Pricing Guide
AC Installation Cost
Denver central air conditioning installation costs typically range between $6,687-$9,396 on average, which includes the installation of a standard efficiency AC unit with equipment and labor included.
Updated February 21, 2026•By Editorial Staff
Central AC installation in Denver costs $5,724-$11,536 depending on efficiency and tonnage. Higher SEER2 ratings (18+) cost more upfront but reduce cooling bills by 20-30%. Consider a heat pump instead-similar cost with year-round heating/cooling and rebates up to $15,750.
How Much Does AC Installation Cost in Denver?
Denver central air conditioning installation costs typically range between $6,687-$9,396 on average, which includes the installation of a standard efficiency AC unit with equipment and labor included.
AC Installation Cost
The cost of installing a central air conditioning system depends on system type, installation complexity, and any additional accessories. Installed prices for Denver-area homes:
Installed Price by System Type
- Single-stage AC: $6,890-$9,476 for equipment and installation
- Two-stage AC: $7,632-$10,403 for equipment and installation
- Variable-speed AC: $10,388-$12,566 for unit and installation
These prices are estimates for typical installations. Larger homes or more complex ductwork will push costs toward the higher end of each range.
AC Installation Cost by Tonnage
AC units are sized in tons (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hour of cooling capacity). Installed prices for Denver-area homes by system size:
Installed Price by Tonnage (2026)
- 2-Ton (24,000 BTU): $6,890-$8,755 - homes up to 1,200 sq ft
- 2.5-Ton (30,000 BTU): $7,208-$9,270 - homes 1,200-1,600 sq ft
- 3-Ton (36,000 BTU): $7,632-$10,094 - homes 1,600-2,200 sq ft (most popular)
- 3.5-Ton (42,000 BTU): $7,950-$10,506 - homes 2,000-2,500 sq ft
- 4-Ton (48,000 BTU): $8,268-$11,124 - homes 2,400-3,000 sq ft
- 5-Ton (60,000 BTU): $8,692-$12,154 - homes 3,000+ sq ft
Prices above are for standard single-stage or two-stage units. Variable-speed models add $2,120-$3,605 to these prices but offer 20-30% energy savings.
AC cost by system size
- System Size
- 24K BTU AC & Installation
- Cost Range
- $7,208 - $9,682
- System Size
- 36K BTU AC & Installation
- Cost Range
- $7,632 to $10,094
- System Size
- 48K BTU AC & Installation
- Cost Range
- $8,056 to $10,712
- System Size
- 60k BTU AC & Installation
- Cost Range
- $8,268 to $12,154
Air Conditioning Unit Sizing Factors
What Determines AC Size
- Square footage: larger spaces need more cooling capacity
- Climate: Denver's dry heat and altitude affect sizing calculations
- Insulation: well-insulated homes can run a smaller unit
- Windows: more windows mean more heat gain and a larger unit
- Number of floors: multi-story homes may need upsized equipment
AC capacity by home size
| Area Size | Blower Tonnage | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 sq. ft. & below | 2 tons | |
| 1000 sq. ft. - 2000 sq. ft. | 3 - 4 tons | |
| 2000 sq. ft. - 3000 sq. ft. | 4 - 5 tons | |
| 3000 sq. ft. & above | 5 tons |
Why AC Unit Sizing Is Important
An improperly sized AC unit creates problems regardless of whether it's too small or too large:
Consequences of Wrong AC Size
- Inefficiency: undersized units run constantly; oversized units short-cycle - both waste energy
- Comfort: wrong-sized units struggle to hold a consistent temperature
- Humidity: oversized units cool too fast and skip the dehumidification cycle, leaving air clammy
- Durability: short-cycling and overwork accelerate wear, shortening the unit's lifespan
UniColorado sizes every system using Manual J load calculations, not just square footage rules of thumb.
Single-Stage vs Two-Stage vs Variable-Speed
Central AC systems come in three compressor configurations. Each operates differently and offers varying efficiency levels.
Single-Stage
Full on or full off
- Lowest upfront cost
- Simple, proven reliability
- Runs at full capacity even on mild days
- More temperature swings
Two-Stage
Low and high settings
- Runs low on mild days, more efficient
- Better humidity control
- Quieter than single-stage
- Higher upfront cost than single-stage
Variable-Speed
~60 speed settings
- Precise temperature control
- 20-30% lower cooling bills
- Whisper-quiet operation
- Highest upfront cost
Variable-speed systems maintain near-constant room temperature by modulating compressor speed continuously, rather than switching fully on and off. At that price point, a heat pump is often worth considering instead. Heat pumps operate on the same variable-speed technology, provide both heating and cooling, and qualify for significant rebates that AC-only systems do not.
