The 2023 Buyer’s Guide to Home Air Conditioners

Buying a new central or ductless AC unit soon? Read our guide to buying an air conditioner to learn all about the types of home air conditioners, AC efficiency, and how much air conditioners cost in Raleigh, NC.

North Carolina residents live for summer and the joys it brings — warm weather, fresh air, camping, barbeques, and more. But nothing dampens the summer spirit faster than a broken air conditioner during a hot, humid day.

Replacing an air conditioner can be a big decision for any homeowner. So when something goes wrong with your AC unit, we know how fast you need to collect accurate, unbiased information about your AC repair or replacement options. That’s why we’ve pulled together this air conditioner buying guide to help you navigate every step in the process of buying or repairing an A/C unit.

In this AC Buyers Guide you'll learn about:

How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

The average price of a new, high-efficiency air conditioner ranges from $3,995-$6,000 and includes standard installation from a fully-insured, licensed company, with at least a one-year warranty, and all required licenses for installation.

For a more narrow scope, there are five factors that determine the cost of a new AC unit:

Air conditioner type: central, ductless, window, wall-mounted, or portable
Environmental choices: energy efficiency, sound output, air filtration options (which depend on allergies or other sensitivities), and comfort-enhancing options
Personal choices: extended warranties, maintenance plans, and service guarantees
Technical requirement: the size of your home, floor plan, number of stories, existing ductwork, and BTU load
Code requirements: safety, licensing, and building code requirements

If you want to avoid the upfront costs of buying and installing an AC unit, then air conditioner financing is an alternative to consider. Our HVAC finance solution is meant for any homeowner, which offers you zero up-front costs, affordable monthly payments, and free repairs. Plus, free maintenance every two years by our licensed technicians. If you’re ready to schedule a free in-home assessment, fill out our form and we’ll be in touch soon.

Air Conditioner Basics

In the following section, we discuss the common subjects and terms you will encounter while researching and purchasing an air conditioner, when to replace your AC unit, what size air conditioner you need, and efficiency ratings.

How an Air Conditioner Works

Air conditioners draw in warm air from the home and passes it over an evaporator coil that absorbs heat and removes humidity, which cools the air. The AC unit then expels the heat outside and pushes the cold air back into the room to make the temperature more comfortable.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Is your AC equipment is 15+ years old?
After turning on your AC unit, does it take too long for your house to cool down?
Is your air conditioner is loud or making unusual noises, like bangs, squeaks and scrapes?
Have you had equipment breakdowns in the past or the compressor unit is showing signs of deterioration?
Are you concerned with high energy costs with your older AC unit?

Upgrading from R22 Refrigerant (Freon)

R22 Refrigerant, also known as R22 freon and HCFC-22 freon, is an environmentally destructive chemical used in older air conditioners. R22 exacerbates ozone depletion, which speeds up the negative effects of climate change. According to Environment and Climate Change U.S., as of January 1, 2020, producing and importing R22 is banned in U.S.. As a result of the now-obsolete R22, some refrigerant manufacturers have attempted to find a suitable substitute or “drop-in” that can be used as an interim solution for existing R22 units. Newly manufactured and installed new air conditioners operate with newer, environmentally friendly refrigerants, which differs greatly from the older R22. As environmental stewards, we are committed to reducing the impact on our environment. We help manage our clients’ energy consumption with transparent and reliable products while enhancing indoor comfort. We welcome any questions you may have and will gladly answer all your concerns to ensure you make the best choice for yourself and your family. Later in the guide, we’ll dive deeper into AC maintenance, repairs and replacement. Skip ahead to that section if you want to learn more diagnostic tips. And if you want a more in-depth explanation of how each type of air conditioner works, visit the types of air conditioners section.

Air Conditioner Efficiency and SEER Ratings

Among the most important decisions you’ll make when buying a new AC unit is how efficient you want the equipment to be, a factor known as SEER. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures how efficient your air conditioning equipment is, similar to the kilometers-per-litre rating in a car. The greater the system’s SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the AC unit is and the more comfort you will get from each energy dollar. You may also see air conditioners rated with EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio), which is similar to SEER, but calculated using a steady outside temperature of 95℉. In comparison, SEER is calculated using outside temperatures that range from 65℉ to 104℉.

