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About Central Air<\/h4>\n
Central air is a whole-home air conditioning system that is controlled by a single thermostat or several thermostats set up in different \u201czones.\u201d An external air conditioning unit is connected to the duct work in your home. Cold air is blown through the ducts and released into each room through the existing vents.<\/p>\n
The vast majority of central cooling systems are split systems, which have an outdoor cabinet that holds the compressor and a condenser coil, and an indoor coil that is usually installed on the top of the furnace. The indoor coil transfers warm air outside and the outdoor components cool the air with refrigerant, remove moisture and pump it back in through the ducts.<\/p>\n
Less common types include packaged central air conditioners, which have a single outdoor cabinet that contains all components, and mini-split systems, which are smaller and less powerful versions of regular split systems.<\/p>\n
How Much Does Central Air Cost?<\/h4>\n
Adding central air usually costs about $3,000 to $5,000<\/strong> for an average-size home, if the home already has duct work in place. That price includes installation. High-efficiency systems cost about 30 to 40 percent more, but you\u2019ll recoup that money over the long term in reduced energy costs.<\/p>\n If the home does not have ducts, the total cost could be as much as $8,000 to $10,000.<\/strong> (If you have a traditional furnace, your home has ducts. If you have boiler that heats with steam or hot water, you do not.)<\/p>\n Mini-split systems cost $1,500-$3,000 <\/strong>installed.<\/p>\n Window air conditioners are portable appliances that simply rest on your windowsills. They plug into a standard electrical outlet to cool a single room. Window units are sold in a variety of models with varying features.<\/p>\n With a window unit, buying the right size is very important. If the air conditioner is too small, it will waste energy trying to work hard enough to cool to the room. If it\u2019s too large, it will waste energy constantly shutting itself off and on to prevent the room from getting too cold.<\/p>\n Window air conditioners start at about $100<\/strong> for a small, 5,000-BTU unit that will cool up to 200 square feet. Larger, 10,000-BTU units that will cool up to 500 square feet are generally priced from $200 to $400.<\/strong><\/p>\n Ultra-premium models with sleek designs and advanced energy efficient features can cost as much as $1,000,<\/strong> but these are usually more than the average person needs.<\/p>\n![\"Central](\"https:\/\/www.kompareit.com\/images\/cost-hvac-central-air-installation.jpg\")
<\/div>\nCentral Air Pros<\/h4>\n
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Central Air Cons<\/h4>\n
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About Window Air Conditioners<\/h4>\n
How Much Does a Window Unit Cost?<\/h4>\n
Window Unit Pros<\/h4>\n