The cost of replacing a central air conditioner in the Minneapolis - St. Paul area can range anywhere from $3,700 to $12,000+.
That’s a large range, we know. That’s because there’s many different factors that affect the price of a home air conditioner.
We’ll go into some of those below. But, in the meantime, if you want a price for replacing your home air conditioner (and you live in the Twin Cities area) get a free quote from us.
Like most products, size affects the price. Air conditioner size is expressed in tons and, in general, larger ACs are more expensive.
The size you need depends on many factors (including the size of your home, insulation levels, etc.). Your air conditioning installer should do a heat load calculation to determine the right size for your home.
The energy efficiency of an air conditioner is measured in SEER. The higher the SEER number, the more energy efficient—and the more expensive—the AC will be.
The minimum efficiency air conditioner you can buy in Minnesota currently is a 13-SEER unit. But air conditioners can also go as high as 21 SEER.
There are several different kinds of air conditioners you can buy, and they all have different price tags.
Central air conditioners
A central air conditioner consists of an indoor unit, outdoor unit and the ductwork to blow the cool air through your home. Central air conditioners are usually the best option if you want to cool your whole home in the summer.
Mini-split (or ductless) air conditioners
Mini-split air conditioners are the most expensive type of air conditioner, coming in around 20-30% more than central air conditioners (not including ductwork). However, they work great in old homes where ductwork can’t be easily added.
For more info, check out our comparison: Central vs. Mini-Split Air Conditioners
The person and company you hire to install your air conditioner will also affect the price. You might be able to find a really cheap AC installer, but you often get what you pay for.
Will that installer be around in the future if something goes wrong? Our experience says, probably not.
That’s why, in our (very biased) opinion, you should use a company that:
Related: What Makes a Heating and Air Conditioner Contractor Qualified?
Your AC replacement cost can cost more if it includes any of the following:
Getting a good deal on a new air conditioner for your home is simple:
Related: When Can I Get a Deal on a New Air Conditioner and Furnace?
Try getting 2 or 3 quotes from different contractors. Just make sure what they’re offering you is apples to apples (same size, same efficiency, etc.)
Already have a quote on a new air conditioner and want to know if it’s fair? We’ll give you a free second opinion if you live in the area! Just contact us for an air conditioning replacement quote.
MSP Plumbing, Heating and Air has served the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area since 1918.