Wall-mounted AC is a long-term investment for homeowners. The total cost of installing the system ranges from $2000 to $7000. The cost mainly depends on different factors, including AC unit size, brand, installation cost, etc.
If you understand the costs, you can plan your budget and avoid surprises. Here’s the detailed breakdown.
Cost Breakdown of Wall-mounted Air Conditioner: What You Are Paying For
AC Unit Cost
It depends on the capacity, features, and brand value. It costs between $700 and $4,000 or more. Smaller units are best for compact rooms. They are more affordable.
Larger systems with higher cooling capacity, which cost more. Premium models come with advanced features. They offer high energy efficiency but cost more.
Labor and Installation Charge
For labor and installation, you will need to pay from $1,000 to $4,000. Professional installation generally takes 4 to 8 hours to complete the process. It includes:
- Mounting the indoor unit
- Installing an outdoor compressor
- Drilling holes for connections
- Setting up the drainage system
Materials and Line Sets
All these add another $200 to $800 to the total cost. These include
- Copper pipes
- Electrical wiring
- Mounting brackets
- Insulation
The cost increases if you install the outdoor unit far from the indoor unit. If you need a permit before installing the AC, it may increase the overall cost. Skipping permits may save money upfront, but can lead to issues later.
How System Size Affects Cost?
The installation mainly depends on the size of the AC unit. For example, a room between 600 and 900 square feet may need a 2-ton system. The installation process is also complex. What is the solution? Choose the right size according to your needs. Don’t choose an oversized unit. Take help from a professional installer for your room.
Energy Efficiency and Long-Term Savings
Energy efficiency also impacts the upfront cost. Units that come with high SEER are more expensive. They offer high efficiency to the users. The installation may seem costly, but in the long run can help you reduce bills by 30% to 50% over time.
If you plan to use the AC for many years, then you should invest in a high-efficiency model. These models ensure better cooling performance without impacting the environment.
Single Zone vs Multi-Zone Systems
Another factor to consider is the number of zones you need. A single-zone system cools one room. On the other hand, a multi-zone system can cool multiple rooms. But multi-zone systems are more expensive. Each additional zone can cost between $2,500 and $7,000.
Case Study: Budgeting Smartly For A Wall-Mounted AC Install
Meet John. John wanted to install a wall-mounted unit in his main bedroom so he can sleep comfortably during the summer months. He budgeted around $2k figuring that should be enough for the unit and installation costs.
THE PROBLEM
John received estimates back only to find out the cost would be much more than he originally thought. His bedroom was large and needed a more powerful system to keep the room cool. The distance between his bedroom wall and his chosen exterior wall was greater than normal which meant more labour to install.
THE SOLUTION
John had a certified installer come by and evaluate his space. He nixed the idea of trying to install a smaller cheap unit that wouldn’t keep his room cool. He chose to install a single-zone correctly sized unit that had good energy-efficiency ratings over an expensive top-of-the-line unit.
THE RESULTS
John’s total cost was around $3,800 which included materials and labour. After his unit was installed:
- The room was able to cool down quickly and maintain its temperature
- He didn’t see the energy bill he was expecting. His unit runs very efficiently
- There were no additional items that needed upgrading or fixing after installation
- He didn’t have to worry about the additional costs of repairing an improperly installed unit or buying another system if it was too small
TAKEAWAY FROM THIS CASE STUDY
Get an estimate of your unit’s cost, the installation cost, and other materials you may need. This can help you avoid any surprise costs that come your way. Properly sizing your unit and having a professional install will save you more headaches.
Link: https://ptac4less.com/blog/wall-mounted-air-conditioning-the-pros-and-cons/
FAQs
How much will it cost to install a wall mounted air conditioner?
Typically homeowners can expect to pay between $2,000 and $7,000 for a wall-mounted AC unit. This will depend on the AC unit you choose as well as labour costs for installation.
What installation costs should I expect?
Some factors that play into your installation cost are your unit’s size, brand, labour costs, difficulty of installation, and distance between your indoor and outdoor units.
Do I need to hire a professional to install my wall-mounted unit?
We always recommend hiring a professional to install your new air conditioner. Improper installation can be dangerous and affect how your AC operates.
Are energy efficient wall-mounted units worth the extra cost?
Although high-efficiency units are more expensive, they can lower your energy bills by 30% to 50%.
What’s the difference between single zone vs. multi zone wall-mount systems?
Single zone systems will cool one room your home. Multi zone systems can cool more than one room at a time. However, they are much more expensive.
Final Thoughts
Hope you got a clear idea about the cost of installing a wall-mounted unit. The cost mainly depends on different factors. The upfront cost of a wall-mounted AC is indeed high. But long-term benefits of energy savings and comfort make it worthwhile. By understanding the cost breakdown and choosing the right system for your needs, you can make a smart and cost-effective decision for your home.
