How Much Does Window AC Installation Cost in 2025?
The average window AC installation costs $313
Window AC installation costs an average of $313, with most homeowners paying between $138 and $524.
Factors influencing the total cost include unit size, quality, labor fees, and whether the installation is temporary or permanent.
Additional costs may include electrical outlet installation, accessories, and disposal of old units.
Proper installation by an HVAC professional ensures efficient cooling and extends the life of your AC unit.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Installing a window air conditioner costs $313 on average, with prices ranging anywhere from $70 to $1,200. This cost includes the unit price—$150 to $800—and labor fees from $60 to $300. Factors like the unit's size, quality, and additional features will impact the overall cost. Window AC units can cool rooms ranging from a small bedroom to your main living area, usually about 150 to 500 square feet. Hiring a professional HVAC contractor ensures your AC is installed correctly and efficiently.
Window Air Conditioner Costs by Size
Window AC units range from 5,000 to 28,000 BTUs (0.5 to over two tons), with most units being 1.5 tons or less. To choose the right size for your room, consider your space's square footage:
0.5 to one ton: 150 to 500 square feet
1.5+ tons: 1,000+ square feet
Since window air conditioners are meant for one room, you'll need multiple units to cool several spaces. Before buying a unit, measure your window's opening to ensure it fits properly. Remember, the ideal installation spot might not always be your main living area.
Note: Buying more BTUs isn’t always the better deal. If you get a bigger unit than you need, you’ll use more energy for the same effect.
The table below lists how many BTUs you need by room size and how much you can expect to pay per room.
| Room Size (Sq. Ft.) | BTU Requirement | Estimated Unit Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 150–350 | 5,000–8,000 | $150–$530 |
| 350–550 | 8,000–12,000 | $230–$580 |
| 500–1,000 | 12,000–18,000 | $300–$800 |
Window AC Installation Cost Factors
Window AC installation isn't a one-size-fits-all job, and several factors influence how much you'll pay, ranging from labor to the scope of the project and any accessories or upgrades you choose.
Labor
Professional window AC installation costs between $60 and $300 and takes two to four hours. The service includes an inspection of your window, area prep, installation of your new AC, final testing, and cleanup.
During installation, there may be additional costs aside from the window AC you’ll need to budget for. For example, you may need to weather-strip your window to make the AC unit more efficient. You may also need to add a dedicated circuit to prevent fuses from blowing out or the circuit board from tripping. Hiring an electrician costs an average of $165 to $525 per hour.
Temporary vs. Permanent Installation
Temporary AC unit installations cost between $50 and $75, while permanent window AC unit installation costs $60 to $300, not including the unit.
With temporary units, you remove them when the weather cools and replace them when the weather warms again in late spring. Permanent units stay in place year-round.
Outlet Installation
If you don't have an outlet near your new AC unit, you'll need to hire a local electrician to install one, which costs around $140 to $300. Outlet installation is necessary to avoid using extension cords, which can be unsafe and unsightly.
Accessories and Upgrades
While opting for a basic installation can save money, consider investing in accessories or upgrades that enhance your AC's performance and convenience. Options like smart thermostats, covers, insulation, side panels, and brackets can improve efficiency and extend the life of your unit. Premium upgrades may cost up to $800 but offer added value over time.
Disposal
If you're replacing an old window AC unit, remember to budget an additional $50 to $200 for removal and disposal. Upgrading to a new unit improves cooling, enhances efficiency, and delivers more reliable performance.
Window AC Units vs. Portable or Wall-Mounted Units
The type of AC unit you install directly impacts the price because of the cost of the unit itself. Portable and wall-mounted units are the most budget-friendly, while window models are the most costly.
| Type of AC Unit | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Window | $150–$800 |
| Portable | $400–$1,400 |
| Wall-mounted | $200–$700 |
Window AC Unit Cost
Window air conditioners cost $150 to $800. The price range mainly relates to size, measured in BTUs or tons. Bigger units—usually one ton and higher—cool rooms 500 square feet and larger. You’ll also pay more for higher efficiency or added features like a remote control. Homeowners like window AC systems for efficient cooling, a step up from a ceiling fan.
Portable AC Unit Prices
Portable air conditioner kits cost $400 to $1,400. This air conditioner attaches to a window with a hose connecting to a free-moving floor unit. Some products have dual hoses, one to bring fresh air and another to expel hot air. Homeowners may prefer a portable system if they:
Have limited window space
Need to move the unit frequently
Don’t want a visible AC unit on the home exterior
If you want a model that also offers heating, you’ll pay closer to $800.
Wall AC Unit Cost
Through-the-wall air conditioners cost about $200 to $700, with a metal enclosure on an exterior wall. This type of air conditioner is popular for homeowners who want effective cooling but must keep the window free. The price range covers smaller units, one ton or less. Homeowners who want a bigger wall-mounted system often choose a ductless mini-split AC.
Although a wall-mounted unit seems similar to a ductless AC, they aren’t the same thing. Ductless mini-split system installation costs an average of $4,500 and uses an exterior condenser connected to multiple indoor air handlers.
In addition, cutting through an exterior wall to mount an air conditioner can cost up to $1,000 more than putting in a window AC. Installation takes 10 to 12 hours compared to two to four hours for a window unit. In addition to a higher total for labor, you may also need to pay for drywall and siding repair.
DIY vs. Hiring an HVAC Pro
While installing a window AC unit might seem like a doable DIY project, remember that these units can weigh 200 pounds or more. You'll likely need at least two strong adults to handle the installation safely. Incorrect installation could damage your window or the AC unit.
By hiring an AC professional, you’ll save yourself the hassle of heavy lifting, avoid potential injuries, and ensure the unit is installed correctly. Consider hiring an HVAC pro near you to install your window AC unit for a safe and smooth installation.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Running a window air conditioner to cool a small room often costs less than $4 per day, making it cheaper than central air for single-room cooling. However, central air might be more efficient if you're using multiple window units or need to cool a space larger than 1,000 square feet. Choosing the right size AC is crucial—a unit that's too big or small can waste energy and increase costs.
Window AC units can use a significant amount of energy. These units use about 12 to 17 kilowatt-hours per day, significantly more than a refrigerator's one to 1.5 kilowatt-hours per day. To keep your energy costs down, run your window AC only when necessary, keep doors closed to contain the cool air, regularly clean filters and coils, and seal any gaps around the unit to prevent cold air from escaping.
Inexpensive air conditioner units are often not worth it. Low-cost products from popular brands like General Electric, LG, Whirlpool, or Frigidaire may be a reasonable investment. However, putting a small, budget-friendly unit in a large room wastes energy and shortens the life span of the AC since it has to draw more power and work much harder to cool the space. The unit will consume more energy and stress the motor and other internal parts, resulting in early breakdown and costly repairs.
The best deals on window AC units come during the fall when businesses slash prices to clear out old inventory. You can also speak with your local AC installer, who may get you a good deal on a window AC unit since they have access to trade pricing. You can also watch for discontinued products and flash sales in your area.
Window AC repair costs between $110 and $390, with most people paying around $250. Parts cost between $2 and $150, with the rest going toward labor, at around $30 per hour. The occasional one-off repair or a routine AC tuneup cost $75 to $200. Servicing can keep your AC running in good condition for several more years before you need to pay for a replacement unit.
Window AC units last eight to 10 years when installed and maintained correctly. High-quality models last up to 20 years with proper care and routine maintenance. The unit’s longevity depends on its construction quality, regular cleaning, and electrical safety inspections. Keeping the filters and coils clean and addressing minor repairs promptly extends its effective performance and ensures reliable cooling.
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