How much does an American Standard air conditioner cost?
How much does an American Standard air conditioner cost?
$1,500 – $4,500 air conditioner cost (unit only)
$3,500 – $8,000 average total installed cost
American Standard air conditioner prices
An American Standard air conditioner costs $3,500 to $8,000 on average installed, depending on the size, model, SEER rating, location, and installation difficulty. For models in their popular Silver and Gold series, American Standard air conditioner prices are $1,500 to $4,500 for the unit alone.
| Series | Average installed cost | Description | SEER2 rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | $3,500 – $5,500 | Single-stage | Up to 16.0 |
| Gold | $5,500 – $8,000 | Two-stage | Up to 16.2 |
| Platinum | $6,000 – $12,000 | Variable speed | Up to 21.5 |
American Standard air conditioner cost by size
American Standard air conditioner prices depend on the system size. AC units are sized in tons, with each ton equaling 12,000 BTUs. Prices for a small 2-ton unit range from $3,600 to $6,700 with installation, while a 5-ton system suitable for a larger home costs $5,500 to $8,000+.
The ideal AC unit size for your home depends not just on your home's square footage but also the home's layout and ceiling height, insulation, windows, sun exposure, climate, and other factors.
| Unit size | Average unit cost | Average installed cost | Home size (square feet)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 ton | $1,500 – $3,000 | $3,500 – $6,500 | 600 – 900 |
| 2 ton | $1,600 – $3,200 | $3,600 – $6,700 | 900 – 1,200 |
| 2.5 ton | $1,900 – $3,400 | $3,800 – $6,900 | 1,200 – 1,500 |
| 3 ton | $2,000 – $3,600 | $4,000 – $7,100 | 1,500 – 1,800 |
| 3.5 ton | $2,100 – $3,800 | $4,200 – $7,300 | 1,800 – 2,100 |
| 4 ton | $2,400 – $4,000 | $5,000 – $7,500 | 2,100 – 2,400 |
| 5 ton | $3,400 – $4,500 | $5,500 – $8,000+ | 2,400 – 3,000 |
*Approximate size only. Hire a licensed installer to calculate the ideal AC size for your home.
American Standard AC unit cost by SEER rating
American Standard air conditioner prices range from $3,500 to $8,000 with installation for their Silver and Gold series, with SEER2 ratings of 13 to 18.5. Their premiere Platinum series costs $12,000+ and includes models with the highest efficiency SEER2 ratings ranging from 16.5 to 20.5.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings measure how well an air conditioner cools and uses energy. A higher SEER means it cools better with less energy, saving on bills. The Department of Energy updated energy-efficiency test standards in 2023 to SEER2 which provide better accuracy.
| SEER2 rating* | Average installed cost | Energy efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 13.8 | $3,500 – $4,500 | Standard efficiency |
| Up to 16 | $4,500 – $5,500 | Moderate efficiency |
| Up to 16.2 | $5,500 – $8,000 | High efficiency |
| Up to 17 | $6,000 – $10,000 | Very high efficiency |
| Up to 18 | $7,000 – $11,000 | Maximum efficiency |
| Up to 21.5 | $8,000 – $12,000 | Maximum efficiency |
*The actual SEER2 rating may vary depending on the specific model and testing conditions.
American Standard air conditioner prices by type
American Standard offers several types of cooling and heating systems to ensure comfort in any home and climate, with prices starting at around $2,000 for ductless mini-split systems and reaching $10,000+ for packaged air conditioning systems.
| Type | Average installed cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Central air conditioner | $3,500 – $8,000+ | Cools the entire home using a system of ductwork |
| Ductless mini-split cost | $2,000 – $5,000 per unit | Provides targeted cooling for specific zones or rooms without the need for ductwork |
| Heat pump cost | $2,700 – $8,000 | Provides heating and cooling for year-round comfort |
| Packaged system | $5,000 – $10,000+ | Integrates heating and cooling components into a single unit for smaller spaces, providing an all-in-one solution for efficient climate control |
American Standard AC installation cost factors
Several factors influence the total cost of a central air conditioner installation, with the model, unit size, and energy-efficiency having the most impact. Other factors include:
Labor rates: Labor costs are influenced by the experience of the installer and the difficulty of the installation. Seasoned and reputable HVAC contractors charge higher labor rates but ensure a quality installation and a system that functions optimally for the long-term.
Accessibility: Installing an AC unit in a challenging-to-reach location—such as a tight attic or closet space—may require additional labor and time, increasing costs.
Location: Installation expenses tend to be higher in major metropolitan areas and regions with a higher cost of living overall.
Ductwork condition & design: Expect higher total costs if your home's ductwork is old or damaged and needs replacing. New ductwork costs $1,400 to $5,600 for an average-sized home.
Permits & inspections: Permit fees and inspection costs range from $100 to $250 for AC replacement, while projects requiring new ductwork may have higher permit fees of up to $1,500.
Warranty & maintenance plans: While extended warranties or maintenance plans contribute to the upfront cost, they may offer long-term advantages by saving you money on repairs.
American Standard air conditioner prices vs. other brands
The average cost to install central air conditioning is $3,000 to $8,500, depending on factors like the brand, size, and efficiency. American Standard falls within this average. Prices are often higher for models from manufacturers that are typically considered the best air conditioner brands.
