Locally-owned since 1977 • Licensed, bonded and insured in Washington (WA Contractor Reg. #HOMECCA785BD) • NATE-certified technicians • Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer
How much does AC installation cost in the Seattle-Tacoma area?
Installing central air conditioning in the Seattle area averages about $7,377, with most projects between $5,098 and $9,785, according to Angi's Seattle cost data (regional estimate, August 2026). Nationally, Angi puts the average at $5,978, with a range of $1,400 to $12,500 depending on the type and size of the system. These are benchmarks, not Home Comfort Alliance prices.
| Benchmark | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle average, AC installation | $7,377 | Angi Seattle, August 2026 |
| Seattle typical range | $5,098 to $9,785 | Angi Seattle, August 2026 |
| National average | $5,978 | Angi national, July 2026 |
| National range | $1,400 to $12,500 | Angi national, July 2026 |
AC cost by type (national estimate)
| Type | Equipment | Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Central air conditioner | $2,500 to $4,500 | $3,500 to $7,000 |
| Ductless mini-split | $2,000 to $3,000 | $1,200 to $10,000 |
| Heat pump (heats and cools) | $4,200 to $7,600 installed (Angi, August 2026) | |
Source: Angi, national estimate, July 2026, unless noted.
AC unit cost by size (Seattle, equipment only)
| Size | Capacity | Unit cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 tons | 18,000 BTU | $1,300 to $4,000 |
| 2 tons | 24,000 BTU | $1,500 to $5,000 |
| 3 tons | 36,000 BTU | $2,000 to $5,500 |
| 4 tons | 48,000 BTU | $2,600 to $6,200 |
| 5 tons | 60,000 BTU | $2,800 to $6,800 |
Source: Angi Seattle, regional estimate, August 2026. Labor, ductwork and electrical work are extra.
What drives the price of a new air conditioner?
The biggest price drivers are the type and size of the system, its efficiency, and whether your home needs ductwork or electrical work. For most Puget Sound homes, these make the difference:
- Size. A room-by-room load calculation (ACCA Manual J) sets the size. Bigger is not better: an oversized AC short-cycles and leaves the house clammy.
- Efficiency. Higher SEER2 models cost more up front; Angi notes premium high-efficiency units can cost three to four times as much as basic models.
- Ductwork. Homes with ducts from a furnace can use them. Adding new ductwork runs $3,000 to $7,500 (Angi, July 2026), which is why many homes without ducts choose ductless.
- Electrical. An AC needs a dedicated 240-volt circuit and a disconnect. Older or full panels may need more work.
- Installation conditions. Where the outdoor unit sits, how long the refrigerant line runs, and access to the attic, crawl space or garage.
- Permits and removal. Permit fees and hauling away old equipment.
- Timing. Angi reports savings of 10% to 15% for work booked in spring or fall, before and after the summer rush.
Are there rebates for a new air conditioner in Washington?
Not for a standard central air conditioner. As of September 2026, PSE's heating rebates and Tacoma Power's incentives cover heat pumps, not cooling-only AC. A heat pump cools exactly like an AC and heats too, so it is the way to get utility money toward new cooling. The federal 25C tax credit ended for equipment installed after December 31, 2025, according to the IRS.
| Utility | Heat pump incentive (September 2026) |
|---|---|
| PSE | $1,500 to switch from electric heat, plus a $2,400 Efficiency Boost if income-qualified; up to $4,000 to switch from natural gas |
| Tacoma Power | $1,000 to $2,000 rebates, plus 0% interest loans up to $20,000 over 7 years |
| Seattle City Light | Instant discounts of $300, $400 or $600 by efficiency tier |
| Snohomish County PUD | $1,800 to $2,500 for qualifying ducted heat pumps |
Most programs require an approved contractor. Home Comfort Alliance is an approved contractor for PSE (Trade Ally), Tacoma Power, Seattle City Light, Snohomish PUD and Energy Smart Eastside. Full eligibility rules are in our heat pump cost guide.
Paying for a new AC: financing
Financing is available through Salal Credit Union and Synchrony, with low monthly payment plans starting at $179/month*, 0% interest options for qualifying customers and instant online approval. See financing options.
*Financing through Salal Credit Union or Synchrony, subject to credit approval. Rates, terms and monthly payments depend on the amount financed, the plan and your credit. 0% interest options are available to qualifying customers. See lender for full terms.
How Home Comfort Alliance prices an AC installation
Your price depends on your home's heating and cooling needs, the add-ons you need, how many rooms the system serves and where it's installed. Get a price range in about 30 seconds with our free instant quote tool, then a technician confirms the exact price on a free site visit.
Every quote includes a room-by-room load calculation (ACCA Manual J), and we pull the required permits. You get upfront, transparent pricing before any work begins.
