The typical AC replacement cost for central air is about $5,000 to $10,500 in 2026 when the existing ducts can be reused. If ductwork has to be installed or replaced, the total rises to roughly $9,000 to $16,000. The size of the system and its efficiency rating are the two biggest factors in the price.
AC replacement cost by size
| System size | Home size (approx.) | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 tons | 600–900 sq ft | $4,700 – $6,500 |
| 2 tons | 900–1,200 sq ft | $5,000 – $6,800 |
| 3 tons | 1,500–1,800 sq ft | $5,800 – $7,800 |
| 4 tons | 2,000–2,400 sq ft | $6,500 – $8,800 |
| 5 tons | 2,500–3,000 sq ft | $7,000 – $9,500 |
Not sure of your size? The BTU calculator and size calculator give a quick estimate.
AC cost by efficiency (SEER2)
| Efficiency | Installed cost |
|---|---|
| Minimum efficiency (13.4–14.3 SEER2) | $5,300 – $7,900 |
| 15–16 SEER | $6,700 – $9,300 |
| 17–18 SEER | $7,500 – $10,600 |
| 19–21 SEER | $9,100 – $12,200 |
| 22–26 SEER (variable speed) | $11,400 – $17,300+ |
Higher efficiency lowers the electric bill, but the extra cost only pays back if you run the AC a lot. In Phoenix or Houston a 17+ SEER2 unit can pay for itself in a few years; in Seattle it may never. Use the SEER2 savings calculator to check your climate.
What else can raise the price
- Matching indoor coil: a new outdoor unit should be paired with a matched evaporator coil. Reusing an old coil voids some warranties and lowers efficiency.
- Refrigerant line set: older R-22 lines may need replacing, $500 to $1,500.
- Electrical work: a new disconnect or circuit, $200 to $800.
- Permits: $100 to $1,500 depending on the city.
- Ductwork: modifications $300 to $1,500; full replacement $1,400 to $5,600 or more.
Repair or replace your AC?
Most central air conditioners last 12 to 17 years. Consider replacing when the system is over 12 years old and needs a major repair such as a compressor or coil, when it still uses R-22 refrigerant (no longer produced, so recharges are very expensive), or when summer bills keep climbing.
AC or heat pump?
A heat pump is an air conditioner that can also run in reverse to heat your home. It typically costs $1,000 to $3,000 more than an AC of the same size and efficiency. If your furnace is also old, or you heat with electricity, propane or oil, the heat pump is usually the better buy. Read heat pump vs air conditioner for the full comparison.
How to get a fair price
- Get three quotes with the exact outdoor and indoor model numbers.
- Check the AHRI certificate so you know the matched system’s real SEER2 rating.
- Ask about the labor warranty, not just the parts warranty.
- Schedule in spring or fall if your current unit is still limping along.