How Much Does a Window AC Unit Cost to Install? [2025 Data]

Window AC Installation Cost Factors 

Window air conditioner pricing depends primarily on your chosen air conditioner. From the type of AC unit to its cooling capacity, these factors influence the cost of installing a window air conditioner.

New Window AC Unit Cost

A new window AC unit costs about $150 to $800. A basic model starts around $150 and will have simple functions that allow you to select a cooling level and set the unit to fan or cooling mode. More expensive models may cost up to $800 but can also have heating functions, timers, or even Wi-Fi capability to let you change the temperature without getting off the sofa.

Remember that one window unit isn’t enough to cool an entire home, and you may need one unit per room if you want to cool multiple spaces. Otherwise, you might consider the cost of installing central AC, which can be more cost-effective for cooling an entire home than installing several window units.

Size of Window AC Unit 

The size, or cooling capacity, of a window AC unit impacts the cost. Window AC units with lower cooling capacity cost less, but they are also best suited for smaller rooms. Larger units with greater cooling capacity are more expensive but will more efficiently cool a big room. 

Window AC unit cooling capacity is measured in BTU (British thermal unit). In general, you’ll want about 20 BTU per square foot of the room you want to cool down.

Installation and Labor

Installing a window AC unit costs about $60 to $300. The window AC specialists will inspect the window, safely install the AC unit, and clean up the area in about two to four hours. Extensive window repairs can add up to $610 to your project. 

Location

Your window AC unit cost can vary considerably depending on your location due to higher labor rates. If you live in a high-demand area where the temperatures are hot all the time, you’ll end up paying more (sometimes up to double) due to the demand for the window AC pro. However, in parts of the country where the weather is milder and the demand is lower, you can expect to pay less overall. 

Window Air Conditioning Pricing by Type 

Window AC units are available in a few different types, and choosing the right one for your space depends on how permanent you’d like the fixture to be. Portable AC units are great for a temporary cooling solution, while AC units installed through a wall are the most permanent option and tend to be the most expensive.

Window AC Unit 

Again, a standard window AC costs about $150 to $800 per unit, not including installation prices. This type of air conditioner is installed right in the window and works best in standard windows. A common AC unit type, window air conditioners come in a wide range of models with simple functions or more robust features.

Wall AC Unit

A wall AC unit costs about $400 but can go up to $1,400 before installation. This type of air conditioner goes through the wall, and installation costs may be higher, driving the total project cost to over $2,100. You may also need to pay for drywall repair, about $550, and siding repair, over $700.

Portable AC Unit

If you have small windows or need a temporary AC unit, a portable air conditioner costs about $200 to $700. A portable AC is different from a window AC because it’s freestanding with wheels and a hose that connects it to the window for airflow.

Additional Costs to Consider

Several additional costs may spring up when you’re planning to install a window AC unit, whether you need help removing an older AC unit or plan to add weatherstripping for better efficiency.

Energy Efficiency 

Energy-efficient window AC units tend to be a little more expensive, about $400 to $900. While the upfront investment is higher than a standard model, it can save you more money on utility bills each month and may save you nearly $400 each year.

Removal of an Existing Window AC Unit

Removing an older window AC unit will cost about $50 to $200. You’ll need to pay for the labor to remove the unit as well as any local recycling fees or environmental charges for proper disposal of the old unit and its freon.

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping may come with the AC unit, but if it isn’t or you need more on other parts of the window, expect to pay about $5 to $30 for the weatherstripping materials or about $100 for a pro to provide and install the weatherstripping for you.

Electrical Upgrades

If there’s no outlet near the window where you’d like the AC unit, you’ll spend around $140 to $300 on the cost to install an electrical outlet. You may also need other electrical updates to ensure your home’s electrical circuit can handle the power demand of a window AC unit. Hiring an electrician costs an average of $165 and $525 per hour.

Additional Features

Maybe you want a timer feature so the AC automatically shuts off at night when the temperature outside drops. Or perhaps you want a unit that connects to your home Wi-Fi and smartphone for added convenience. These premium features will bring the cost of the unit up toward the $800 price point.

Heaters 

Some models will pull double-duty and offer a heating mode so you can leave the window AC unit installed year-round. AC units with heaters may cost up to $1,000 more than the average price of a window air conditioner.

Window Frame Repair

Before installing your new window AC unit, you should inspect the window for any repairs. Window repair costs $175 to $610 on average but will help prevent leaks or additional damage to the windows or AC unit. If your windows are in rough shape, you may need to budget for the cost of window replacements, about $180 to $410 per window, before installing the AC.

Permanent vs. Temporary Installation 

Permanent window AC unit installation costs $60 to $300, not including the cost of the unit. Temporary installations may cost less, around $50 to $75; but they are sometimes more suitable for DIY, since they require less heavy lifting.

Cost to Install a Window AC Unit Yourself

For DIY window AC unit installation, you’ll pay for the price of the AC unit plus a few supplies like weatherstripping, which run about $25 to $50 if you don’t already have these items on hand. You’ll also need a screwdriver or drill to install the hardware included with the AC unit.

Installing a window AC unit is an easy DIY project, but you’ll need the help of at least one other person. Make sure to recruit another household member or a friend to assist you with lifting the unit and holding it in place during installation.

DIY Window AC Unit Installation Cost vs. Hiring a Pro 

Hiring a local air conditioner installer costs about $60 to $300, not including the price of the unit. 

It takes a pro about two to four hours to complete this project. While you may want to skip calling a pro to help save some money, keep in mind that window AC specialists can perform window inspections before installation to ensure there won’t be any problems down the road. Plus, window air conditioners can be heavy to lift and install on your own.

How to Save on Window AC Unit and Installation Costs

Window air conditioning units can be cost-efficient for cooling individual rooms or smaller spaces. But there are a few tips and tricks to saving on the cost of installing and running a window AC unit in your home.

Choose the Right Size

When it comes to window AC units, choosing the wrong size can leave you sweating on the sofa or chilled at the sight of your energy bills. Choosing the right BTU is key—too low, and the AC unit won’t sufficiently cool the room. Too high, and the AC unit won’t run efficiently, driving up the cost of the electric bill. Refer to the table above on BTU and room size for more information. 

Consider DIY Installation

While DIY installation isn’t for everyone—AC units are heavy, after all—you can save about $60 to $300 on the cost of professional installation by doing it yourself. Ask a family member or friend to help, which may cost you a pizza to feed the crew.

Prep and Cleanup

Window AC installation may involve replacing weatherstripping on the window beforehand and cleaning the area afterward. You can save on labor costs by taking on these tasks yourself.

Buy at the Right Time

There is a right time to buy an AC unit to save money. You’ll get the most bang for your buck by shopping window AC unit deals in the fall or spring.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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