The answer to 'how much does central air cost' is that the cost of installing a new central air conditioning system can vary widely depending on several factors. Generally, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $12,000 or more for a complete central air installation, with the average cost typically falling in the $5,000 to $8,000 range.
The main factors that influence the cost of a central air system include the size of your home, the efficiency rating of the equipment, the complexity of the installation, and your local climate and labor costs. Larger homes, high-efficiency systems, and difficult installations will be on the higher end of the price range. It's essential to get quotes from multiple local HVAC contractors to understand the specific costs for your home and location.