Central Air Conditioner

A central air conditioner is a whole-home cooling system that uses ductwork to distribute conditioned air throughout your living spaces, keeping every room comfortable during warm months. From sizing and installation to seasonal maintenance and repairs, there's a lot to consider when managing this essential system. Angi helps you find the right pros and resources to keep your home cool and comfortable year-round.

Related to Central Air Conditioner Service

Central Air Conditioner Service Articles and Advice
Central AC Repair or Service
Catherine Hiles  •  Mar 19, 2026
5 Questions to Ask About Central AC Installation, Service, and Repair
Whether you need to repair, service, or replace your AC unit, here are the questions you should ask an HVAC technician before you hire them.
tools on top of ac unit
Barbara Bellesi Zito  •  Mar 19, 2026
Adding Central Air to Your House: Can You Install AC in Your Home?
Adding central air to a house can add comfort and increase your home’s value. Our guide explains what you need to know about installing AC.
Katy Willis  •  Mar 6, 2026
How to Choose a Central Air Conditioner: 6 Essential Factors You Should Consider
Buying a new central air conditioner is a big investment, so use our expert guide to make sure you choose the right one and spend your money wisely.
Smiling daughter talking to father
Mary Beth Eastman  •  Mar 8, 2024
What Is Central Air and Is It Right for Your Home?
When the weather gets warm, you might find yourself wondering what is central air and do I need it? Learn about your options to decide if it’s right for your home.
father and daughter adjusting ac temperature with remote
Taylor Freitas  •  Oct 30, 2023
What Are the Best Options for Installing Central Air in a House Without Ducts?
What should you do if you want central AC but don’t have ductwork? Here are your best options for installing central air in a house without ducts.
Find HVAC Pros near you
Share your project details and we’ll match you with up to 3 available pros near you.

Common Central Air Conditioner Service Questions

If your home has an existing forced-air heat system, you can add a central air conditioner to it. An HVAC technician can retrofit your forced-air heating system by installing an evaporator coil onto the furnace plenum, the box next to the furnace that draws in air. Once installed, the air conditioning coils use the furnace’s blower to circulate the air.

Many factors affect how much adding air conditioning will cost you, from the size of your home to the size, type, brand, and installation specifics of the system itself. Chances are, a new central air conditioning system for a 2,000-square-foot house will cost somewhere between $3,900 and $7,900 to install, with an average around $6,000. 

You need to know the square footage of your home first. Multiply that number by 20, which will get you the BTUs (British Thermal Units) needed to cool your home efficiently. Homes up to 1,000 square feet usually need a 1.5-ton unit; homes 1,000 to 1,200 square feet usually need a 1.75-ton unit, and homes 1,200 to 1,400 square feet usually need a 1.9-ton unit. Talk to a local pro for more specific advice on your home. 

If your central AC is not blowing cold air, you should try resetting the system. Many systems have a reset button. Make sure your thermostat is off, then turn off the circuit breaker that powers your AC. Hold the reset button for three to five seconds, then turn the circuit back on. Set your thermostat to cool and choose a temperature cooler than the room. Your system should turn on quickly.

Improved air quality, energy savings, and consistent temperature control.