How Much Does It Cost to Install a Central Air Conditioner in Florida?

Florida's hot, humid climate makes central air conditioning more of a necessity than a luxury, but installation prices vary significantly. Florida homeowners typically pay $7,500 to $20,000 for central AC installation, but the exact cost will depend on the AC model, the size of your home, and several other factors.

Our guide helps you understand every aspect of your AC quote. It outlines:

• Factors that influence central AC installation costs
• Average installation costs in Florida
• Energy efficiency and long-term savings
• Additional costs to consider
• Making the right choice for your Florida home

Read on, and you'll feel confident you're getting the best deal for your home.

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Expect to pay $7,500 to $20,000 for central air conditioner installation in Florida, depending on your comfort goals and desired features. This is a large price range, but it can help to look at it in the context of what you're getting.

At the bottom of the range, you're looking at air conditioners with a SEER2 rating of about 14.3 (Florida's legal minimum efficiency). You're also more likely to get basic features such as single-speed operation and shorter warranty coverage.

New AC units at the top of the price range, in comparison, often feature SEER2 ratings of 19+ and variable-speed operation. These units provide exceptional humidity control, which is crucial in Florida.

Of course, labor, permits, ductwork changes, and other factors still affect the final cost.

New AC costs increase when considering high-efficiency models, but installation expenses are only part of the equation. It's important to realize that a higher SEER2 rating provides continuous savings over your air conditioner's entire lifetime.

If you choose a 22 SEER2 3-ton AC instead of a basic 14.3 SEER2 unit, you'll save about 35% off your energy bills. Using Fort Myers as an example, where homeowners typically run their AC for about 3,303 hours a year, total savings come out to almost $382 annually.

Installation costs reflect the price of the AC and labor, with premium AC models skewing the total more toward the cost of the air conditioner itself. However, there are a few other costs you might incur, including:

• Permit fees. These typically cost a few hundred dollars across Southwest Florida.
• Inspection fees. One or more safety inspections may be required.
• Electrical upgrades. New connections and circuits may increase costs.
• Ductwork adjustments. Duct installation, sealing, or cleaning can increase costs.
• Optional upgrades. Smart thermostats and zoning systems add to expenses.

The size of your new AC, its efficiency rating, and the labor standard all factor into AC installation costs. However, it's important not to simply buy the most budget-friendly system available, as the higher running costs creep up. Likewise, your system will enjoy a longer lifespan and higher performance if installed by experienced professionals like our Advanced Air technicians!

Put your AC installation in experienced hands by trusting Advanced Air. From offering professional sizing advice to providing an accurate quote with no surprise pricing, we'll make every step of the process easy.