2023 Home Depot AC Installation, Cost, Pros & Cons

Typical Cost To Install Central AC
Low
$4,070
Average
$4,920
High
$5,930
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To make sure you don’t swelter in the summer heat, Home Depot AC can help keep your home comfortable on even the hottest days.

With a solid selection of air conditioning units and services in a familiar and customer-friendly setting, Home Depot has an AC options for any budget.

To get started on installing a new HVAC system, contact your local HVAC pros for FREE ESTIMATES!

Average Cost Of Home Depot AC

Average Costs For:
Most Homeowners Spent Between: Most People Spent: $4,970 - $6,430
Low End
$4,440
Average
$5,480
High End
$7,820

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The cost of a Home Depot air conditioning installation depends on the type and size of the unit, as well as the installation complexity.

Generally speaking, installing or replacing a central air conditioning unit at Home Depot usually runs between $2,500 to upwards of $7,500.

Installing a full AC and ductwork system could cost around $12,000 for larger homes.

However, investing in a quality air conditioning unit and sturdy ductwork can save you money in the long run with lower energy bills and fewer repairs.

Home Depot Air Conditioner Cost Breakdown

Typical Cost To Install Central AC Average: $4,270 - $5,930
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As with any store, the cost of a traditional air conditioning unit at Home Depot can be steep.

After all, they’re complex systems that generally can’t be accomplished as a DIY project.

Prices range from an affordable $1,500 to a hefty $4,000, depending on the air conditioner brand and its BTU capacity.

Not including the unit itself, installation costs typically add up to anywhere from $1,000 to a somewhat staggering $3,500.

Beyond the initial expenses, there may be other requirements that impact your wallet further.

For instance, additional costs will arise if the home requires extra electrical work, ductwork installations, or repairs due to the new AC unit.

But we’ll discuss those in more detail in the following section.

Home Depot AC Average Cost
AC Unit $1,500-$4,000
Installation $1,000-$3,500
Additional Expenses $500-$2,000

Additional Home Depot AC Costs

Typical Cost To Install Central AC Average: $4,070 - $5,930
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As you go through the air conditioning installation, keep in mind that some additional costs might be incurred along the way.

Common items include specialized ductwork, wiring, and potentially removing or disposing of the old unit.

Prices for these undertakings usually range from around $500 to as much as $2,000, depending on the particulars of the job at hand. 

For example, purchasing a hard start kit if your AC unit is having issues turning off or on could cost somewhere in the range of $100 and $250.

Replacing the capacitor (a common problem with air conditioners) will typically set customers back somewhere between $90 and up to $475.

Last but not least, regular inspections and cleaning will add another layer of expenses.

If the filters or other system parts are clogged with dust or debris, servicing them will cost you extra.

Cleaning filters regularly (possibly at least once a month) could help you avoid spending more money.

Typical Cost To Install Central AC Average: $4,070 - $5,930
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When Do Air Conditioners Go On Sale At Home Depot?

If you need to save up and want a great deal on an air conditioner, the spring and early summer months are usually the best time to buy one at Home Depot.

This is thanks to lower demand before the peak cooling season. 

However, don’t forget about holiday weekends and the end of summer as potential opportunities to score some savings.

Home Depot typically offers discounts on air conditioners during their Memorial Day sale – with potential savings of up to $80.

If you keep an eye out, you can find great AC deals all year round at Home Depot.

Browse their website every now and again to find exclusive flash deals.

Pro Tip: Every year, once the summer heat is about to arrive, schedule an appointment with a professional technician for a tune-up. Tune-ups can extend the AC’s lifespan and also ensure that all its components are running and functioning as they should, which in turn makes it more efficient.

Home Depot AC Return Policy On Air Conditioners

Home Depot has a fairly generous return policy for air conditioners.

Most new, unopened items can be returned within a 90-day window with a receipt, though there may be some exceptions depending on the product.

Per customer reports, it appears that even already opened or used air conditioners are generally accepted.

That said, certain appliances, including some air conditioners, might have to go through the manufacturer for returns.