Get a free estimateAn in-home visit and a written, upfront price before any work begins.
Central AC, heat pump or ductless: which should you install?
For most Puget Sound homes, a heat pump is the better buy than a cooling-only AC: it costs about the same to install, cools the same way, heats efficiently in winter and qualifies for utility rebates. Which setup fits depends on your home:
- If you have a furnace and ducts: a central AC or a heat pump connects to the existing ductwork. A heat pump paired with your gas furnace (dual fuel) adds efficient heating too.
- If you have no ducts: a ductless mini-split cools individual rooms or zones without ductwork.
- If you heat with baseboards: a ductless heat pump adds cooling and cuts heating costs; see baseboard to heat pump conversion.
Compare options on our heat pump installation and air conditioning installation pages.
What SEER2 rating does an AC need in Washington?
New split-system central air conditioners installed in Washington must meet at least 13.4 SEER2, the federal minimum for the northern region since January 1, 2023; split-system heat pumps must meet 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Higher ratings use less electricity, and many utility heat pump rebates require a variable-speed or higher-efficiency model.
Our AC installation process
- Price range. Use the instant quote tool, then book a free in-home estimate by form or phone.
- Assessment. A comfort advisor runs the Manual J load calculation and checks your ducts, electrical panel and outdoor unit location.
- Written options. Upfront, transparent pricing for central AC, heat pump or ductless, with rebates and financing.
- Permits. We pull the required mechanical and electrical permits.
- Installation. NATE-certified technicians set the outdoor unit, coil and line set; our licensed electricians handle the circuit and disconnect.
- Startup. We test the system, set up the thermostat and walk you through it; the permit inspection follows.
What you get with Home Comfort Alliance
- Upfront, transparent pricing before any work begins.
- Free installation estimates, with a price range first from our instant quote tool.
- A Manual J load calculation on every installation, and we pull the required permits.
- Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer and Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Dealer; we service all major brands.
- 1-year labor warranty on installations, and we support the manufacturer's warranty on covered parts.
- NATE-certified technicians and in-house licensed electricians.
- After-hours emergency service. Our phones are answered around the clock.
AC installation cost FAQ
How much does it cost to install AC in a 1,000 sq ft house?
A 1,000 sq ft home usually needs about a 1.5-ton system, depending on the load calculation. Angi lists 1.5-ton central AC units at $1,300 to $4,000 for the equipment alone in Seattle (August 2026); labor, the coil, electrical work and any ductwork are added to that.
Will HVAC prices go down in 2026?
No one can promise that. Equipment and labor costs set the price, and Angi reports that booking in spring or fall, outside the summer rush, can save 10% to 15%. A free estimate locks in written pricing before work begins.
Is there a rebate for a new air conditioner in Washington?
Generally no. PSE, Tacoma Power, Seattle City Light and Snohomish PUD focus their incentives on heat pumps, which cool like an AC and also heat. A heat pump is usually the way to get rebates on new cooling.
What is the $5,000 rule for AC replacement?
It is a rule of thumb: multiply the system's age by the repair cost, and if the result is more than $5,000, replacement usually makes more sense than repair. A 12-year-old AC with a $500 repair scores $6,000, so replacing it is worth pricing out.
Do I need a permit to install AC in Washington?
Yes. AC installation needs a mechanical permit from your city or county and an electrical permit from the city or WA L&I. Home Comfort Alliance pulls the required permits for every installation.
Should I get a heat pump instead of an air conditioner?
In the Puget Sound area, usually yes. A heat pump costs about the same to install, cools the same way, heats efficiently in winter and qualifies for utility rebates that a cooling-only AC does not.
What size AC do I need?
The right size comes from a room-by-room load calculation (ACCA Manual J), not square footage alone. Insulation, windows, sun exposure and ceiling height all change the answer, and an oversized unit costs more and works worse.
Sources: Angi (Seattle and national AC and HVAC cost data, July and August 2026), U.S. Department of Energy (2023 efficiency standards), IRS (25C credit), PSE, Tacoma Power, Seattle City Light, Snohomish County PUD and WA L&I, all checked September 2026.
Why Choose Home Comfort Alliance for Your AC Installation?
Your Comfort is Our Promise
We promise...
Reliable heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical service, all from one trusted company.
To educate and guide you through your options so you’ll find the right solution at the right price.
Knowledgeable and respectful workers who ensure both your own comfort during the installation process, and lasting comfort from your home systems.
Outstanding service, communication, and follow-up, so your home is comfortable now and for years to come.
Get an AC installation estimate
A comfort advisor will size your system, check your electrical and give you written options with rebates and financing at an in-home visit.
Get an estimate
A local comfort advisor will call you to set up your visit.