American Standard has been a major player in the home heating and cooling industry since 1929, so it has nearly a century of experience manufacturing air conditioning systems, gas furnaces, and other HVAC equipment. The company sells quality systems and earns good marks for customer service, but it’s best known for its low-cost, durable equipment.
The average air conditioner from American Standard costs around $4,800, but you could pay anywhere between $3,500 and $6,100 for your American Standard AC, depending on the model, the efficiency rating, your HVAC company, and other factors.
If you’re looking for a new American Standard air conditioner at your home, you’ll generally need a trained HVAC technician to install it.
- On average, American Standard air conditioners cost less than products you’d find from higher-end brands like Carrier, Lennox, and Trane.
- It also outperforms many of the budget brands – like Rheem and Frigidaire – in terms of efficiency and warranty coverage.
- This makes American Standard air conditioners good, mid-range options.
What Is the Pricing of an American Standard AC Unit?
American Standard offers seven different air conditioner models divided among three tiers: the Platinum Series, the Gold Series, and the Silver Series. Platinum models have higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings and cost more, while the Gold and Silver models are more affordable entry-level units.
| Low Cost | Average Cost | High Cost |
| $3,500 | $4,800 | $6,100 |
American Standard Air Conditioner Cost by Model
The following table provides an overview of each model. Keep in mind that installation costs vary by location, so you should get quotes from local American Standard HVAC contractors for a more accurate cost estimate.
| American Standard Model | Efficiency Rating | Installation Cost |
| American Standard AccuComfort Variable Speed Platinum 20 | 21.5 SEER | $6,000 – $6,100 |
| American Standard AccuComfort Variable Speed Platinum 18 | 18 SEER | $5,500 – $6,000 |
| American Standard Gold 16 | 16.2 SEER | $5,000 – $5,500 |
| American Standard Silver 15 Low Profile | 15.6 SEER | $4,500 – $5,000 |
| American Standard Silver 15 | 15.6 SEER | $4,500 – $5,000 |
| American Standard Silver 14 | 14.8 SEER | $4,000 – $4,500 |
| American Standard Silver 13 | 13.8 SEER | $3,500 – $4,000 |
Read our in-depth review of American Standard AC units for a comprehensive breakdown of the models the brand offers and how we rate them.
How Much Does an American Standard Air Conditioner Cost vs. Competitors?
American Standard’s pricing for central air conditioner units is lower than you’ll find from many competitors. It’s considered a budget-friendly option but still delivers on overall quality and performance. In the table below, we’ll include a side-by-side comparison of American Standard and two other industry-leading air conditioner brands.
If you want to dive deeper into how these brands stack up against each other, check out our American Standard vs. Lennox AC comparison.
| Brand | American Standard | Lennox | Rheem |
| Premium Unit Cost | $5,000 – $6,100 | $9,000 – $10,500 | $4,000 – $4,800 |
| Low-End Unit Cost | $3,500 – $4,000 | $5,000 – $7,500 | $3,000 – $3,500 |
| Top Efficiency Rating | 21.5 (including Energy Star certification) | 28 (including Energy Star certification) | 20.5 (including Energy Star certification) |
| Types of AC Systems Offered | Split-system, packaged, ductless, heat pump systems | Split-system, packaged, ductless, heat pump systems | Split-system, packaged, ductless, mini-split, heat pump systems |
| Warranty Coverage | Five-year base warranty, 10 years of coverage if you register your product; extended warranties are offered in some locations | 10-year limited warranty | 10-year limited warranty |
Which Factors Impact American Standard Air Conditioner Costs?
The size of the unit and its energy efficiency are the biggest factors that impact how much your American Standard air conditioner will cost. We’ll explain both of these and some of the other important cost factors to consider when pricing your American Standard system in the sections below.
Unit Size
The bigger the area you need to cool, the larger the air conditioning unit needs to be. American Standard air conditioners range from 1.5 tons to a whopping 5 tons and cost between $3,000 and $6,000, on average.
You should discuss your unit size needs with your contractor before you choose your equipment, but here are some general guidelines for choosing an AC unit size based on your home’s square footage:
- 600 to 1,000 square feet (sq. ft.): 1.5 tons
- 1,000 to 1,200 sq. ft.: 2 tons
- 1,200 to 1,600 sq. ft.: 2.5 tons
- 1,600 to 1,800 sq. ft.: 3 tons
- 1,800 to 2,200 sq. ft.: 3.5 tons
- 2,200 to 2,600 sq. ft.: 4 tons
- 2,600 to 3,300 sq. ft.: 5 tons
While bigger homes typically need larger units to effectively cool them, the size you need also depends on the climate where you live — more on that later.
Efficiency Rating
After size, the next most important factor is energy efficiency. More efficient air conditioners cost more money because they use more advanced technology and more expensive parts to achieve better performance.
American Standard’s most efficient air conditioner is its Platinum 20 AccuComfort unit, which has a SEER rating of up to 21.5. The company estimates that this HVAC unit could save you up to 55% annually on your cooling bills compared to a less-efficient unit. The installation cost of the Platinum 20 unit is between $5,000 and $6,100.
More budget-conscious shoppers can choose a less efficient unit like the Silver 14, which only costs $4,000 to $4,500 to install on average. The Silver 14 has a SEER rating of up to 14.8, which American Standard estimates could save you up to 38% on your annual cooling budget.
