have used it. Just follow the link and start:

  • Paste the ID number or URL into the search bar – you won’t miss it;
  • Select a currency in the box below;
  • Click on the “Disappoint in your life” icon;
  • Detailed information will be loaded in a few seconds;
  • Find the “Products” button in the left panel. It is located just below the “Information” icon.

Here you will see the cost of a Steam account – next to each game in the list (here, products uploaded to the library) you will see the price in rubles. Shows the purchase price and the amount spent on in-game purchases. The final result is summed up.

You will also find out how much time you spent in a particular application and see the corresponding position in the rating.

Steamid.pro

There is another service that answers the question of how to find out the cost of a Steam account – there is nothing easier! The data is accurate. The main thing is not to confuse the identifier in order to get the correct value.

Follow the link to the calculator. Let’s start calculating the cost of a Steam account:

  • Enter the user ID in the search box (you already know how to calculate it). You won’t be able to use the URL link here;
  • Press the enter button.

At the top, next to the name and avatar, you will see an approximate price calculation – it is correlated with today’s circumstances. Scroll down the page below to see the full list of installed games with price and amount of time spent in the game. Bingo!

Remember, no service is perfect. The price of a Steam account may not be entirely accurate (mistakes are rare, but they do happen). You can double-check several times if you doubt the results.

You will need information on how to find out the cost of a Steam account if you want to calculate the amount of money spent or argue with friends … However, the reasons are not important! Save our selection of cool services to bookmarks and use when necessary.

How to find out how much a Tiktok account is worth using the tiktok money calculator

Social media has revolutionized the digital market not only because of its potential to reach the masses, but because thousands of people are already benefiting of these media thanks to digital marketing or by applying strategies to increase awareness of your brand or business. .

This is the case with giants like Facebook, where anyone with a fan page or group with a lot of followers can monetize their spaces with online ads. This also applies to media like Instagram since they are owned by the same company.

Of course, in order to benefit from this, your accounts must be real, as well as subscribers, and that publications do not contradict public standards from platforms.

Although they are a good alternative, they have certain limitations that make reaching the goal almost impossible. However, a new short video platform known as TikTok is giving you a chance to win. additional income from sponsors and is working on their next ad network.

For this reason, and to give you an idea of ​​what you can get, we show you how to find out how much your account is worth and what to do to increase its value with a few tips.

How do you know how much your TikTok account is worth?

Many companies look to reach out to people or influencers to become sponsors, and both benefit from promoting their brand in popular TikTok videos.

The importance of knowing the true value of your TikTok account unsplash

For this reason, it is important to know how much your account is worth and thus set a price for a sponsored post. Similarly, if at any time you decide to follow TikTok, with this data, you will have its total cost at hand.

Note that brands or businesses will pay more for bills with high engagement rates knowing that the calculated calculation is made using this formula: [(Number of hearts + number of comments) / number of followers] x100.

How much does a tiktoker account cost?

If you have recently started TikTok and want to know the estimated value of your account, there is an easy way to find out and we will tell you here:

  • Enter TikTok Money Calculator.
  • Put username (as it seems) in the search engine.
  • Please wait a few seconds to see the result.
  • A box will appear showing: number of followers, number of hearts, number of posts, rate commitment or audience participation rate, and just below your profile will display the estimated earnings per post set in dollars ($USD).

This is the estimated price of your TikTok account after applying the calculation. influencer marketing

This tool will show you the approximate income you can earn per post. It is important to point out that this method is not an official TikTok calculation, so you can only use it to get a general idea. Remember the most important thing is to produce original and quality content and get organic followers .

Tips for growing your TikTok account

If you just looked at the calculator to find out how much your TikTok account is worth and what you realize that the platform is barely making a few dollars, it’s time to put these tips into practice:

Audience Understanding

Once you’ve started TikTok , download stuff about what you love to do. On the platform, you can start with any topic, comedy, dance, sports, chance, education, and more.

Choose the one that best suits your style, and in case you still don’t know, many users have taken their first steps by making everyday videos and now have thousands of subscribers.

Follow these tips to increase the value of your unsplash account

The idea is that when you post content, you understand which videos you get the most response from your audience, and from that moment you start working.

Improve your profile

A good profile is who you are. If you draw attention to TikTok, your cover letter in front of others will be your user profile.

Make sure you have a photo of your very best, and if you don’t have one, replace it with a photo that matches what you want to convey.

