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AC Replacement Cost
What you can expect to pay to replace a central air conditioner in the United States, and what changes the price.
Per complete system · USD
What's included
Labor
$1,800–$4,000
Materials / equipment
$2,600–$6,500
What changes the price
- System size (tons) — larger homes need bigger units
- SEER2 efficiency rating — higher efficiency costs more up front
- Ductwork condition — replacing leaking ducts adds cost
- Location and local labor rates
- Permits and disposal of the old unit
Regional notes
- High-humidity areas (Gulf Coast, Southeast) often need larger systems and more dehumidification.
- Locations with extreme summer temperatures see higher demand and labor rates.
- Local code requirements can add upgrade costs, especially for refrigerant changes.
Calculate your cost
Questions
Is it worth repairing instead of replacing my AC?
As a rule of thumb, if the repair is more than a third of the replacement cost or the unit is over 12–15 years old, replacement often makes more sense.
Does a new AC increase home value?
A new, efficient system can improve appeal and is a common selling point, though it typically doesn't recover the full cost.
Cost by state
Costs vary by regional labor market. See local estimates for your state:
Browse all U.S. statesHow to get an accurate quote
- Get several quotes and compare, not just price.
- Be specific about size, materials and any existing issues.
- Ask whether the quote includes labor, materials, permits and cleanup.
- Confirm the contractor is licensed and insured before you hire.
What you'll actually pay
The price of a new central air conditioner depends mostly on system size. Here's how the typical range breaks down, including installation:
| System size (tons) | Home size (sq ft) | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2 tons | up to 1,100 | $4,500 – $6,500 |
| 3 tons | 1,100 – 1,700 | $5,500 – $8,000 |
| 4 tons | 1,700 – 2,300 | $6,500 – $10,000 |
| 5 tons | 2,300+ | $7,500 – $12,500 |
Tonnage is a rough measure of cooling capacity. A bigger system isn't always better — an oversized unit runs short cycles, wastes energy and cools unevenly.
Labor vs. equipment vs. extras
Usually 40–60% of the cost is the equipment; the rest is labor, permits and parts.
- Equipment (condenser + indoor coil): $2,000 – $4,500
- Labor and installation: $1,800 – $4,000
- Refrigerant lines, electrical and permit: $500 – $1,200
- Thermostat and small parts: $150 – $400
Ductwork repairs, a new pad, or a panel upgrade add real cost. Ask your contractor to spell these out before you commit.
Signs it's time to replace your AC
- The unit is 12–15 years or older.
- Major repairs keep stacking up.
- It runs but doesn't cool well, or blows warm air.
- Energy bills climb without a clear reason.
- It uses the old R-22 refrigerant, now phased out and expensive.
Example: a typical replacement
A 3-ton, 16 SEER2 system with a clean install lands around $7,200. Add duct sealing and a programmable thermostat and it's closer to $8,000. Upgrading to an 18 SEER2 unit costs roughly $1,000–$2,000 more up front but lowers monthly bills and may qualify for rebates.
If a single repair is more than about a third of the replacement cost — or the unit is old — replacement usually wins long-term. A $400 capacitor fix on a 5-year-old unit is worth it; a $2,500 compressor fix on a 15-year-old unit usually isn't.
How to save money
- Get 3+ itemized quotes before you decide.
- Install in the off-season (fall or spring) when demand is lower.
- Ask about rebates, tax credits and financing before finalizing.
- Right-size the system — don't oversize just to be safe.
- Bundle with ductwork or a smart thermostat if you need them anyway.