SEER and EER Ratings
AC efficiency is measured by two ratings: SEER2 and EER. The yellow EnergyGuide label on every unit lists both.
SEER2 (Seasonal)
Measures overall season efficiency
- Total cooling output divided by total energy input over a full season
- Higher SEER2 = lower cooling bills all summer
- 2026 federal minimum: 14 SEER2. Recommended for Denver: 16+
EER (Peak Conditions)
Measures efficiency at 95°F outdoor temperature
- Cooling output (BTUs) divided by electrical input (watts) at peak heat
- Higher EER = better performance on Denver's hottest days
- More relevant for Colorado's dry summer heat than humid climates
High Efficiency vs Standard Efficiency
High-efficiency AC units (16+ SEER2) use less electricity for the same cooling output. Here's what that means in practice:
High vs Standard Efficiency Compared
- Energy use: high-efficiency (16+ SEER2) vs standard (13-15 SEER2) - roughly 20% less electricity
- Operating costs: lower monthly bills with high-efficiency, typically $100-$200/year savings in Denver
- Upfront cost: high-efficiency units cost $1,200-$2,500 more, often recovered in 5-8 years
- Environmental impact: high-efficiency units produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions per BTU cooled
Adding AC to Existing Furnace Costs
Adding air conditioning to an existing home involves costs beyond the AC unit itself. Common add-ons:
Additional Installation Costs
- Electrical work (230v circuit): $530-$2,060 depending on panel capacity and run distance
- Lineset (copper refrigerant tubing): $530-$1,030 if new or replacement needed
- Indoor evaporator coil: $530-$1,545 if furnace lacks a compatible coil
- Thermostat wiring: $212-$515 if new C-wire or low-voltage wiring needed
- Furnace removal and reinstallation: $530-$1,545 to fit new coil and connections
Installing a new high-efficiency AC on an aging furnace is generally not advised. The older furnace may not be compatible, and replacing both systems at once saves on labor costs and ensures the matched efficiency ratings work together. We assess your furnace during the estimate.
Additional AC installation costs
- Additional Costs
- Electrical work (230v circuit)
- Typical Cost Range
- $530 - $2,060+
- Additional Costs
- Lineset
- Typical Cost Range
- $212 - $721
- Additional Costs
- Thermostat wiring
- Typical Cost Range
- $106 - $309+
- Additional Costs
- Furnace removal and reinstallation
- Typical Cost Range
- $530 - $1,545+
- Additional Costs
- Additional Ductwork
- Typical Cost Range
- $212 - $824
Consider a Heat Pump Instead
Before installing a traditional AC, consider this: heat pumps cost about the same but offer heating AND cooling, plus they qualify for substantial rebates that AC-only systems do not.
Heat Pump
Heating + cooling in one system
- Rebates up to $15,750 (Xcel + CO state + HEAR)
- Replaces both furnace and AC
- 2-3x more efficient for heating than gas
- One system to maintain instead of two
- Higher upfront cost ($18,000-$24,500 before rebates)
AC Only
Cooling only, keep existing furnace
- Lower upfront cost ($6,890-$12,566)
- Keep a newer, high-efficiency gas furnace
- Gas backup for extreme cold (-10°F+)
- Zero rebates - no Xcel, no state credit
- Still need furnace eventually (two replacements)
For most Denver homeowners replacing an aging furnace and AC together, a heat pump is the better long-term investment. See our heat pump installation cost guide for details.
Ready to install a new air conditioner?
Free estimates. We size the system to your home, not the other way around.
Investment Options
Three tiers for every budget. All include installation, permits, and warranty.
Single-Stage
Standard efficiency cooling.
Single-stage AC
- Lower upfront cost
- Basic cooling performance
- Standard installation
- 10-year parts warranty
Starting From
$6,890
Full range: $6,890-$9,476
Two-Stage
High-efficiency, balanced value.
Two-stage AC
- Better efficiency
- Quieter operation
- Better humidity control
- 10-year parts warranty
Starting From
$7,632
Full range: $7,632-$10,403
Variable-Speed
Premium comfort and efficiency.
Variable-speed AC
- 30% lower cooling bills
- Whisper-quiet operation
- Precise temperature control
- 10-year parts warranty
Starting From
$10,388
Full range: $10,388-$12,566
Prices based on typical home in Denver metro. Actual costs depend on home size, ductwork condition, and equipment selection.
Consider Also
Other systems that may fit your needs and budget.
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AnsweringYour Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about AC installation costs in Denver.
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