We recommend | How to change your TikTok profile picture

Use a username that is easy to remember and non-controversial, put a brief description of what they are going to achieve on their profile, and if you want to increase traffic on other networks, the app gives you the option to add a link to your YouTube channel, Instagram or website.

Follow the rules and regulations

As with any social network, the rules and regulations are clear to everyone. The idea is to maintain respect, avoid posting videos that incite hatred or support for dangerous organizations, illegal activities and promotions, the use and sale of drugs, scams, scams, violence, dangerous acts, outright harassment, and more.

Follow the rules and regulations of TikTok exactly and avoid problems with the community. pexels

To learn more about the TikTok community rules, please refer to the official page. If for any reason you violate any of these restrictions, TikTok has the right to remove your videos.

Ongoing content production

It will be a bit difficult at first if you don’t have the right production team; However, as you gain experience and fame, you can improve the quality of your videos.

Another key when creating content is to add a mini video description and if possible use hashtags le is the most popular at the moment.

Engage with the public

We know how difficult it is to respond to every comment, but you need to make time for your followers or rate their posts.

Maintain direct contact with your audience and create videos that are original and fun

This will help you empathize with your audience even more and tell them how good you are for them. Performs diffusion en continuous to find out more about you or perhaps answer current questions or questions they have.

Share on networks

Not only publish content on TikTok but broadcast sooner to more people via Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc. The more people have access to your videos, the higher it will be their receptivity and you will be able to attract a large audience.

As you will see, by applying these tips, you can increase your TikTok followers and gradually increase the value of your account. Now do you know how much your account is worth? What are you waiting to find out?

What happens to your Steam account after you die? / Habr

Do you have any idea how much money you spent on your Steam account? Try to estimate the amount, even if it is approximate – it will be useful to remember it, because today we will talk about it. If you bought a lot of different games over the years, as I think, then these costs were decent.

And despite the monetary and nostalgic value that a library may have on Steam, upon your death, in accordance with Valve Corporation’s current user agreement, your account will effectively die with you. With the current state of things, you simply cannot leave your account to a close friend or loved one.

Look at Section C of the Steam Subscriber Agreement and you will see the following paragraph there:

“Your Account, including any information related to it (for example, contact details, billing information, Account history, Subscriptions, etc. ), is purely personal character. You may not sell or trade your Account or otherwise transfer your Account, and you may not sell, trade or otherwise transfer your Subscriptions, except it is expressly permitted by this Agreement (including any Subscription Terms or Terms of Use) or otherwise permitted by Valve.”

Simply put, this means that without the express permission of Valve, you cannot simply transfer your Steam account to another person. Even if you write in your will that you want it, without such permission, this condition will not be fulfilled after death. This week I contacted a lawyer who specializes in the video game industry to confirm this fact.

“Steam’s position is that you can’t transfer an account,” explained Alex Tutti, Partner at Sheridans Law Firm. “And this position is common for almost everyone who licenses software. They also say that this issue is decided on a case-by-case basis. If someone dies, they look at evidence of death and legal rights before deciding to transfer. I know that Facebook, for example, allows people to log into an account and turn the page into a “memory page” so that it can be managed under different licensing rules. But as far as Steam is concerned, I don’t know of any cases where someone was able to get a dead person’s account and continue to use it.”

This pattern is not unique to Valve and Steam. There are very similar conditions and restrictions in the rules of the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live, or even in non-gaming stores like iTunes and the Amazon Kindle Store.

The problem with these end-user digital libraries is that when we buy a game or software digitally, we are actually buying a license for that content. The terms and conditions we agree to upon purchase state that these licenses may be revoked if we breach our end of the bargain, which includes revoking ownership of our accounts, even in death.

Most likely, this situation will continue until someone forces changes in the legislation. But don’t rely too much on it.

“Until someone introduces digital copy rights laws, which say that the rights to your licensed materials and intellectual property that you have bought during your lifetime are actually similar to ownership rights, which means you have the right to transfer them, then no one will do it,” says Tutti.

But wait, let’s give Valve some credit here. Doesn’t the company say it could potentially transfer a Steam account from one person to another if permission is granted?

If I were to die tomorrow, I would like to give my Steam account to my good friend and colleague Christian Donlan. I know he didn’t get to play the Total War series and I think he would love my collection.

So, let’s say I would write a will that sets out my will in the event of my departure. All that remains for me is for Valve to give it a green light.

