If you have decided not to go the central air conditioning route just yet, whether it’s due to cost, renting, or that you live in an apartment, a standalone air conditioner is the answer. But how much do they cost in Canada? This largely depends not only on size and brand but also BTUs. Pricing can range anywhere from $150 for a small unit up to $5,000 for a larger, more advanced one. It also varies based on type, including portable air conditioner, window AC, and mini-split. Don’t forget professional installation if necessary along with ongoing operating costs. Taking all this into consideration, you’ll have a good ballpark figure for budgeting. Since it can vary so much, this guide is here to help break it all down.
Air conditioner prices at-a-glance
Before getting into it, let’s quickly examine the average costs in Canada for each type of air conditioner and typical installation costs. Pricing reflects Canadian retail prices at Best Buy Canada, inclusive of applicable taxes where relevant. Pricing is subject to change.
| AC Type | Portable AC | Window AC | Mini-split AC |
| Unit Cost | $150-$900 | $200-$1,200 | $700-$5,000+ |
| Installation | None (DIY) | $100-$200 or DIY | $1,500-$5,000 |
| Best For | Renters, single-room cooling | Apartments, single rooms | Whole-home, multi-room, heating as well |
Portable air conditioner cost breakdown
If you’re opting for a portable air conditioner, pricing varies depending on BTUs. Read our guide on how to size an air conditioner to match the BTUs with your room size. Then factor in about 10-15 per cent more since portable ACs tend to be less efficient than window ones. Don’t forget to verify if you’re looking at a BTU or SACC number. As outlined in our air conditioner buying guide, the latter is a more conservative number that takes the heat the unit itself generates into consideration.
Once you know the size you need, follow this general guide for pricing to find the best portable air conditioner for summer. Note that dual-hose models are more efficient, but you’ll have to tack another $100-$200 onto the below price for those. With no installation cost, this is all you will pay beyond the ongoing cost to run it.
- 5,000-8,000 BTU: $150-$400 – best for bedrooms and small rooms
- 8,000-12,000 BTU: $350-$600 – best for medium living spaces
- 12,000-14,000 BTU: $550-$900 – best for large rooms, open plans
Total cost: $150-$900 (plus cost of operation)
Window air conditioner cost breakdown
Pricing for window air conditioner units are generally the same as portable air conditioners. Most of them are easy enough to install that you can do it yourself. But if you require professional installation, add another $100-$200 to the price. If you opt for an ENERGY STAR model, it will likely cost 10-20 per cent more. However, the better efficiency will lead to lower electricity bills, which means you’ll save over time.
- 5,000-8,000 BTU: $150-$400 – best for bedrooms and small rooms
- 8,000-12,000 BTU: $350-$600 – best for medium living spaces
- 12,000-14,000 BTU: $550-$900 – best for large rooms, open plans
Total cost: $150-900 (plus installation if needed and cost of operation)
Mini-split air conditioner cost breakdown
These ductless air conditioners require professional installation since they are permanent solutions. Mini split air conditioners are different from portable and window ACs as they are much larger, consisting of a wall or ceiling mounted indoor unit alongside an outdoor compressor or condenser that resembles a window AC. The two connect through conduit in the wall and they offer both cooling and heating. This makes them popular options in Canada where we tend to experience both extreme temperatures in many parts. You can have a single- or multi-zone set-up, and cost generally depends on this, not BTUs.
Add to that professional installation that can cost anywhere from $1,500 up to $5,000 depending on the complexity of the installation, number of zones, and province. If you buy an ENERGY STAR-certified mini-split heat pump, many provinces offer rebates. Check for details via BC Hydro, Enbridge, Hydro-Québec, and Efficiency Nova Scotia.
- Single-zone unit (1 room): $700-$2,000
- Multi-zone system (2-4 rooms): $1,500-$5,000+
Total cost: $2,200-$10,000+ (including installation, plus cost of operation)
What affects the price of an air conditioner in Canada?
You might wonder why two units that look virtually identical are so different in cost. This comes down to various factors, mostly pertaining to BTUs. But other things come into play that can add to the cost.
BTU rating: As explained in our air conditioner buying guide, British Thermal Unit or BTUs measures how much heat an air conditioner can remove from the air over a specific period of time, relative to the size of the room. The more BTUs, the higher the price. However, it’s important not to get an air conditioner that’s drastically under or over the right size. If BTUs aren’t high enough, it will keep running but never reach the proper temperature. Conversely, if BTUs are too high, it can cause the unit to repeatedly shut on and off, failing to remove humidity from the air and potentially leading to mold growth. So, getting the right size air conditioner is crucial.