How to Determine Air Conditioner Efficiency

Ideally, you want to buy the most energy-efficient air conditioner that you can afford. But higher SEER models typically cost more money, so you may want to calculate the annual electricity cost for an air conditioner to see if the payoff meets your needs. If you have an HVAC Energy Management Consultant evaluate your home, they’ll do these calculations for you.

To start, you’ll need to identify four factors.

The BTU output of your chosen air conditioner British Thermal Units (BTUs) measures the rate of heat transfer needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit or freeze one short ton (2,000 lb) of water into ice in 24 hours. The AC unit specifications will tell you its BTU output.
The unit size (in tons) AC units are sized by tons, which instead of weight, describes the rate of heat transfer that results in the freezing or melting of 1 short ton of pure water at 32°F in 24 hours. 1 ton of cooling is equivalent to 12,000 BTU.
An estimate of how many hours you have the AC unit turned on each year
How much your electricity costs per kilowatt-hour

After you have this information, use the following formula to calculate how much money running an AC unit will cost you each year:

Unit size × BTU/h × operational hours per year × $/kWh ÷ SEER ÷ 1000W/kW = annual energy cost
Let’s break the formula down so it’s easier to understand. A house in Raleigh has a central air conditioner with a cooling capacity of 5 tons and a SEER rating of 20. The unit operates 100 days each year for 8 hours per day. The cost of electricity is $0.10 per kilowatt-hour.
The first step is to convert the unit’s size (tons) to BTU-per hour. For reference: A one-ton AC unit is rated for 12,000 BTU-per hour.
(5 tons) × (12,000 BTU/h/ton) = 60,000 BTU/h.
The next step is to determine how much you pay in kilowatt-per-hours compared to the unit efficiency rating.
(60,000 Btu/h) × (800 h/year) × ($0.10/kWh) ÷ (20 SEER rating) ÷ (1000 W/kW) = $240/year

This energy-to-cost rating helps determine what size of AC unit you should buy. The average Raleigh home will range from 1.5 to 2.5 tons with a SEER of 13-16.

How to Determine the Right Air Conditioner Size for Your Home

There are nearly a dozen factors that go into choosing the right size AC unit for your home, including the size and age of your home, air flow, how many windows you have, insulation, and how much sun your house gets. We encourage you to consult with an HVAC expert during your shopping process to make sure you don’t miss any factors.

However, you can do rough estimates on your own to help narrow down what types of AC units are the best for your needs.

NOTE: Home air conditioners generally start at 1.5 tons and go up in half-ton increments.

A one-ton AC unit can cover roughly 750-1000 square feet. So if you have a 2,000-square-foot home, you might be looking at a 2.0 – 2.5-ton unit. It’s unlikely any residential home will need more than a 5-ton unit.

You should also consider duct sizing, which is key to ensuring there is adequate airflow for the requirements of the air conditioning system. New units may require more airflow and sometimes the ductwork that exists is not set up for the new units.

If you want an accurate size and unit recommendation, you can also schedule a free AC unit consultation with AskHVACPro’s HVAC experts.

Buy or Finance a Furnace or Air Conditioner?

The Types of Home Air Conditioners

The type of air conditioner that’s best for your home depends on your cooling needs and price range. The following section discusses the five types of air conditioners that are common in U.S..

Central Home Air Conditioner

A central air conditioner is amongst the most popular choices in U.S. and works great for a mid-to-large size family home, and for homes with multiple stories. Including installation, the average central air conditioner costs between $3,995-$6,000. The equipment offers a good balance between cost, efficiency and longevity.

Single-stage units operate in an on-and-off mode which makes it the least efficient. These are typically seen in entry-level units.
Dual-stage units run at a lower rate when the weather is cooler and a higher rate when the weather is hotter. This means better efficiency and comfort. These are usually mid-range units.
Variable speed units are the most efficient scroll compressor available. These offer consumers better energy efficiency than the other two types.

Central Air Conditioner Installations

Due to the laws governing the sale and handling of refrigerants and the required furnace modifications, installing a central air conditioner is not a do-it-yourself project. A licensed Raleigh HVAC technician is required to do the installation safely. A typical installation takes about a day and it can’t be entirely completed in the winter. All major air conditioner brands have models ranging from entry-level to more advanced models. The advanced models include higher efficiency ratings and additional features like smart thermostat and temperature sensor integration.

