Window Air Conditioner Costs – 2023 Price Guide
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A window air conditioner is the simplest way to add air conditioning to your home. These small units mount directly in your windows, so they don't require ducts and are able to vent directly to the outdoors.
You might be wondering how much it costs to install a window air conditioner. Keep reading to learn more.
2023 Window Air Conditioner Costs
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| National Average Price | $315 |
| Typical Price Range | $115 - $550 |
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How Much Does a Window AC Unit Cost?
Window air conditioning units usually cost $115 to $550, depending on several factors. Most people spend about $315 on one.
There are many reasons why a homeowner may choose a window air conditioner over an HVAC system. The first that comes to mind is the fact that window air conditioners can potentially save you a lot of money if you don’t have a large space to cool or ducts already installed.
Depending on your cooling needs, you might find that it makes more sense to buy a window air conditioner unit instead of kitting out your entire house with a new heating and cooling system. For example, you might have a system that runs perfectly well, but there is one room in the house that is always too warm.
It might have sliding doors or a lot of windows, which lets more heat into the house during the summer. Buying a window air conditioner for this one room is a lot cheaper than investing in a new HVAC system with a higher output or installing central air if you don’t have high air conditioning needs.
Clearly, window air conditioners can be a feasible option for many homes. Thus, it’s appropriate to find out how much they cost. Here is a rundown of the factors that affect the cost of a window air conditioner, as well as some specific cost calculations:
Size of the Room
The size of the room you’re installing the window air conditioner contributes to the overall cost. This is because the size of the room influences the required BTU of the air conditioner. BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a universal measurement of energy.
The larger your room, the more BTUs you will need. For example, in a 10-foot by 10-foot room (100 square foot), you will need a 5,000 BTU window air conditioner. To find the amount of BTUs your window air conditioner should have, you use the length and width of the room to calculate the necessary BTU output.
Size of the Unit
When you buy a window air conditioner, it’s important to get the size right. If you buy one that’s too overpowered, it will cost you unnecessary money to run and will also be less effective in terms of dehumidifying the room.
This is because window air conditioners also dry the air, and one that is too big for the room will shut off more often because it has already performed its cooling job. Buying one that is too small is even worse because you’ll have it running continuously to maintain comfort, and you’ll soon see this reflected in your utility bills.
The bigger the unit (in terms of power, not size), the more expensive it is.
Brand and Features
The brand and features of the window air conditioner can mean that you can pay anything from a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand bucks for one. Don’t worry, however; an average window air conditioner will not go into the thousand-dollar range.
Deciding what features you deem necessary will help you filter out units that don’t meet your needs. Well-known brands will generally cost more than unfamiliar ones, but sometimes a well-known name can provide you with assurance that might make a bit more money worthwhile.
Different homeowners have different priorities in mind when they make a purchase, so it’s entirely up to you how much emphasis you wish to place on the brand and features included in your new window air conditioner.
Cost Calculations
Now that we’ve discussed some factors to be considered when trying to ascertain the cost of a window air conditioner, here are some specific cost calculations that will help you arrive at an accurate figure:
Assuming that the unit is 115 volts with an adjustable thermostat and remote, here are the estimated prices of a window air conditioner (installation included) for some different sizes of rooms:
| Air Conditioner Size | Room Size | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 BTU | 150 sq. ft. | $120 – $170 |
| 8,000 BTU | 340 sq. ft. | $180 – $290 |
| 10,000 BTU | 450 sq. ft. | $250 – $400 |
| 15,000 BTU | 800 sq. ft. | $00 – $750 |
| 25,000 BTU | 1500 sq. ft. | $675 – $1,000 |
All pricing information on this page is based on average industry costs, and is subject to variance for project-specific materials, labor rates, and requirements.