Central Air Conditioner Cost
The cost of a new home air conditioner in Canada typically ranges from $5,500 to $12,000 including installation.
Your exact price depends on the system’s size and cooling capacity, efficiency rating, brand, installation complexity, and local climate.
Window and portable AC units from big box stores generally range from just over $100 to about $1,300 (installation not included), but central systems are the most common for Canadian homes.
Air Conditioner Cost and Lifespan Overview
| Equipment | Approx Cost | Rental | Approx Lifespan* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Air Conditioner | From $4,449 (including standard installation) | From $67.99/month | 15 years or longer |
| Central Heat Pump | From $6,699 (including standard installation) | From $81.49/month | 15–20 years |
| Ductless Mini‑Split Heat Pump | From $5,999 (including standard installation) | From $69.99/month | 15–20 years |
| Window Unit (Home Depot) | $100 – $1,000+ (not including installation) | N/A | N/A |
| Portable AC (Home Depot) | $200 – $1,300 (not including installation) | N/A | N/A |
Most homeowners spend $5,500 to $9,000 for a standard central AC replacement. Higher‑efficiency models and complex installations fall toward the upper end of the range.
Prefer to avoid a larger upfront cost? Compare rent, finance and buy options for air conditioners with Reliance®.
Read our complete guide to home air conditioners.
What Affects the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
- System size and cooling capacity (tons/BTU)
- SEER2/efficiency rating
- Brand and model
- Electrical and installation requirements
- Whether ductwork needs modification
- Whether converting from an older system
Explore central air conditioner options.
How Much Does AC Installation Cost?
Installation typically ranges from $1,000 to around $1,500 depending on labour, complexity, and whether additional electrical or line‑set work is required.
Rent or Buy: What’s Included?
| What’s Included | Rent | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Standard professional installation | ✓ | ✓ |
| 24/7/365 live phone support | ✓ | — |
| As-soon-as same day service, 365 days a year | ✓ | — |
| Parts and labour for covered repairs | ✓ | — |
| No large upfront cost | ✓ | — |
| Own the equipment outright | — | ✓ |
AC Cost FAQs
Is it cheaper to repair or replace an air conditioner?
If your AC is over 12–15 years old or requires expensive repairs, replacement is often more cost‑effective than repairing.
How long does AC installation take?
Most installations take 4–8 hours depending on complexity. Ask us about our next day installation guarantee!
How can I save on AC replacement costs?
Renting or financing spreads out costs, and seasonal promotions may reduce the upfront price.
* Lifespan depends on usage, maintenance, brand, and climate.
Before you look at price, ensure you aren’t paying for more cooling than you need. In Canada, AC pricing is heavily dependent on the tonnage of the unit. Learn why we use precision math instead of square footage to determine your AC size to protect your investment.
Buying? Protect Your Investment
If you decide to purchase your air conditioner or heat pump outright, consider adding a Reliance® Protection Plan. A protection plan can help cover unexpected repair costs after your manufacturer warranty expires, so you are not left paying out of pocket for parts and labour when something goes wrong.
Whether you choose to rent or buy, be sure to check out our latest promotions before making your decision. Offers change regularly, so it is worth a quick look to see what is available.
Check out our latest Air Conditioners offers here!
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