Installation and Labor
Installing HVAC systems requires expert knowledge and experience. HVAC installations aren’t cheap, and a good portion of the up-front cost of purchasing an American Standard air conditioner goes towards paying for the installation.
HVAC installations cost more for larger units since installing them is more involved than installing smaller ones. Installation costs include materials for ductwork and custom parts if needed. They also include factors affecting how difficult your installation will be, like your home’s age and access to places where system components need to go.
Location and Climate
If you live in a more expensive area, you’ll naturally pay more for the installation labor to keep up with the cost of living.
Additionally, the climate in your area can affect the long-term costs associated with your AC system. If you live in an area that sees extremely high or frequently high temperatures, your air conditioner’s compressor and condenser will be under greater stress for longer periods.
That means your system will see more wear and tear that demands more frequent repairs and maintenance. Over time, those costs will add up, and eventually, the excessive use will lead to a shorter replacement period. This is definitely something to think about when opting for a brand like American Standard, which has shorter warranty coverage compared to some other premium AC manufacturers.
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Maintenance and Repair
Each of the factors we’ve covered so far affects the up-front cost of purchasing a new AC unit, but the overall lifecycle cost of your air conditioning system includes the ongoing costs of maintenance and repairs.
Unfortunately, American Standard’s warranties are subpar compared to what you’ll find from some high-end companies, but they provide better coverage than those of competitors in its price range. Still, you may wind up paying more over time if you run into issues outside of the warranty window.
Additional Features
Some American Standard air conditioners come with certain features to improve your comfort in your living space and help manage home energy efficiency a bit better. Most of these options are only available on the higher-end and more expensive models. We’ll explain each of the American Standard AC features below.
- AccuComfort Variable-Speed Technology: Some ACs from American Standard have variable-speed blower motors, which can control the speed at which cool air comes out of the vents for better temperature control and consistency. This also yields greater overall efficiency. Variable-speed technology from other manufacturers is usually called a two-stage AC or two-stage compressor, as opposed to a single-stage AC or compressor.
- Comfort-R: American Standard’s Comfort-R option gives certain models the ability to control humidity in your home in addition to temperature. Indoor humidity plays a role in how we perceive indoor temperature, so having control over humidity gives you improved comfort and efficiency.
- AccuClean Compatibility: AccuClean is an option with some American Standard ACs, furnaces, and air handlers that scrubs your air to provide better indoor air quality.
- AccuLink Compatibility: AccuLink is an option offered by American Standard for some AC and furnace models that lets you control your thermostat and monitor your American Standard AC unit remotely.
How To Save Money When Buying an American Standard Air Conditioner?
Although American Standard ACs are below-average in price, they still total several thousand dollars. Saving money where you can is still important. Below, we’ll include a few tips for saving money on your up-front and long-term air conditioning system costs.
- Carry Out Routine Maintenance: One of the best ways to save on long-term AC costs is to perform regular maintenance on your system. Replacing your air filters and cleaning the ducts regularly will improve airflow and reduce strain on your system, thereby reducing outages and the need for expensive repairs and replacements. You should also schedule an AC tune-up at least once a year leading into the cooling season to make sure your system is running efficiently. This will reduce the need for repairs as well and extend the life of your system.
- Choose a High SEER Rating: Buying a new AC with a high SEER rating will usually cost more up front than buying an inefficient one, but it will often save you money over time. Air conditioning accounts for around 12% of your energy costs, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, so having a more efficient AC can have a significant impact on what you pay to run your system over time.
- Get Multiple Quotes for Your Installation: We recommend getting two or three quotes and comparing them based on quality and price. Some American Standard dealers offer price breaks on equipment, and others may discount labor costs to get your business.
- Take Any Rebates and Tax Credits You Can: Finally, we recommend checking the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency to see if there are any energy efficiency rebates or tax credits available in your area. You can also check directly with your state, municipality and utility companies.
So, is an American Standard Air Conditioner Worth the Cost?
American Standard is a good option for air conditioning units if you’re looking to keep costs down and don’t mind a slightly lower SEER rating and less impressive features than you’ll see with the premium AC companies. It carries a nice selection of air conditioning systems with some pretty impressive features, given the costs.
The warranty coverage is good, especially for the price. The company offers a five-year base warranty, a 10-year warranty if you register your product, and an extended warranty in certain areas. Overall, the high-quality, high-efficiency products and durability you get for the price are excellent. You can expect to pay an average of $4,800 for an American Standard AC or between $3,500 and $6,100, depending on the model, your home, and your installer.
FAQs About American Standard Air Conditioners
How much does an American Standard air conditioner cost?
The average cost for an American Standard AC is $4,800, which is below the industry average. Different models, AC types, and sizes from American Standard can cost between $3,500 and $6,100. Air conditioner prices also depend on your home and your location.
Is American Standard a good brand for AC units?
American Standard is a good brand for AC units. It manufactures good-quality, durable air conditioning systems that can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance. The warranty coverage is better than what you get from similarly priced competitors. Its products are far from the most efficient but the overall quality for the money is excellent.
Is an American Standard air conditioner worth the cost?
Yes, absolutely. Not only is American Standard a cheaper-than-average company for air conditioners, but it provides better quality and efficiency ratings than most competitors in its price range. Overall, this is a reputable company that is well worth the investment if you’re looking to keep costs low.
What is the American Standard warranty for air conditioners?
American Standard only offers a five-year base warranty, which increases to 10 years if you register your equipment. Homeowners in some areas can also get an extended warranty.