We recommend that you don’t get too caught up on researching air conditioner brands. Instead, focus on proper sizing and installation quality to ensure optimized operation for years to come.

When you contact an HVAC company to inquire about purchasing a new air conditioner, you should expect them to send an expert to your home for a consultation before giving you a price quote or beginning installation.

In the consultation, an AskHVACPro Energy Management Consultant (EMC) collects information to give you a customized solution. They’ll typically ask (or look at):

How old is your home
How insulated your walls and ceilings are
How many windows and doors are there
If you have any concerns about your existing AC unit or notice hot areas around your house

Afterward, the EMC will calculate the square footage in the most important rooms, determine the correct AC unit size and BTU usage, and then recommend the equipment you need.

Regardless of who you choose to install your central air conditioner, for your safety, we encourage you to work with companies that have liability insurance and licenses with Workers Compensation Insurance and NCBEEC.

Advantages of a Central Air Conditioner

Cools your entire house
Connects to your home’s thermostat, including smart thermostats
Air is filtered through the furnace filter
Low maintenance
Easy to use
Life span averages 15 years
Financing or financeal available
Quiet inside home
With AskHVACPro’s Smarter Home system, the HVAC unit will be monitored to watch for potential issues before problems arise.

Central Air Conditioner Cons

Expensive to replace, but easy financing and financeal options are available
Takes up space outside of the house
Makes some outside noise
Requires furnace filter to be replaced

How do Central Air Conditioners Work?

Most central air conditioning systems are made up of two parts, which is also known as a split system. The outdoor unit contains a condenser coil, compressor, fan and electrical components. The indoor portion sits on top of the natural gas, electric, oil or propane furnace or air handler and is called the evaporator coil or “A” coil. A central air conditioning system will start up when the attached thermostat senses that the temperature has increased greater than a preset level. The liquid refrigerant inside the evaporator coil converts to gas. As the warm, humid indoor air passes over the coil, it absorbs the heat and removes the humidity, which cools the air. The furnace’s blower fan then circulates the chilled air up through the home’s ductwork and out into the various living areas. Since the system uses the furnace to transfer air throughout the house, the air will be filtered by the furnace filter. That’s why it’s important to change your furnace filters throughout the year.

Meanwhile, the refrigerant gas travels outside the house through a copper pipe (line set) to the compressor. The compressor pressurizes the gas and moves the refrigerant through the condenser coil. As the condenser fan pulls cool air through the condenser coil, it changes the refrigerant back to liquid form and continues the refrigeration cycle. The humidity that was pulled from the air then turns into condensation, which is removed from the evaporator coil via the condensate drain line. After, the heated air in the home circulates outside, and the cold air returns and back into the system to be cooled down and dehumidified again.

Ductless Air Conditioner

Ductless air conditioners are perfect for homes without furnace ductwork and for homes with hot spots that can’t be solved with an existing HVAC system. Homeowners who add home renovations, such as an in-law suite, also tend to use a ductless system.

In Raleigh, NC, you may want to consider a ductless split system that uses a heat pump, so that you can heat and cool your home year-round.

The cost of a quality ductless air conditioner ranges between $3,000 to $6,000 after installation.

Ductless Air Conditioner Installation

A licensed professional is required to install a ductless split unit because the unit uses refrigerants and is wired into the home’s electrical panel. Depending on how many indoor units are required and how difficult the installation is, it could take 1-2 days for the installation. The unit must be tested, so you can’t completely install a ductless system during the winter.

Ductless AC units are a common option among households, and most major HVAC brands have several models to choose from. Advanced models have higher efficiency and more features, such as using a remote to adjust the temperature.

Much like a central air system, the critical part of buying a good split system, which affects performance and longevity, is buying the correct size and hiring a quality installer. We also suggest you request a free in-home consultation before considering a split system to make sure you accommodate your home’s unique cooling needs.

Advantages of a Ductless Air Conditioner

No ducts or venting required
Can resolve hot room issues
Zoned cooling by installing multiple heads on a single outdoor unit

Ductless Air Conditioner Cons

More expensive than some AC options, but easy financing and financeal options are available
Indoor units take up wall space
Only cools the room where the indoor units is installed
Takes up some space outside of the house
Makes some outside noise

How Ductless Air Conditioners Work?

