The installation of a central air conditioning system at home : price and benefits

By Karine Dutemple

Updated on April 25, 2024

It can be difficult to choose the right air conditioning system. During summer, high humidity and sweltering temperatures can affect your well-being.

To make the interior of your home more comfortable, your air conditioning system will allow you to reduce both temperature and humidity levels.

Before moving forward with the purchase of an air conditioning system, you need to do a good analysis of your needs and determine the space that is available for its installation. After taking that step, it would be easier for you to know what type of air conditioning system is best suited to your needs.

The benefits of a central air conditioning system

Blog image

Source: Canva

First of all, it’s worth knowing that in addition to working with your heating or air ventilation system, a central air conditioning system will distribute fresh air in your home in a more uniformly way than a wall-mounted system. Don’t hesitate to ask for a quote to know the price you can expect to pay for your specific case.

Also, one of the main benefits of your air conditioning is the fact that it's eco-friendly. However, make sure to know the surface area that needs to be covered to select an air conditioning system that is strong enough to be used for the entire house.

You can also ask a certified refrigeration specialist to perform preventive maintenance of your central air conditioning system once a year.

This special care will allow you to keep your air conditioning system longer, while also making it more efficient.

The average cost of a central air conditioning system

Blog image

Source: Canva

This being said, it’s possible to present the average cost for air conditioning systems. For a split air conditioner unit, we’re talking about prices starting at $3,000. For a central system, prices start at $4800.

For more information on this matter, check out these articles :

Factors that affect energy use costs

The cost of using an air conditioning system can vary depending on many factors. Below, you will find a few things to consider when assessing the cost of your air conditioning system:

  • the location of your home ;

  • changes in weather conditions from a year to another ;

  • the air conditioning performance index (EER or SEER) ;

  • the size of your system in comparison to the cooling capacity of your home ;

  • the setting of your thermostat ;

  • the number of people in your home ;

  • the habits of people with windows, curtains or stores (percentage of time it’s opened or closed), with the use of appliances, stove and lighting ;

  • the cost of electricity in your area.

Central air conditioning, wall mounted air conditioning unit and heat pump: what are the differences?

Blog image

Source: Canva

Although they share certain similarities, air conditioning systems and heat pumps don’t work the same way.

An air conditioning system will extract heat in your home to reject it outside. This heat will be captured by a refrigerant that will pass through the inner coil and then, be re-administered outside your home by the outside coil.

Regarding the wall mounted air conditioning system, it’s often the most popular installation in homes where it’s impossible to install a central air conditioning system. It sits on an indoor unit, which is located on the top of a wall and on a compressor installed outside of your home.

A heat pump, unlike other air conditioning systems, will also have a heating mode. When the latter is in heating mode, the cycle reverses. The heat is then extracted from the air outside of your home, to finally return inside.

Currently, newer heat pump models can extract heat from outside up to -12 degrees Celsius.


Get 3 quotes for your heating or air conditioning system project

RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes for your air forced-air heating system project. When you submit your project, we’ll then put you in contact with top-rated contractors. Fill in the form on the homepage (it only takes a few minutes) and get estimates from trusted professionals. 

Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives.

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Looking for something else?

Table of contents

3 min read

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Are you a contractor?

Join our network and receive real leads!

Download the price guide for renovations

We’ll be emailing you the latest market price guide for renovations.



Related articles

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

6 min read

Editorial Team

21 May 2025

Planning For A Master Walk-In Closet

Closets are some of the most fundamental spaces in any home as they allow for the storage of your wardrobe and much more, from footwear to jewelry and other accessories.

Interior renovations
2 min read

Léa Plourde-Archer

25 Sep 2024

Countertop Renovation Guide

In the kitchen and in the bathroom, countertops are surfaces that play a much more important role than can be imagined. Valiantly welcoming our daily actions, they are both practical and aesthetical, often being a focal point of the room's decor. Countertops are offered in a wide array of colours and materials. Prices vary widely, providing options that fit all tastes and budgets.

4 min read

Editorial Team

15 Aug 2024

10 local furniture and home decor stores in Montreal

Shopping for new home decor can be a tedious process: you’re looking for savings, locally-made products, value for money, etc. One of the aspects that stands out today, especially during the last few months, is the sudden interest associated with nurturing small, local businesses.

Design and home decor
9 min read

Équipe éditoriale

10 Dec 2024

Building an Ecological Home? What to Know Before Starting

It’s no secret that over the past few years, green construction has grown in popularity and for good reason! An ecological home is trendy due to its green efficiency, its lack of carbon footprint as well as its eco-friendly capabilities.

Interior renovations
5 min read

Editorial Team

02 Dec 2024

How to Build a Sunroom for Your House

A sunroom is an area that’s conducive to rest and relaxation. However, don’t read too much into the name, it can very well be used beneficially either during the summertime or wintertime, day or night. On top of increasing the resale value of your house, a sunroom means adding an enclosed space on your property to prolong those beautiful, warm days. 


Looking for a contractor?

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes now!