How Much Does It Cost to Install a Central AC in Iowa?

The cost to install a central AC in Iowa ranges from $4,500 to $10,000. However, most homeowners pay on average about $7,000.

This big price range is due to several factors, including:

Buying and installing a new AC is a significant expense, so we'll further explore each of these factors to help you budget and prepare.

Generally, the larger the AC is, the more expensive it will be to install.

The HVAC industry uses the air conditioner’s cooling capacity to measure its size—not physical dimensions. Manufacturers express this measurement with tons or BTUs (British Thermal Units). So when we say an AC is "larger," we mean it has a greater cooling capacity.

When shopping for a new AC, getting the right size system for your home is crucial.

Contrary to what you might assume, bigger isn’t always better. You might end up paying more in energy costs, and you’re also likely to experience more frequent breakdowns. Also, you will experience uncomfortable temperatures and humidity levels due to improper sizing.

On the other hand, buying a more undersized AC to save money can also backfire. It will constantly run because it’s struggling to cool your home. The AC continually running will result in high energy bills and an uncomfortably warm home during the hot and sticky Iowa summers.

An air conditioner that is more energy-efficient can be more expensive to install but can also save you money down the line.

An air conditioner’s efficiency is measured using a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the AC is.

Air conditioners sold in the U.S. must have a SEER rating of at least 13, but ratings for the most efficient systems can be as high as 20. The required minimum SEER for Iowa is 13, but you may prefer to purchase a more energy-efficient unit for long-term savings.

The contractor you hire to install your air conditioner can help you determine whether a high-SEER AC is worth the investment depending on your family’s lifestyle, temperature preferences, and budget.

You can add additional comfort and convenience features to your AC installation, but these will increase the price.

Many air conditioner systems also have options like smart thermostats, air purification systems, and noise reduction features. While these add-ons can cost additional money, some may increase the efficiency of your system, which can lower your energy bills. So you’ll want to weigh your options carefully and determine what’s most important to you.

A more comprehensive and extended warranty will increase the overall cost of AC installation, but you could end up saving a lot of money in the long run.

There are a few types of warranties you should consider before you have a new AC installed in your home:

• Manufacturer warranty: When you buy a new air conditioner, it should come with a manufacturer (or parts) warranty covering faulty equipment and some parts. The warranty length will vary depending on the brand you choose, but most new units include a 10-year warranty.
• You can also purchase a 5 to 10-year extended parts warranty. Although paying for an extended warranty will increase the cost of your AC installation, it could save you quite a bit of money in the future if you have to deal with costly repairs.
• Labor warranty: A high-quality HVAC contractor should provide a labor warranty with your AC installation, which will cover any issues down the line caused by faulty installation. The length of a labor warranty will vary depending on the contractor.

The more experienced the contractor, the more expensive the AC installation cost will be.

An air conditioner is a significant investment, so it’s wise to hire a highly trained and experienced contractor to install your new equipment. Although the cost is likely to be higher than someone less experienced, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the contractor correctly installed the AC.

Not sure how to find a high-quality, experienced AC installation technician in Iowa? Look for the following qualities:

• The contractor should provide written guarantees and warranties on all installation work.
• It should be a licensed and insured business.
• The company should have years of AC installation and HVAC experience.
• The contractor should have good customer reviews on websites like Google and Facebook.