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Temperatures throughout the country this summer have been hotter than ever, and they show no sign of slowing down in the coming years. For homeowners in Oklahoma, now is the perfect time to install an air conditioning system, especially if you live in a dry, sunny southern or midwestern state.

If you’ve been thinking about installing an AC system in your home, you’re probably wondering: What’s the cost to install an air conditioner in Oklahoma? The simple answer is that homeowners in the Sooner state pay anywhere from $4,500 to $12,500 for central AC installation, with an average cost of about $5,700. However, these prices can vary greatly.

The cost of installing an air conditioning system in your home depends on several factors:

• The size of your home
• AC efficiency
• AC feature upgrades
• Your current AC configuration
• Your home warranty

Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors so you can better determine what your unique installation cost will be.

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The Size of Your Home

The size of your home is one of the biggest factors in your air conditioning installation cost. In most cases, the bigger your home is, the higher the cost will be, mainly because it will require an AC system with a larger cooling capacity.

When it comes to central air, cooling capacity is measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs. A BTU score is essentially a way of measuring how much heat the AC system can eliminate from your home within a given timeframe (usually one hour). For residential homes, an AC’s BTU score generally ranges anywhere between 25,000 and 60,000.

Homes with a higher BTU will require a larger air conditioner in order to generate the cooling power needed to adequately remove heat energy. Besides this, a bigger central AC system is necessary for larger homes just to ensure each room is evenly cooled. For these reasons, it’s generally more costly to install an air conditioner in a larger home. However, it’s important to consult a trusted HVAC professional to determine your home’s BTU and how it will affect your installation cost.

The Efficiency of the AC

Apart from the size of your air conditioning unit, its efficiency will also affect the installation cost. Not only that, but an AC’s efficiency will alter both your monthly energy payment and the overall comfort of your home.

An AC’s efficiency is measured by its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER rating. A higher rating makes for both a more efficient and more expensive air conditioner. However, more efficient units generally cost lower to run each month, so a higher upfront cost may help you save money in the long run.

Typically, AC SEER ratings can range from 13 to 24, with units on the higher end having a higher cost of installation. While an efficient AC will help you save on monthly energy costs, choosing an AC with too high of a rating may interfere with your ability to save monthly. For this reason, it’s important to work with an AC contractor who is committed to your comfort and can help you find the right unit for your home, such as those at Prudhom.

AC Feature Upgrades

Certain upgrades may enhance your air conditioner’s performance, including an increase in its convenience level. While these upgrades may make for a more comfortable home, they can also increase the cost of installation.

Some features you can add to your AC system include:

• Smart thermostat
• Enhanced variable-speed technology
• Air purification system
• Noise reduction features

Though these upgrades may cost you more money at the time of installation, some of them (like a smart thermostat and variable-speed technology) may contribute to lower monthly energy costs over time, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully.

Your Current AC Configuration

Your current air conditioning configuration also affects how much you’ll pay to install an AC in your home. Some installations will require more time and effort from your contractor, which increases the cost of labor.

There are a few factors that will determine the difficulty of your installation:

• The location of your AC
• Electrical modifications
• Ductwork upgrades or modifications

The cost to install a new unit may vary if you already have a central air conditioner in your home. For one, since your home is already configured for cooling, the cost may drop due to decreased labor time and fewer necessary materials.

However, if your current AC configuration is old and needs significant repairs, you’ll likely pay even more than usual to install a new unit. Over time, keeping up with ductwork repairs and maintenance can help you avoid any significant replacements during installation.

If your contractor must enter a hard-to-reach spot, such as a crawlspace or attic, it can take much longer for them to install your new air conditioner. Additionally, modifications to the ductwork or electrical systems (like replacing filters or adding an outlet) also increase the labor time and, with it, the installation cost.

Your AC Warranty

It’s a good idea to opt for a warranty to protect your new air conditioner from damages and maintenance issues. However, adding a warranty can increase your up-front installation costs.

There are a few types of AC warranties you can choose from:

• Manufacturer’s warranty
• Standard (limited) or extended parts warranty
• Labor warranty

Manufacturers and parts warranties are provided by the AC manufacturer, while labor warranties are offered by your contractor. The longer and more comprehensive your warranty, the higher the cost, though you may save money in the long run.

Sine 2003, Prudhom has offered Oklahoma residents seamless AC installations at fair prices. With almost 20 years of service and a 5/5 rating on Google, we’ve mastered the art of keeping homes cool and can get the job done right the first time. For 100% satisfaction guaranteed, choose Prudhom for your AC installation.

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