Energy efficiency: A CEER or EER rating adds to the upfront cost of the unit. But this also helps you save money over the long run. These certified models run more efficiently and thus your monthly hydro bills will be reduced.
Smart features: Some units have built-in Wi-Fi and app control so you can adjust temperature from the couch, even from the office before you get home. Some are compatible with your smart home so you can run them as part of scenes or even control them by voice. Smart features usually add anywhere from $50-$100 to the overall unit price.
Brand: As with anything, you will typically pay a premium for higher end brands, less for budget brands. Best Buy offers a wide range of air conditioner models from brands like LG, Midea, Frigidaire, and Hisense.
Seasonality: Units are generally most expensive from May through July since this is on-peak for the season. If you want to save, think ahead and buy in the off-season, in August or September. You probably won’t be able to use the air conditioner until the following summer, but you can save anywhere from 15-30 per cent of the price. That said, there are always air conditioners on sale, so you may find a good one even during peak times.
How much does it cost to run an air conditioner in Canada?
Now that you have the cost of the unit and installation if needed out of the way, add in the nominal cost of regular cleaning and maintenance. This might involve replacing a filter a few times per year. More importantly is the cost to run the air conditioner. While pricing fluctuates and can differ depending on your province or even city, you can ballpark it. A 10,000 BTU window air conditioner running eight hours per day will cost anywhere from $30-$60 per month.
Provinces like Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia tend to have higher hydro rates than British Columbia and Quebec. If the model you bought is ENERGY STAR rated, you can shave about 10-15% off operating costs. Hydro One even says that an ENERGY STAR-certified air conditioner can cut cooling costs by as much as 30%.
Are there government rebates for air conditioners in Canada?
Yes! Most provinces offer rebates if you use an energy efficient air conditioner in your home. These vary by province and utility and are available for other energy efficient appliances as well, like smart thermostats.
ENERGY STAR: This varies by province and utility so check your energy company’s website to see what they offer or contact them by phone. To get a rebate, you will need a qualifying ENERGY STAR model.
Heat pump mini-split: These qualify for the Canada Greener Homes Initiative. While the Canada Greener Home Grant is now closed, you can apply for the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program (OHPA), which offers a $250 one-time incentive to eligible homeowners with median income, up to $25,000 for grants or direct installation for eligible homeowners, or up to $10,000 for the cost of changing to an eligible heat pump. The program is open for applications through July 31, 2026 and is for residents of Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. There are additional programs for those in B.C., New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, P.E.I., and Yukon.
Budgeting for an air conditioner
You’ll quickly realize how essential an air conditioner is. When we first moved into a house from a condo more than a decade ago, I thought we could get by from just the cross-breeze in the windows. I was wrong. We rushed to get a portable air conditioner for my son’s room, then just a toddler, to ensure he was cool and comfortable at night. It was a lifesaver until we invested in central AC.
Once you know the type you want and size you need, compare pricing. Features like an ENERGY STAR rating add to the cost but what you’ll save over the life of the unit will far exceed that. Smart features might seem nice to have but they are useful for helping you save more as well. You could remotely turn the unit off or set it on an automatic timer so it’s not running when no one is home or it’s an unseasonally cool day.
What you’ll find is that no matter what type of air conditioner you get, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to keep your home cool. If you time your purchases right, you could save with sales, too.
See a wide selection of air conditioners at Best Buy Canada.
FAQs
How much does a portable air conditioner cost in Canada?
The cost depends on the type and BTUs and can range from $150 too $200 for a portable or window air conditioner for smaller rooms and up to $1,200 for a premium unit for larger spaces. Multi-split units cost in the thousands, plus installation.
How much does it cost to install a mini-split air conditioner in Canada?
Installation pricing starts at about $1,500 for a single-room multi-split.
What is the cheapest type of air conditioner in Canada?
For room cooling, small portable air conditioners are among the cheapest you can buy. They are small enough to place on a desk for personal cooling in a home office or bedroom. Overall, portable and window ACs are cheapest.
Do air conditioners qualify for rebates in Canada?
Yes, but this depends on your province and local energy company. Contact your provider for details.
How much does it cost to run an air conditioner per month in Canada?
An average sized window AC running for up to eight hours a day should cost about $30-$60 per month, less if it’s ENERGY STAR-certified and if you can get rebates.
Is it cheaper to buy an air conditioner in spring or fall?
It’s best to buy an air conditioner in the fall, during the off-season. Pricing starts to rise in spring and summer, but you can save as much as 15-30 percent if you buy at the end of summer for the following year. You can, however, find special air conditioner sales all year ’round on a rotating selection of models.
