Central air costs about $5,000 to $12,000 on average ... They also don’t use ductwork, making them an option for homes without existing ducts. Geothermal heat pumps: $4,200 to $12,000.

A central air system can be a great ... of an old AC unit,” says Graham. Ductwork is an important aspect of your new system working optimally without looking overbearing in your home.

A true central air conditioning system uses ducts to distribute cooled air throughout the house. In a “split system,” the most common design, refrigerant circulates between an indoor coil and ...