But how easy is the process? I turned to the official Steam support page again, and to my surprise, there is no section for users planning to write their last will and testament. Hm. Well, how am I supposed to do this?

There’s a problem, isn’t there? Of course, it’s great that there is an exception in the conditions that allows you to ask permission from Valve. But without some kind of supporting infrastructure, this feature is not very useful. I tried submitting my request through an unrelated support page and got the following response after a couple of days:0003

“Hi Chris, Transferring Steam accounts and licenses is not allowed. The Steam Support Team cannot grant you permission to change this condition. We also cannot help you with your will and the steps to take if you die. Thank you for using Steam,
Thor.”

Thank you Thor. And I guess I’m sorry, Donlan.

Disappointed Donlan.

I suspect that someone at Valve can answer this question, someone who is able to give me the right permission. But how, for heaven’s sake, can I contact this person, whoever they are? If you think realistically, then no.

So this agreement we made with digital stores already seems to be outdated. And this problem will not solve itself. Modern Steam users will continue to age, and it will inevitably have to be faced at some point.

“I think they should definitely hurry up,” says Tutti. “I also think they should keep up for a more practical reason – people will leave leaving their passwords in their wills. Stores may find themselves in a situation where their conditions do not reflect the reality they are in. Once they’re in that situation, they’ll look a little redundant.”

“If everyone ignores the rules of agreements, then these rules have no effect. If you’re not going to do anything about it, then maybe they shouldn’t apply at all.”

So things have to change, that’s obvious. But even though it’s a winning PR move for a company like Valve to just say, “Don’t worry guys, we’ll let you transfer ownership of your accounts after you die,” it’s not that simple. For this to happen, Valve needs to change the contracts that the company has with the publishers of the products it sells. If we need anyone, my friends, it’s a hero. We need Bruce Willis.

At the end of 2012, a very strange story was happening: Bruce Willis wondered what would happen to his voluminous iTunes library after his death. Moreover, there were rumors that he was preparing a lawsuit against Apple so that the company would allow his daughters to leave an account after his death.

It turned out that this story was a duck, although it is a pity, because it raises a very fair question. For these companies to change the terms and conditions, it will likely take a major legal battle.

“I think we should expect the law to change based on precedent,” says Tutti. “Someone should challenge this system and say: this is a legacy, and I should have a right to it.”

“As is the case with most changes in the digital legal world, most often they appear in the States because they are at the forefront of legislation. Therefore, if Bruce Willis managed to change the situation and he would receive a decision from the California courts, then it would begin to be enforced in other courts.

Bruce, if you’re reading this… we need your help, friend!

So this is our position. Of course, in practice, you can give someone your username and password before you die, and, most likely, Valve will not know that you are playing from the grave. But legally, this shouldn’t happen. It’s ridiculous. If you’ve spent hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars on a Steam library, it seems only fair that you have the right to decide what becomes of it when you’re gone.

We have asked Valve to comment on the current Subscriber Agreement.

Illustrations and animation by Annie Sayers.

How to rent a Facebook account and is it worth it

There are many ways to make money on Facebook: sell goods and services, publish ads, redirect traffic to a third-party site. But there is another monetization scheme.

We help

MC.today editors figured out how to rent a Facebook account and how profitable it is to use this service.


Why a Facebook account is rented

A person who rents out an account receives passive income every month while the page is used. For a month, special services promise up to $500 per account. The amount depends on the quality of the profile, geolocation and other parameters.

Arbitrators rent profiles (specialists who attract buyers to advertisers for a fee. – Ed.) . They do not use the page itself, but only the advertising account.

An example of an advertisement for renting an account

An advertising account on Facebook can be blocked due to actions in the account or in ads: when the advertising budget increases sharply, the rules of the social network or the law are violated.

For more information on what content you can post on Facebook and what you shouldn’t, read here.

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If you are temporarily blocked, you can try to restore your account, but this does not always work. In this case, you need to contact the technical support of the site. It is better to write in English: this way the chances of a quick response increase. The answer will have to wait from several days to weeks. As a result, a message may come that the decision to block is final.

It is for fraud and advertising of prohibited products that an office can be blocked forever. If you create a new advertising account, then Facebook will track it and block it again.

Therefore, in order to launch advertising, an affiliate has to rent other people’s accounts.

