Costco is a one-stop shop for all retail needs, from groceries to appliances, so it isn’t surprising the retail giant also offers a solid selection of air conditioning (AC) units.

From elaborate central systems to portable units for cooling on the go, you can find the perfect cooling solution for any space or situation.

Costco air conditioners might differ in type, but they all share the same quality and efficiency.

Average Cost of Costco AC

Since Costco offers such a diverse AC selection, the cost range is quite extensive.

You can find a wall AC for as low as $200 or go for an intricate AC system whose price is in the thousands of dollars.

So, let’s change up the question and ask: how much is a decent Costco AC unit?

For a solid Costco unit that will beat the heat and keep your home comfortably chill year-round, expect to pay around $5,000.

Naturally, the larger the home, the higher the cost of cooling it effectively.

Costco AC Cost Breakdown

Numerous factors will influence the cost of installing an AC unit from Costco.

Let’s start with the size of the area to be cooled.

If you only need to cool one room or a smaller space, expect a significantly lower cost.

Besides these units costing less, you can often DIY their installation and save on labor costs.

Consider that labor costs can add up to $2,500 to the total cost of the project, and you’ll understand why this is a considerable benefit.

But things look pretty different when it comes to cooling larger homes.

It goes without saying that larger homes require larger (and more expensive) AC systems for cooling.

Not only that, but few homeowners can take a DIY installation route with these systems due to the intricacy involved.

Throw a pre-installation home assessment into the mix ($200-$2,000) and new ductwork installation ($700-$1,700), and the total price can skyrocket in no time.

Other factors that can influence the total cost include the brand of the AC unit (big brand names usually cost significantly more) and the efficiency rating (the higher the rating, the higher the cost).

Pro Tip: If you live in a warmer climate and rely on your trusty AC system frequently, prioritize a higher efficiency rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or the SEER rating) when purchasing a unit. You will pay a higher upfront cost but also save money on operating costs in the long run.

Now that we’ve broken down all the costs associated with AC installation, let’s go back to the beginning.

How much does a Costco AC unit cost on its own?

Well, the answer depends on the type of unit you decide on, so let’s explore each option Costco has for you to choose from.

AC Unit Type	Average Unit Cost	Average Associated Costs (Labor Cost)	Average Total Project Cost
Central/Lennox AC System	$3,000-$7,000	$1,000-$3,000	$4,000-$10,000 (For the Entire Home)
Mini-Split ACs	$1,400	$1,600	$3,000 (For a Portion of the Home)
Portable ACs	$430-$600	$0	$430-$600 (For a Room)
Window ACs	$230-$340	$0	$230-$340 (For a Room)

Costco Central AC Systems

Homeowners looking for high-quality whole-home central AC systems can head straight to Costco.

There, they’ll find expansive Lennox HVAC systems synonymous with the word “comfort.”

If you opt for a central system, you’ll receive an exact quote from a Costco consultant based on the specifics of your project.

This cost typically ranges from $4,000 to $10,000.

Did you know? A central AC system classifies as a larger purchase at Costco. With larger purchases, the retail giant offers cashback incentives (10%) in the form of store credit. So, let’s say you spend $10,000 on an AC system. That means you’ll also receive a $1,000 store credit to spend as you wish.

Costco Mini-Split Systems

A mini-split system costs around $1,400 at Costco, and you can only purchase if you are a member.

But due to the installation complexity, expect to pay an average of $3,400-$4,200 in total (per zone).

When installing ductless mini-split air conditioners, many unexpected costs can pop up – electrical work, carpentry work, some much-needed upgrades, and the list can go on.

Still, many homeowners opt for mini-split AC units due to their efficiency (up to 22 SEER rating), flexibility (numerous placement options), and compact size.

Costco Portable ACs

If you’re looking for a handy air conditioning unit that you can store away during cooler months, Costco has got you covered.

You can choose between three portable units, ranging from $430 to $600.

And the best news is that there are no labor costs.

Simply unpack the unit, place it in your desired room, and you’re good to go.

Given how easy to install and portable these units are, you can use them for virtually any room: a home office, the attic, or smaller disconnected rooms — the choice is all yours.

Costco Window ACs

Window air conditioners are another low-cost, low-risk cooling solution from Costco.

You can choose between two units ($230 and $340), which you can place in a window frame with no professional help (and no labor cost!). As cooler weather sets in, back to the box they go.

Of course, a single window AC unit can’t cool the entire home. But you can use them to target specific rooms, as they’re highly effective for smaller spaces.