Like central systems, a ductless split has two main components: an outdoor unit that houses the compressor, condenser coil and fan, and an indoor unit that houses the evaporator coil and the blower fan. The two units are connected with a copper conduit that links the indoor and outdoor units. The conduit also houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain.

Ductless splits are available as single or multi-zone systems, meaning they can cool one room or many. Depending on the size of your home and how many rooms you want to cool, you may have multiple indoor units. There are also a number of options for indoor units to fit your needs, including wall units, floor consoles and ceiling cassettes.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

Window-mounted air conditioners are meant to cool a small space like an individual room or a small one-story, one-room building. They’re great for studio apartments, workshops and in-law suites.

Typical window units range from 5,000 to 25,000 BTUs. To determine the right size for your room, you will need to measure the square footage of your room and refer to the manufacturer to see what size they recommend.

In Raleigh, a window air conditioner costs $200-$1,400, depending on the size and unit-specific features.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner Installation

Window-mounted air conditioners can be installed into a double-hung window, or in some cases, a casement window. Egress and fire-safety need to be kept in mind when choosing where to put the unit, especially if the room only has one window.

We recommend explicitly following the manufacturer’s installation instructions. And when you install a window unit, we also suggest you have at least one other person to help you because the units are bulky and often weigh up to 54 kg (120 pounds).

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind about window AC units. This advice also applies to wall-mounted AC units.

Increase BTU levels if your ceilings are taller than 2.4 meters (8 feet).
Sunny rooms may need a 10 percent BTU-level increase
Conversely, shaded rooms can decrease BTU output by 10 percent
If your room commonly has more than two people, you should increase BTU output by an additional 600 BTU per extra person

Advantages of a Window Air Conditioner

Great for small spaces
Can be installed without professional help by following the instructions carefully
Cost-effective for cooling efficiency
Models are available that offer heating and cooling
Doesn’t require air ducts

Window Air Conditioner Cons

Need a window that only slides up and down to put the unit into
The unit will need to be removed in winter
The unit will drip water
Must secure to wall if 2nd story or above – See M1401.3 Residential Code
Awkward and challenging to install
Only cools one room
Noisy

Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner

Installing a Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner

Wall-mounted air conditioners are almost the same as window air conditioners, except they are installed into a wall and don’t need to be removed in winter. These air conditioners work well for studio apartments, small offices, workshops, or open floor plan one-bedroom apartments.

To calculate the best size for your space, you will need to measure the square footage of your room and refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to see what size they recommend.

An average wall-mounted air conditioner in Raleigh Durham costs $450-$900, depending on the size and features.

We strongly recommend hiring an HVAC, plumbing or construction expert to install wall-mounted air conditioners. The process requires you to cut a hole through your wall, which means you need to pay attention to studs, pipes, and wiring. Plus, you have to be sure the wall won’t collapse during or after the installation and the spot you choose needs to provide

Advantages of a Wall-mounted Air Conditioner

Great for small spaces
Cost-effective
Better cooling capacity and longevity than window AC systems
Doesn’t require air ducts

Wall-mounted Air Conditioner Cons

Need to remove part of your wall for installation
Only cools one room
Noisy

Portable Air Conditioner

If a central air conditioner or ductless system doesn’t work for your space, and you can’t install a window or wall unit, then you could consider a portable air conditioner.

These units vary in size, BTU output and features. On average, portable air conditioners cost $250-$700.

To calculate the best size for your space, you will need to measure the square footage of your room and refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to see what size they recommend.

Installing a Portable Air Conditioner

Portable air conditioners are, as the name implies, portable, so there is little-to-no installation. However, when you set up the system, the warm air being compressed does need to be vented outside, which is typically done out a window.

When you choose a spot to place the unit, make sure it sits away from a wall so the airflow isn’t restricted. To maximize efficiency, the exhaust hose also needs to be straight with no kinks.

Another catch about portable AC units to pay attention to: Condensation collected during the cooling process will either be evaporated into the hot air exhaust or collected inside the unit in a bucket, depending on the model you choose. If it has a bucket, that water will need to be emptied often.

The last thing to note is noise. Portable ACs have noise decibel levels that typically range from 50 to 60 dB, which is louder than a refrigerator but usually quieter than a vacuum. If the unit is underpowered for the size of the room, it will constantly run, while a unit too big will cycle too quickly and not properly remove humidity.

