It can cost the average consumer around $35 each month to run an Energy Star endorsed central air conditioning system for seven hours per day, according to the website The Protagonist.
CostHelper.com notes that it can cost between $3,500 and $4,000 to have a central air conditioning system installed into a 2,000 square foot home that is equipped with preexisting ductwork.
If ductwork needs to be installed along with the central air conditioning unit itself, the ultimate price tag for the entire installation project can increase to between $7,000 and $8,000.
If a higher quality central air conditioning unit and/or higher quality materials are employed, the overall price tag can increase to over $10,000.
It will cost more in the long run to cool a room or area if that area is not properly insulated. Quite a bit of energy can be lost if a central air conditioning system is run in an improperly insulated area. Overworking a central air conditioning system can also cause it to prematurely deteriorate.