There are two types of AC units - standalone (portable) and split-system units. The cost of the respective systems is a major consideration when purchasing an AC unit.

The various costs accompanied by AC system installment and use are dependent on a few key factors. Most of those factors are directly influenced by the decisions you make as a consumer.

Costs boil down to the following factors:

  • Appliance Type
  • Cooling Efficiency and Use

What Kind of Appliance Do You Have?

There are two main types of AC units. The first category is standalone units, and the second is split-system units. Standalone units are less expensive up-front, but don't always match the energy-efficiency of split-system units.

The Cheaper Options

Standalone units are portable, and contain both coils (the mechanical part of a unit responsible for cooling air) inside one main appliance.

They include portable air conditioners, window air conditioners, and mounted air conditioners.

These types of air conditioners are very easy to install and cost anywhere from $100-$1000 dollars.

More Costly Options

Split-system units have either a single indoor appliance, or a series of indoor appliances all connected to a primary unit outside. The outside appliance contains the heat coil and compressor, and the indoor unit contains the cooling coil.

This system includes central air conditioners (arguably the most common): mounted split-system air conditioners and mini-split air conditioners.

These kinds of air conditioners cost nearly quadruple that of their standalone counterparts, but their energy-efficiency operation makes them a fantastic product for the long haul. They range from $2000 - $8000 for the entire system, inside and out.

These are the bulk of AC consumer cost, but of course, the energy consumption is a cost to factor in.

How is Your Appliance Being Used?

While you might think you could measure your living space in order to get a comprehensive look at the cost of your appliance, what actually matters is how it is being used.

The two key factors that need to be considered are the power and wattage being used. There are many calculators that can help you determine just how much energy you are using. Overall, you need to know your product code to get the watts your appliance will use, a rough estimate of the number of hours you will use it each day, the cost for kWh in your state, and how many months you will use it in a year.

On average, each month, expect anywhere from $20 to $50, depending on how much your appliances are used.

Get expert AC advice in Chattanooga

For more comprehensive instructions, reach out to the experts of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning in Chattanooga. We can help you evaluate your options, install a new system, or service the one you have. Contact us today for service!