Pro Tip: Suppose you have a room that tends to get warmer than others due to poor ventilation or receiving too much direct sunlight; even with a whole-house AC system, this room feels significantly less comfortable than others. In this case, you can install a window AC in the problematic room and resolve the issue almost instantly.

The Process Of Installing Costco AC

If you’re purchasing a Costco AC unit that doesn’t require installation (portable and window ACs), there’s not much to it.

Simply visit a nearby Costco store or order your desired unit online.

But things get a bit more complicated and time-consuming when it comes to the more complex AC units Costco offers.

For a whole-house AC system, these are the steps to keep in mind.

Step 1: Scheduling a Consultation

Unfortunately, a visit to Costco’s website won’t tell you much about the specifics of the AC installation process (the total cost, time frame, etc.).

But a visit from Costco’s HVAC consultant surely will.

They will explain the differences between different system types, show some brochures, and be able to answer most of your questions.

Fill out the contact form on the company’s website or call 1-877-483-6226 to schedule a free consultation with an HVAC expert.

Step 2: Discussing the Project

Depending on your needs and wishes, the HVAC expert can visit your home or schedule a video call.

You can use this informal meeting to discuss the specifics of your project and inquire about prices, deadlines, and anything that might concern you.

Step 3: Taking Measurements

If you like what the consultant has told you, the preparation phase is a go.

During this phase, the consultant will take measures and confirm the products, their cost, and your method of payment.

Step 4: Installing the AC

Armed with all the necessary information, products, and equipment, a certified contractor will visit your home and install the AC of your choosing.

Costco AC Return Policy

Suppose you’re unsatisfied with your Costco AC unit.

In that case, you can return it to the seller within 90 days of the delivery date.

Once you return the product, Costco will refund the purchase price.

There are two ways to return a product to Costco:

Option 1: Take it to a Costco warehouse.

If you purchased the AC unit at a physical Costco location, the only way to return it is to also visit a warehouse.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be the exact same location; you can visit any of the 800 Costco locations worldwide. (Head to Costco’s Warehouse Locator online to find the nearest location.)

Even if you purchase the AC unit online, you can still take it to the returns counter at a Costco warehouse to receive an immediate refund (including shipping and handling fees).

Option 2: Initiate a return online.

Customers who’ve purchased an AC unit online can initiate a return the same way.

• Visit Costco’s website, log in to your account, and head to the “Orders & Returns” section.
• Click on the “Return or Replace Items” button and follow the on-screen instructions.

Depending on your specific situation, you’ll either receive a return label (you won’t be charged for the shipping) or be eligible for a pickup.

As for your money, you’ll usually get a refund on the card you used to purchase the AC unit.

Note that you can’t return a whole-house AC system online. In this case, visiting the closest warehouse and discussing your options with sales representatives is your best bet.

You can use the online return process in the following situations:

• You’re dissatisfied with your AC unit.
• The unit you’ve received is damaged or defective.
• Your delivery is missing an item. (You’ll receive a replacement.)

Costco Air Conditioner Warranty

Costco is a vendor and not a manufacturer of AC units.

As such, the company doesn’t offer a universal warranty policy for all AC solutions.

Instead, every unit will have specific warranty coverage typically indicated in the product specs.

For instance, Hisense portable ACs are backed by a two-year warranty on parts and labor.

The Lennox whole-house AC systems are protected for three to 10 years, depending on the exact components.

Buy a MRCOOL mini-split unit from Costco, and you’ll receive a lifetime compressor warranty.

For most AC units, however, you’ll have to contact Costco directly to inquire about the warranty coverage and conditions.

Did you know? Lennox offers extended Comfort Shield warranty coverage on its HVAC units. Purchase this coverage, and you’ll be covered for certain charges such as labor costs and diagnostic fees, in case of a replacement.

Who Makes Costco Air Conditioners?

Costco sells AC units from several notable brands, including Hisense, MRCOOL, and Midea.

However, the Central AC & Ductless mini-split systems offered by Costco are sold by Lennox.

Lennox is an established and reputable name in the HVAC industry.

Split systems, mini-split systems, furnaces, heat pumps, air filters, dehumidifiers — you name it, and Lennox makes it.

This industry leader has partnered with Costco to manufacture tailor-made home comfort systems for the retail company’s customers.

The units in these systems are often ENERGY STAR-certified, feature a high SEER rating, and successfully regulate the home’s temperature for years.