Home Depot Air Conditioner Brands

Typical Cost To Install Central AC Average: $4,270 - $5,930
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Home Depot sells a range of air conditioner brands with a good reputation.

Many well-known and respected labels, such as LG, GE, Honeywell, Frigidaire, and the exclusive Hampton Bay brand, are there to evaluate and potentially purchase. 

On their website, they point out that they install four of the top HVAC brands in America.

These are Carrier, Rheem, Lennox, and Amana.

All of these companies are renowned for designing ACs with top energy-saving features, so you’ll be sure to find the perfect cooling system for your budget.

Let’s take a closer look at these brands.

Carrier Air Conditioners

Typical Cost To Install Central AC Average: $4,070 - $5,930
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Carrier is a big name in the HVAC world.

They have decades of experience and excellence under their belt and take pride in creating air conditioning units of the highest quality.

From modestly priced models to luxurious editions boasting up to 19 SEER for complete energy efficiency, you can rest assured that there’s something here for almost everyone.

Plus, there aren’t major restrictions due to your requirements or budget. 

Rheem Air Conditioners

Rheem is another well-respected brand that Home Depot proudly carries.

Their headquarters in Atlanta offer an array of high-quality products at competitive prices.

Rheem customers appreciate the value that comes with the brand particularly.

Their products strike the perfect balance between cost-effectiveness and quality.

Lennox Air Conditioners

Lennox has been a respected name in the HVAC industry for decades.

With a reputation for outstanding quality, they’re not an exclusively high-price brand –- the cost of a Lennox air conditioner varies depending on the model and size.

You can find them at Home Depot for about $3,000 or upwards of $7,500.

Amana Air Conditioners

Amana is another popular brand that Home Depot sells.

Their units boast impressive efficiency ratings and also offer a broad selection at various price ranges.

If the brand sounds good, pick one at the local Home Depot to enjoy all the benefits of ambrosial air conditioning year-round.

Hampton Bay Air Conditioners

Hampton Bay is exclusive to Home Depot.

They offer various air conditioners, including window units and portable air conditioners, as well as the traditional models.

The brand is reputable thanks to its affordability and simplicity.

They might not have as many features as some of the more premium brands, but their devices are reliable and get the job done.

If you find this brand appealing, it may be worth going with Home Depot over other retailers.

LG Air Conditioners

Chances are, you’ve already heard of the tech giant LG and likely have encountered its products before.

These air conditioners live up to their reputation.

Window-style, portable, mini-split, heat pump, and ductless variants boast respectable energy efficiency, low noise levels, and contemporary conveniences like Wi-Fi connectivity.

LG’s air conditioners usually get rave reviews for impressive performance.

GE Air Conditioners

Another tech juggernaut, GE, has different high-quality air conditioning picks, like window units, portable ACs, and central AC systems.

They boast superb durability and dependability.

Explore user reviews to see if any of these may be what you’re seeking.

Honeywell Air Conditioners

Honeywell has been providing reliable air conditioning for many years.

Their products (from portable air conditioners to whole-house systems) save energy, are easy to use, and have some nifty bonus features.

Read reviews from other users to see if this brand meets your standards.

Frigidaire Air Conditioners

Frigidaire is another well-known brand that offers high-quality air conditioners, ranging from window units to portable systems and whole-house air conditioners.

Buyers often praise their products’ cooling performance and special features.

Did you know? The first modern air conditioner was invented by Willis Carrier in 1902. Not for comfort, however, but to control the humidity in a New York publishing house. It made ink dry faster and kept the paper from expanding and contracting as much.

Pros Of Installing AC Through Home Depot

Typical Cost To Install Central AC Average: $4,270 - $5,930
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Installing your air conditioner through Home Depot has some nice benefits.

You’ll be able to take advantage of the big box store’s expert contractors and a selection of high-quality units while simultaneously having access to possibilities for flexible financing and extended protection plans

Moreover, thanks to their expansive country-wide network, you can enjoy the assurance of speedy and quality service from trusted local pros.

