No secrets. 100% transparency—here is everything you need to know when buying a new air conditioner in Phoenix.
We understand that buying and installing a new air conditioner is a long-term investment. In addition to that, air conditioners aren’t cheap, and it’s always best if you invested your money in a unit that will efficiently serve you to the very end.
We’re going to help you navigate the market and buy the best unit that is within your budget.
Types of air conditioners in Phoenix
The summers here in Phoenix can be excruciatingly hot (We’re talking temperatures as high as 38℃ on hot days). For peace of mind, you need to have an air conditioner installed in your home or office.
The three main types of air conditioners in Phoenix are:
- Window air conditioners.
- Central air conditioners.
- Mini-split air conditioners.
Window air conditioners
The most common type of air conditioners in the market.
Window air conditioners deliver the entire cooling package in a “box-like” unit that is installed on windows. They’re significantly cheaper than central and mini-split air conditioners. However, they’re less powerful and can only cool one room at a time.
Whole-house central air conditioners
Central air conditioners are the second most popular type of air conditioners in the market. They’re significantly larger than window air conditioners, use ducts, and are capable of cooling entire houses/buildings.
Mini-split air conditioners
Mini-split air conditioners are very similar to central air conditioners in that they both consist of two units—the outdoor and indoor units. However, mini-split air conditioners are ductless.
Yes, you don’t have to install ducts and vents behind your walls. This alone makes mini split air conditioners significantly cheaper and easier to install than central air conditioners.
The cost of new air conditioners in Phoenix
Please note that everything we’ve listed below is based on averages and, therefore, isn’t entirely accurate.
Visit American Home Water and Air for accurate and tailored cost calculations for new air conditioners and air conditioner replacements in Phoenix, AZ.
How much does a new window air conditioner cost?
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of buying and installing a new window air conditioner is around $295—that would be around $250 for the unit itself and $95 for the installation labor.
Low-end window air conditioners are available for as low as $100, and high-end window units are also available for as high as $1,000. The price difference is brought about by the difference in BTU ratings and additional special features.
How much does it cost to install a mini-split air conditioner in Phoenix?
Buying a new mini-split air conditioner will cost you around $2,000 to $ 10,000+.
Expect to spend about $3,000 for a 12,000 BTU-rated AC system.
Unlike the window air conditioner, you’ll also need to hire an HVAC professional to help you with the installation. Thus, the labor costs will amount to around 300 to $1,000+.
In addition to that, you’ll also have to spend around $100 on the support slab for the outdoor unit. And around $250 for the installation of a new dedicated electrical circuit for the mini-split air conditioner.
All in all, the total cost of buying and installing a new mini-split air conditioner amounts to around $6,000.
How much is an HVAC system in Phoenix, AZ?
Please note that we are actually referring to the central whole-house air conditioner when we talk about an HVAC system.
The average cost of the central air conditioning unit alone is around $6,000. In addition to the initial buying cost, you’ll also have to cater for the installation costs.
On average, your central air conditioner’s installation will cost you around $5,000. We’re talking about the buying and installation of ducts, vents, and all that.
Please note that the installation cost varies with the system’s complexity and the size of your house.
How to choose the right air conditioner for homes and offices
From the three types of air conditioners mentioned above, you’ve now got to choose the right one for your home or office.
We’re going to briefly discuss the most important factors to consider when buying a new air conditioner in Phoenix. Hopefully, these will help you narrow down to the right air conditioner for you.
Budget
Window air conditioners are the cheapest choice if you want to cool single rooms. However, they’re the least efficient compared to other air conditioner types.
Running separate window air conditioners to cool multiple rooms can easily turn into a costly affair.
In addition to that, they tend to have the shortest lifespans.
Mini-split air conditioners are perfect for cooling homes (up to 4 rooms). Try cooling more than that, and their efficiency also significantly drops. They’re more expensive than window air conditioners but are also significantly cheaper than whole-house central air conditioning units.
Central air conditioners are huge investments when compared to the rest. However, they have the longest lifespans and are the most efficient. They’re capable of cooling entire houses whilst improving the quality of your indoor air.
Room size
Room size is just as important as the number of rooms you want to cool.
You might want to cool a single room. However, the room might be too big for a standard window air conditioner. In such a case, you might have to go with another alternative.
How will you know if your rooms are too big for your air conditioners?
It’s called “sizing an air conditioner.” It’s all about comparing an air conditioner’s cooling power to the size of your rooms. An air conditioner’s cooling capacity is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs).
Here is how you go about sizing your air conditioner:
- First, measure the area of your room(s).
- BTU rating your new air conditioner should have to cool your room(s) efficiently.
For example, if your room measures 15 feet long by 15 feet wide, then its area would be 225 square feet.
The BTU rating for an air conditioner capable of cooling the room would be 225 * 25 = 5,625 BTU.
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