Other accounts are rented by people who launch an advertising campaign from several offices . Facebook does not allow multiple accounts. It is possible to have two profiles if one is personal and the other company. How to rent out your Facebook account safely? Services where they find and place ads:

  • Freelance exchanges . On Freelancehunt, Freelance. ua, Upwork and other exchanges, they find offers from arbitrageurs. The customer offers the price, but you can bargain. Exchanges are one of the most reliable services for renting social media pages. Payment goes through a secure payment system, which is controlled by the service itself.
  • Special sites . On Rent.dont.farm, Rentusyourfbook, Arsial.info and other sites you can rent an account for $109per month. Such services are often blocked, as Facebook is constantly fighting with tenants.
  • Social networks . On Telegram, Instagram and Facebook, you can find pages, communities and channels where social network accounts are rented or rented. Enter in the search box “rent accounts”, “rent profiles” and similar queries. Here you can find offers in different price categories. But social networks are not as reliable sources as exchanges and special sites.
  • Ad aggregator sites . On aggregator sites like OLX and others, you can submit or find page rental ads. True, they are rare here. Choose only company representatives. That will be safer.

When your ad is responded to or you respond to the offer yourself, you must be checked. A Facebook profile is suitable for rent if:

  • The account is at least six months old. Sometimes they take accounts from only one year.
  • You must have at least 20 friends per page.
  • Advertising cabinet has not been used yet.
  • The page is live: an avatar is loaded, there are publications and activity under them, personal information is filled in.
  • At least two or three activities per month.
  • Account verified by phone number.

How to protect yourself when renting an account

  1. Request ad creatives to make sure that the content will not violate the rules of the social network. If the rules are violated, the advertising account will be blocked in a couple of days. In case of violation of the rules for placing advertising, not the entire account is blocked, but only the advertising account.
  2. Give your account only to those about whom you have read a lot of reviews from real people or acquaintances. Always check the services and their representatives in Google.
  3. Agree only on long-term cooperation.
  4. Do not forget to unlink your bank card from your account and advertising account so that you are not charged for someone else’s advertising.
  5. Do not rent your account if your correspondence contains photos of documents, passwords, banking or other data that scammers can use.

2 ways to rent a Facebook account

  1. Give login and password . Easy, but not the safest way. When you transfer data from a personal profile, the person gets access to other data: correspondence, media, and so on. Arbitrators usually do not need your data, but scammers will definitely use it.
  2. Use the remote access program . If you are afraid for your data, then offer the affiliate to work through remote access. These can be programs: Chrome Remote Desktop, TeamViewer. Here you will see what is being done on the screen of another computer. Coordinate the working hours with the arbitrator and see what he does with your account.

When you agree on the terms of the transaction, decide how and when the money will be transferred. Payment methods:

  • to a bank card;
  • to a bank account;
  • to an electronic wallet;
  • in cryptocurrency;
  • top up phone balance.

How to rent a Facebook account

Search for rent accounts in social networks, exchanges and aggregator sites. You can also find such offers on Facebook, but they are constantly blocked.

In order not to search, but to receive applications from landlords, you need to place an ad on the same sites or create your own website. The ad indicates the requirements for the account: the age of the profile, the number of friends, activity, geolocation, and so on. This way you can narrow your search. Only eligible account holders will contact you. Also indicate the cost of rent per month.

If you have your own website, then you can make a form on it that the profile owner needs to fill out. Go to the page and check the information.

Important! Check if there are subscribers and other account activity. Facebook does it manually.

Announcements can also be posted on the forums under the discussion of the topic about renting accounts. Such publications are created and discussed only by the target audience.

You can also buy a Facebook account. The cost is from $3. If the account does not work or is quickly blocked, it will still turn out to be cheaper than a monthly rental. Such accounts minimize the risks: the owner will not be able to change the password without warning, and he can do it at any time.

Reviews about renting Facebook accounts

There are a lot of negative comments on the net: people were deceived, paid little, their account was blocked or stolen.

Some other scammers do this: they pay only the first month, and then stop paying and block the account.

Positive reviews are mostly only on exchanges or special services. Users even attach screenshots of payments. But how true they are is a big question.

Conclusion

Renting a Facebook account means getting a small but passive income.

To prevent your advertising account from being blocked, carefully choose affiliates: read reviews, look for them only on trusted sites.

But remember: renting a social media account is a big risk for the profile owner. Do not rent your account to unverified affiliates and if you store personal data on Facebook.

Benefits Risks
For owners of Monthly passive income 1.