Better still, all new heating and cooling systems come with a reliable one-year guarantee and an additional 90-day warranty on labor.

Home Depot AC Installation Reviews

Home Depot’s AC installation services have mainly garnered many favorable reviews.

Customers often praise the professionals who handle the job and their promptness in which they complete tasks.

While you might take self-reported statistics with a grain of salt, the company advertises that around 84% of customers would recommend their HVAC installation and replacement services. 

Still, experiences tend to vary from location to location and each customer’s particular circumstances.

While there are occasional difficulties, these might likely be isolated incidents rather than an indication of the service as a whole.

Potential buyers should still carefully weigh positive and negative feedback before committing to the job and talk to an experienced professional.

Lowes vs Home Depot Air Conditioner


Cost to Install Central AC
$3790 - $6130
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Both Home Depot and Lowe’s offer various air conditioners, and both strive to keep customers cool during the hot summers.

If you want a bargain on an AC system, then Lowe’s might be the place to go.

For example, their MRCOOL mini-split is more affordable than most other outlets, costing only $982 yet efficiently cooling 500 square feet. 

On the other hand, if you’d prefer a more robust cooling system, check out Home Depot’s offerings.

There are some top-tier performers for under $3,000 at Home Depot.

Home Depot offers professional installation services and an exclusive brand: Hampton Bay.

Both stores offer various AC unit brands and models at similar prices.

But before you decide which one is right for you, a few other factors come into play.

To get the most bang for your buck, you should consider what kind of financing options, warranties, and discounts each store offers.

Keep in mind that availability also varies by location and time of year.

For that reason, research all your purchasing options carefully before making a decision.

Typical Cost To Install Central AC Average: $4,270 - $5,930
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Is It Worth Getting A Home Depot AC?

The cost of purchasing a new AC unit may have you thinking twice about investing, but let’s consider the benefits.

No longer will you feel like you’re burning up in your own home while summer temperatures soar outside.

You can put an end to the repairs and maintenance on the old, unreliable unit.

You’ll also do your part for Mother Nature by reducing your carbon footprint with a newer, more energy-efficient model.

And let’s not forget the savings on your monthly energy bills.

You can upgrade to something more efficient. This will save you money in the long run.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that replacing your old HVAC equipment with an ENERGY STAR-qualified unit could significantly reduce your annual energy bill.

Aside from financial relief, investing in a new AC unit will also raise your home’s value.

That’s perfect if you plan to sell it later down the road.

An upgraded HVAC system on display will excite any future buyer about their prospective purchase.

Lastly, a new AC unit can grant some peace of mind since it has indoor air quality.

The home will feel more comfortable as the new unit cools you down.

Plus, you don’t need to worry about which air particles are making their way into the house.

It all depends on your situation – is your AC unit in need of repair? What is your budget? What temperature do you want to maintain in your home? It’s always better to get advice from a qualified professional who can weigh the pros and cons to determine the best choice.

Pro Tip: ACs aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The AC should be the right size for your space. If it’s oversized, it cools your home too quickly without adequately dehumidifying it, while an undersized unit might barely cool your home or not at all.

Pleasant Temperature Year Round

You’ll likely find the right air conditioner for your home and budget at Home Depot.

With convenient installation services, a 30-day return policy, and so many brands to choose from, it’s no wonder why Home Depot is the go-to service provider for all AC needs.

Whether you’re refreshing a quaint studio or cooling down a sprawling estate, our professional team is here to help you select the perfect climate control method for your space.

This way, you can get back to feeling comfortable and confident in your home.

Typical Cost To Install Ductless Mini-Split Average: $3,070 - $4,380
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About Leo Bender

Leo has been a contractor since 2003, specializing in: roofing, siding, general contracting (GC) and residential remodeling. Leo is also a Certified HVAC, Oil & Gas Heating Technician/Installer. In addition to roofing and remodeling, Leo is passionate about Solar, green building and energy conservation, so a lot of my time and energy goes to installing energy efficient heating and cooling systems.


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