The table below compares prices for American Standard air conditioners versus other top-rated brands.
| Brand | Average unit price* | Average installed cost | SEER2 rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Standard AC unit cost | $1,500 – $4,500 | $3,500 – $8,000 | Up to 21.5 |
| Amana AC unit cost | $1,300 – $5,200 | $2,800 – $7,500 | Up to 22.5 |
| Bryant AC unit cost | $1,200 – $3,700 | $2,300 – $7,000 | Up to 24.0 |
| Carrier AC unit cost | – | $3,000 – $15,000 | Up to 24.0 |
| Goodman AC unit cost | $1,200 – $4,500 | $3,200 – $6,500 | Up to 24.5 |
| Heil AC unit cost | $1,500 – $6,000 | $3,000 – $9,000 | Up to 19.0 |
| Lennox AC unit | $1,500 – $6,000 | $3,500 – $10,000 | Up to 25.8 |
| Rheem AC unit cost | $1,200 – $5,500 | $3,000 – $8,500 | Up to 20.5 |
| Ruud AC unit cost | $1,200 – $5,500 | $3,000 – $8,500 | Up to 20.5 |
| Trane AC unit cost | – | $5,000 – $25,000 | Up to 21.5 |
| York AC unit cost | $1,400 – $7,500 | $3,400 – $10,500 | Up to 20.0 |
*Carrier and Trane do not publish prices for their AC units without installation.
How to save money on an American Standard air conditioner
Follow these recommendations to ensure you save money on your American Standard air conditioner:
Size your AC system correctly: Select the right size AC unit for your home’s square footage and cooling needs to avoid wasted energy and higher costs caused by oversized or undersized units.
Opt for energy efficiency: Invest in an air conditioner with a high SEER rating to reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bills. Consider a multi-stage unit for better durability and reduced wear and tear.
Explore rebates and incentives: Look for rebates and tax credits offered by utility companies and government programs for installing energy-efficient air conditioning systems. Check with your local utility provider and the Energy Star rebate finder to find incentives.
Use smart thermostats: A programmable or smart thermostat costs $160 to $450 with installation. These devices allow you to automatically adjust temperature settings based on your schedule and preferences, minimizing wasted energy.
Optimize thermostat settings: Set your thermostat at 78° F when you are home and raise it when you’re away to save energy. Keep in mind that each degree below 78° F on your thermostat increases your energy bill by 8%.
Seasonal timing: Schedule your installation during off-peak times for more savings. Peak season installations may incur higher labor costs due to heightened demand.
American Standard air conditioner FAQs
Is American Standard a good air conditioner brand?
American Standard is a reputable and reliable air conditioner brand. They offer a wide range of options that emphasize energy efficiency, durability, and advanced technology in their products.
How long does an American Standard air conditioner last?
A well-maintained American Standard air conditioner lasts 15 to 20 years. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing air filters, checking for refrigerant leaks, and scheduling professional inspections can prolong the lifespan of the unit.
Who makes American Standard air conditioners?
Technically, Trane Technologies makes American Standard air conditioners. However, Ingersoll Rand owns both American Standard and Trane Technologies, so as the parent company, Ingersoll Rand is considered the producer.
Where are American Standard air conditioners made?
Most American Standard air conditioners are made in the USA in Tyler, Texas, at a facility owned by Trane Technologies. Both brands are manufactured on the same assembly line in the same facility.
What maintenance do American Standard AC units require?
American Standard AC units require routine DIY maintenance every 1 to 2 months that includes cleaning or changing the air filter and removing any leaves or debris from the outdoor unit.
Additionally, a professional tune-up every year before the cooling season can help keep the unit performing properly and extend the system's life. An AC tune-up costs $70 to $200.
What efficiency ratings do American Standard air conditioners have?
American Standard air conditioners offer standard efficiency models starting at 14 SEER, high-efficiency models starting at 18 SEER, and a platinum series up to 22 SEER, which is among the highest in the industry.
Getting estimates from AC installation companies
Follow these recommendations when selecting an AC installer near you:
Request estimates from 3 authorized American Standard AC installers to compare prices, services, and warranties.
Look for positive reviews on reputable sites like HomeGuide and Google.
Ensure each installer is licensed and insured.
Ask the installers for references from previous local customers.
Discuss your requirements, including home size, ductwork condition, and any special features or considerations.
Ask the installer to recommend AC units with an optimal SEER rating to maximize your long-term energy savings.
Request a written contract detailing the specific model, labor and material costs, warranty information, and the expected timeline for completion.
Clarify the payment terms, including required deposits, payment schedules, and acceptable payment methods. Be cautious of contractors requesting a large upfront payment.
Understand the warranty coverage for both the American Standard air conditioner and the installation work.
Questions to ask an American Standard air conditioner installer
Streamline your selection of American Standard installers by asking these questions about the product, installation process, and the contractor’s qualifications:
Are you an authorized American Standard dealer?
How many American Standard air conditioners have you installed?
Can you provide references from past installation customers?
Which American Standard air conditioner models do you recommend for my home, and what is their SEER rating?
Are there any rebates or incentives for American Standard air conditioners?
Can you give me a written contract outlining all terms and details of the installation?
Will you manage the entire installation process, including obtaining the necessary permits?
How long will the installation take, and when can you start the project?
What is the warranty on American Standard AC units? Do you offer a warranty on the installation work?
How do you address issues with the air conditioner post-installation?
Do you offer maintenance services for American Standard ACs?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.