How much does AC really cost in Washington state? We asked the experts
As the weather heats up across Washington state, your home can get a bit uncomfortable.
Installing an air conditioning unit in your home is one way to make the hot months a little cooler and the cold months a little warmer.
How much does AC actually cost when it comes to purchase and installation? How does having AC impact your utility bill?
McClatchy Media reached out to the experts to find out:
How much does air conditioning cost in Washington State?
According to Kliemann Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning in Tacoma, the total cost of installing central air conditioning about $5,000 to $12,000.
“These systems work great if you already have ductwork in your house,” the Tacoma company said. “They simply plug in and work with what’s already there,” the Tacoma company said.
“If your house doesn’t have ducts or you want to cool specific rooms,” Kliemann Brothers said, you might want to try ductless mini-ducts, which cost $2,000 to $5,000 per indoor unit. You’ll also need to pay for the outdoor unit.
“Total costs depend on factors like the type of system, its efficiency rating, the installation complexity and whether ductwork modifications are required,” Kliemann Brothers said. “Removing old equipment and adding new features, such as smart thermostats or upgraded air filters, can also impact your final bill.”
For example, repairing “leaky, undersized, or hard-to-access ducting” can add $2,000 to $4,000 in repair costs, the Tacoma company said.
The size of your home can also affect the overall cost of installation.
“Generally, the larger your home, the bigger and more expensive an air conditioner you’ll need,” Kliemann Brothers said.
According to NerdWallet, here’s how much different types of heating and cooling systems cost:
- Central heat air conditioning: $2,500 to $4,500 per unit
- Ductless mini-split system: $3,200 to $14,500
- Air-source heat pump: $2,000 to $12,000
- Geothermal heat pump: $4,000 to $15,000
How much does a smart thermometer cost?
If you choose to install a smart thermostat or other upgrades, here’s how much it’ll cost you, according to Kliemann Brothers:
- Smart thermostat: $200 to $800
- Enhanced air filter: $400 to $2,000
- UV air purifier: $400 to $800
- Zoning system: $1,700 to $6,000
- Wiring upgrade: $300 to $2,000
However, some utility companies offer rebates for installing smart thermometers.
“A smart thermostat is the smartest way to control the temp of your home, Tacoma Public Utilities said, noting that it can “automatically adjust the temperature based on your patterns or when people are home. “That way, you never waste money or energy.”
Will AC increase my utility bill?
The long-terms costs of cooling your home depend on the type of air conditioning you use.
According to home improvement company Homeguide, running a central cooling system costs an average of $30 to $270 a month.
In contrast, a window air conditioning system costs $20 to $55 a month on average.
“Heating and cooling your home uses more energy than any other system in your home,” the U.S. Department of Energy said, noting that 43% of your home’s utility bill goes toward heating and cooling expenses.
How can I save money while cooling my home?
According to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, there are ways to save money while still staying cool this summer.
To lower your energy bill, set your programmable thermostat as high as you can while still remaining comfortable, the state agency said.
You should raise the temperature slightly when you’re sleeping or away from home.
“The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be,” the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission said.
Avoid placing lamps or TVs near your AC thermostat, which can sense heat from these appliances.
This could cause the air conditioner to run longer than you prefer.
This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "How much does AC really cost in Washington state? We asked the experts."