Advantages of a Portable Air Conditioner

Portable
Easier to store away in the off-season
Many have remotes and/or can be controlled by smartphones
Installation only requires exhaust out of any window

Portable Air Conditioner Cons

Most are noisy
Takes up floor space
More expensive than window and wall units
Additional material needed to purchase if using with a sliding glass door.
If using with a sliding glass door, you won’t be able to open it.
Water drain tube an issue

Air Conditioner Maintenance and Repair Basics

A broken, underperforming or malfunctioning home cooling system in the peak heat of summer is frustrating. Before you call a service technician about your unit, there are several basic maintenance and diagnostic steps you can perform.

For general AC maintenance and troubleshooting, read our blog post-Easy Troubleshooting for Common AC Problems. If you want advice on specific problems, the following section is for you.

Before we dive in, important to note that fiddling with an air conditioner or furnace is dangerous, so we strongly encourage you to consult a licensed HVAC technician for any home maintenance work you’re not comfortable with or are unsure about.

Common Problems with Air Conditioners

Knowing what’s wrong with your air conditioner is half the battle. If you notice any of the following issues, your unit likely needs to be repaired or replaced.

Old Age

The average central air conditioner lasts about 15 years. If your unit is showing signs of old age, like poor performance or unusual noises, it’s likely time for a replacement.

Frozen Coils

If your evaporator coils don’t get adequate airflow or they are clogged, they can freeze and your AC unit may stop working. Dirt and other types of debris can clog the air filters and ducts, which restricts warm air from reaching the coils. Without the warm air, the coils can’t cool the air being pushed through your AC unit efficiently and may eventually freeze.

If your coils are frozen, you may notice:

Warm air coming out of the vents, despite the AC unit being on
Condensation or ice on the AC unit or the outdoor refrigerant line
Obvious signs of ice on the coil after opening the air handler

If you discover a frozen coil, don’t try to clear the ice by hand because you may damage the unit. Instead, you can use a do-it-yourself remedy to thaw the ice before consulting with an HVAC technician. If the following steps don’t resolve your problem, we suggest you contact an AC expert. You may have a more serious malfunction, like a refrigerant leak, which must be handled by a licensed professional.

Turn off the AC system using the external (wall) thermostat and make sure to turn off the unit using the furnace switch.
Replace any dirty air filters.
Open the furnace or air handler’s panel.
Let the ice thaw naturally. Having the fan run can cause damage to the blower motor and the circuit board.
After the coil has thawed (this may take 24 hours or more, depending on how much ice buildup there is), reseal your unit.
Turn on the power by turning on the furnace switch and adjusting the thermostat to come on and wait for your home to cool. If the home reaches the desired temperature and the AC unit turns off, you’ve probably solved the problem. If this doesn’t happen, consult an HVAC technician.

Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is the chemical found within the coils that helps cool the air, and without it your air conditioner won’t work. Refrigerant exposure can be dangerous, so if you have a leak (or suspect one) it’s crucial to contact an expert.

If you have a refrigerant leak, you may notice:

A loss in cooling power
Air vents not blowing cold air
Hissing sounds coming from your AC unit
Frozen evaporator or condenser coils
Unusually high AC-related electric bills
Overworked Capacitors and Contactors

If your AC unit isn’t blowing air, you may have a capacitor or contractor issue. Capacitors and contractors work to keep essential motors running in the unit, such as the fan motor and blower motor. The parts require a significant amount of electricity to run, so they tend to get overheated and overworked during hot summer months — especially on older AC units.

Defective Thermostat

Sometimes the unit is not working due to other parts of the HVAC system, like a faulty thermostat. If the thermostat is not working properly, it may give the AC unit wrong information, which causes it to run when it shouldn’t or not turn on when it should.

If you want to read more AC troubleshooting insights then check out our blog post, What You Need to Know About Air Conditioning Replacement.

Have any questions?

We hope this furnace buyer’s guide helps your purchase a furnace that will fit your needs. If you have any additional questions about the types of heating solution best fits your needs, please feel free to contact our sales team.

To book a free in-home HVAC assessment, get advice on buying a furnace, or have an AskHVACPro technician look at your existing equipment, you can reach out to our team at 919-675-1114 or fill out the following form to request a free in-home assessment and price quote.

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