Hot summers in Kansas City can be hard without a good cooling system. If you’re thinking about adding central air to your home, it’s important to know what it might cost. The cost to install central air in 2025 depends on a few things. It matters if your home has ductwork. The size of your home and the type of system also affect the price.
Installing Central Air in a Home With Existing Ductwork
If your house already has a furnace and ductwork, the cost to install central air in 2025 is between $10,000 and $15,000. This price covers the outdoor unit. It also includes the refrigerant lines and other parts needed to run the system.
Factors that affect cost:
- Efficiency level of the unit (standard vs. high-efficiency)
- Brand and model you choose
- Wiring and thermostat upgrades
- Home size and layout
Key Takeaway: Even the most basic systems will likely start at $10,000. High-end or energy-efficient options can push costs closer to $15,000.
Replacing an Existing Air Conditioner
If your AC has stopped working but you don’t need to replace the furnace, replacing just the air conditioner unit usually costs $5,000 to $7,000. This is a simpler job since ductwork and power are already in place.
Still, there’s labor involved in:
- Disconnecting the old unit
- Hooking up new refrigerant lines
- Running new wires if needed
Homes Without Ductwork: What Are the Options?
In older homes, like many near Ward Parkway in KC, there may not be ductwork at all. For these homes, we often install mini-split systems. These are ductless, high-efficiency units.
Mini-splits are a good choice because:
- They don’t need ductwork
- They cool and heat each room individually
- They are more efficient than window units
But they do cost more upfront, especially if you’re cooling a whole house. Some projects with multiple zones can go above $15,000, depending on how many rooms need coverage.
Need expert help with central air installation? Contact Dick Ray for a free consultation today.
How Financing Can Make Central Air More Affordable
We offer flexible financing options that can make big jobs much easier on your wallet. Instead of writing a $10,000 check, you can break it into monthly payments.
Here’s how it works:
- Finance through our third-party partner
- Interest-free options are available
- Typical payments range from $100 to $400 per month
- You can split payments by paying some upfront and financing the rest
Pro Tip: You can finance more than just your AC system. If approved for a larger amount, you could also add a water heater or water softener to your project.
What to Expect During Installation
Installing a central air system takes planning, time, and skilled labor. Here’s what we handle:
- Site review: We check your home’s size, wiring, and ductwork
- Permits: We pull the right permits for your city or county
- Installation: We install the outdoor unit, connect it to your indoor system, and set up your thermostat
- Testing: We test everything to make sure it’s cooling evenly and running efficiently
We aim to complete most jobs in 1 to 3 days, depending on complexity.
In Summary
The cost to install central air in 2025 depends on your home setup. If you already have ductwork, plan for $10,000 or more. If you don’t, mini-splits may be your best option, but they cost more. Replacing an existing AC system without major changes can run between $5,000 and $7,000. We offer financing to help make your project affordable.
If you’re ready to get started, contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you stay cool and comfortable year-round.