Did you know? You can only purchase Lennox AC systems through an authorized dealer. With almost 600 U.S. locations, Costco is probably your best bet to get your hands on these high-quality AC units.

Costco AC Pros And Cons

With so many options at your disposal, how do you know whether Costco is the best place to purchase an air conditioning unit?

Check out the advantages and disadvantages of buying a Costco AC to help you make an informed decision.

The Pros of Purchasing Costco AC

These reasons might be enough to persuade you to go through with your Costco AC purchase:

• Quality. Costco offers only high-quality AC brands, customizing their whole-home systems to suit the customer’s needs.
• Expertise. Costco’s contractors are highly trained and qualified, so you don’t have to worry about shady third-party contractors.
• Transparency. Costco is all about transparency. Visit the company’s website, and you’ll learn all the details about the AC units, installation process, warranty coverage, and return policy.
• Incentives. Purchase a whole-house AC system and receive 10% of the total cost back as store credit.
• Returns. Costco allows returns for most AC units (up to 90 days), so you can change your mind even after purchase.

The Cons of Purchasing Costco AC

Before committing to purchasing a Costco AC system, take a look at some of the notable disadvantages.

• Markup. Since Costco is a third-party seller, you will likely pay more than you would when purchasing directly from the manufacturer.
• Membership. To be able to purchase all AC units Costco has to offer, you must be a Costco member. Becoming a member involves paying a membership fee that starts at $60 a year.
• Warranty. Warranties that Costco offers on AC units are often quite limited. Even the whole-house systems are sometimes warranted for only three years.

Costco Lennox Review

Lennox AC units are Costco’s solutions for a whole-house AC system.

Lennox is all about comfort, so expect these cutting-edge and tailor-made systems to transform your home into a chill oasis.

The line of products you can purchase through Costco is known as the Ultimate Comfort System, a name very telling of the system’s performance and quality.

Here are some of the things customers love about Costco Lennox AC systems:

• The AC units’ temperature control (iComfort thermostat) is highly accurate. Do you want a comfortable 75 degrees Fahrenheit or a chilly 65 degrees? No problem; your unit will deliver precisely what you want.
• You can adjust the temperature remotely, so you never have to walk into a sweltering hot home again.
• Whether you live in a dry or humid climate, the Lennox AC system will adapt perfectly.
• With Lennox AC units, say goodbye to hot and cold spots in your home. The system feature called iHarmony directs the airflow exactly where you need it.
• Many users have noticed a significant decrease in their utility bills, courtesy of the unprecedented energy efficiency of Lennox units. (Many are ENERGY STAR-certified.)

The only downside that Lennox customers report is the high upfront cost of the AC system.

When purchasing a whole-house system through Costco, you’re entitled to a free consultation with an HVAC expert.

The expert will provide an estimate of how much the total project will cost, including the units, installation fees, and taxes.

This estimate often hits the five-figure territory, leading the customers to question whether to proceed with the project.

However, Lennox AC units are a wise investment in the long run.

Install this smart system, and you won’t have to worry about excessive electricity and utility bills (even if you live in a hotter climate).

Is Costco HVAC Cheaper Than Other HVACs?

The average cost of installing a Lennox HVAC system from Costco is around $5,000.

This price is on par with and even higher than HVAC systems offered by other retail giants.

Take Rheem or Goodman (Home Depot) as an example.

You can install a whole-house air conditioning system using these brands for a little over $3,000. At max, you’ll pay around $4,000.

So, no, Costco HVAC isn’t cheaper than other HVACs.

But the quality and durability of Costco’s air conditioning system make up for the high upfront cost.

Of course, you can find systems at Costco for under $5,000 if you’re on a budget.

With some luck (and compromise), you can go as low as $3,500.

Is Costco A Good Place To Buy Air Conditioners?

All things considered, Costco is a good place to buy an air conditioner.

You can find several AC types here (whole-house systems, mini-split, portable, and window units).

For larger purchases, you’ll even receive a 10% cashback.

The units you purchase will be of high quality and last for years.

Stay Cool And Comfortable Every Step Of The Way

The experience of purchasing an AC unit at Costco is ideal for homeowners who don’t like the hassle that often comes with home improvement.

With Costco, a consultant can come to you for free, give you all the necessary information, and connect you with local contractors.

You can order portable or window ACs online if you want a less permanent solution.

If you don’t like them, you can send them right back without leaving your home.

Basically, shopping for AC units at Costco means you’ll be as comfortable during purchase as you’ll be once the unit is installed.