TLDR – What You’ll Learn in Today’s Blog
- Air conditioner prices are rising in Alberta due to increased demand, new refrigerant regulations, and higher labor costs.
- Central AC installation starts around $6500; heat pump installations are also a viable, dual-function option.
- Annual professional maintenance is crucial for longevity and efficiency for both central AC and heat pumps, starting at $199.
- Upgrading now to a high-efficiency AC can save money on monthly energy bills and pre-empt future price increases.
Alberta’s summers keep getting warmer—which means air conditioning keeps getting more essential for homeowners who want to stay comfortable and safe. But what does it cost to keep cool, and what will happen to the prices for new air conditioner installations as the demand for this technology continues to increase?
Action Furnace is here to help you understand 2026 air conditioner pricing in Alberta and show you how we expect them to change, based on industry trends. Read on so you can make cost-effective choices about the cooling equipment your household needs.
2026 Costs For Different Cooling Systems
Central Air Conditioning
Central AC moves cool air throughout your home via a system of ducts and vents. This is the most popular choice for owners of detached homes with enough room for ductwork, as it can provide even cooling for the entire building.
Installation Costs
Central AC installation costs start at about $6500 and go up from there depending on the type and size of equipment your home needs.
Our most popular air conditioning options are below, but feel free to give us a call and schedule your in-home appointment with one of our Home Comfort Advisors!
Maintenance Costs
Annual air conditioning tune-ups are strongly recommended to keep central air conditioners efficient and prevent small issues from growing into major problems. Our exclusive AC tune-up service starts at $199, book yours today!
Heat Pumps
While technically not an air conditioner, heat pumps can be used as one. Heat pumps are dual function, meaning they can both heat and cool your home, but for the purpose today’s blog we’ll focus on its cooling performance.
In cooling mode, heat pumps extract heat from the interior of the building and releasing it outside, thereby cooling the interior space. This cycle is facilitated by an outdoor unit (containing a compressor and a condenser coil) and an indoor unit (with an expansion valve and an evaporator coil), connected by a circuit of refrigerant.
Installation Costs
Our expert heat pump installation team has perfected the design and set-up of modern residential heat pumps, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the most efficient and professional installation service possible.
Our most popular options are below. You can even finance your new heat pump, with payments starting as low as $14/week! Contact us today for more information and to schedule your consultation.
Maintenance Costs
Regular heat pump tune-ups are strongly recommended to keep your equipment efficient and prevent small issues from growing into major problems. Our exclusive heat pump maintenance service starts at $199, book yours today!
How Air Conditioning Costs Are Changing
Demand for air conditioning is rising throughout Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer. Here are some factors that influence AC pricing in our area:
Changes in Refrigerant
Since 2025, all high negative impact refrigerants have been phased out. If your current AC uses refrigerants like R-410A or R-22 maintenance and repair costs are going to be higher, which in many cases will mean upgrading to a new unit will be the most economical option.
Advances in AC Technology
Cutting-edge HVAC technology is always going to come with a higher price tag—but it can offset these costs over time by producing energy savings. For example, all new air conditioners must have a SEER rating of at least 13—which makes them nearly 25% more efficient than many older models. Waiting to purchase a new air conditioner can actually eat up some of your upgrade budget since you’ll be spending more to cool your home each month in the interim.
Energy Costs & Regulations
Along with temperatures, electricity costs in Alberta continue to rise each year. Since high-efficiency ACs do not require as much electricity as their older counterparts, you may want to consider upgrading your AC sooner rather than later—so that you can use less power to cool your home.
Local Labour Market Conditions
As more people throughout the province purchase new air conditioners, HVAC service companies like ours will face increased demand for our services. This demand, coupled with inflation and a steadily increasing cost of living, will drive up the price of new AC installations.
But thankfully you have Action Furnace on your side. We pride ourselves on offering AC options that fit every budget, and with maintenance club offers and emergency repair services, we help keep ongoing, operational costs as low as possible.
The Action Furnace Comfort Club is where it pays to be a member! When you sign up you’ll enjoy access to annual prescheduled, priority service, and amazing discounts, deals and more. Our cooling maintenance options are designed to save you time and money, and are a hassle-free way to keep all your home comfort systems running as efficiently as possible, for as long as possible.
Save Money By Upgrading Your Air Conditioner Early
Purchasing a new air conditioner now allows you to take advantage of energy-efficient technology and reduce your cooling costs, but that’s not all—it also lets you acquire new cooling equipment before global demand, supply chain issues, and higher labour rates significantly drive up the costs.
Contact Action Furnace today to speak with one of our team members who can give you a quote for installing a new air conditioner. We’ll help you set your home up to be a haven of comfort in the coming summers—no matter how hot they get.
Action Furnace Air Conditioning Installation Guarantees: The Best in the Business!
No Surprise Guarantee
We guarantee that the investment quoted is what you will pay. There will be no additional charges on or after AC installation.
Apples to Apples Guarantee
We promise you won’t find a comparable AC complete with installation with the same quality and guarantees for less money. If you do, we’ll pay you $250 over and above the competing offer. All we ask is the comparison is Apples to Apples!
$500 Installation Date Guarantee
Our expert installation team is committed to ensure that your new air conditioner will be installed on the date we promised. If we have to reschedule, for any reason, our team will honour our installation date guarantee and pay you $500 for the inconvenience.
Frequently Asked Questions About AC Install & Ongoing Maintenance
Do I need to pay for professional AC maintenance, or can I do it myself?
While some DIY maintenance is possible, like changing your air filters, many essential tasks should only be completed by our expert team. Our cooling technicians are highly trained and qualified to ensure you get the most out of your equipment and that delicate components are protected. Our AC tune-up includes:
- Clean and inspect evaporator coil
- Check fan speed
- Inspect all drain lines
- Check capacitor and motor amp draw
- Ensure proper subcool/superheat settings
- Check refrigerant levels
- Inspect thermostat filter
How long will a new AC last?
Your new air conditioner will always benefit from proper care and routine maintenance. You can expect well-maintained units to last up to 15 years. Action Furnace offers a 12-Year Parts & Labour Warranty on select cooling equipment installs.
Our AC installations are completed with the utmost attention to detail and designed to maximize each model’s lifespan. Dealing with AC repairs swiftly, as your unit reaches the decade mark, is another way to help your cooling system last longer.
What size of AC do I need?
AC sizing depends on the following factors:
- Your home’s square footage
- The insulation level in your home
- The number and energy efficiency of your windows
- The height of your ceilings
- The orientation of your windows (east and west facing windows receive more sunlight, warming the inside of the home)
Calculating the size of air conditioner your home needs is complicated, so the best way to find out is to call us for a professional installation. We’ll be able to recommend an air conditioner that works efficiently in your home.
Can installing central AC help improve my home’s energy efficiency?
Compared to most window units available, central air conditioning is more economical to operate, which will positively impact your monthly utility bills. However, it’s important to note that central A/C won’t necessarily enhance your home’s overall efficiency ratings.