The average homeowner spends around $5,954 to install new air conditioning, but costs range from $3,906 to $8,016, depending on the unit's size and type.
The key to beating the heat this summer is running a good AC. You can expect to pay an average of $5,954 for AC replacement costs. Most homeowners pay between $3,906 and $8,016, with your actual costs depending on the type, size, ductwork, and local contractor fees. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about all the cost factors.
The cost of purchasing a new AC unit will depend on the type you choose and the size of your home. For example, a window or portable AC unit is less expensive than a central air conditioner since they’re smaller and less complex.
Below, you can find the average costs for different types of air conditioning units, as well as the installation cost:
| Type of New AC Unit | Average Unit Cost | Average Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Portable AC Unit | $100–$500 | $80–$700 |
| Window AC Unit | $150–$800 | $60–$400 |
| Central AC | $2,500–$4,500 | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Ductless Split System | $2,000–$3,000 | $1,200–$10,000 |
| Geothermal | $4,200–$12,000 | $11,000–$28,000 |
As expected, larger AC units come with a higher initial cost. But getting the right size means efficiently cooling your home to avoid installing additional units later. You want one with sufficient power to cool your home, and getting an air conditioner that's too big can be costly and provide less comfort due to uneven cooling.
| Home (Sq. Ft.) | AC Tonnage | BTUs |
|---|---|---|
| 400–500 | 1 | 10,000–12,000 |
| 500–1,000 | 1.5 | 14,000–18,000 |
| 1,000–1,500 | 2 | 21,000–24,000 |
| 1,500–2,000 | 2.5 | 30,000 |
| 2,000–2,500 | 3 | 34,000 |
| 2,500–2,700 | 4 | 48,000 |
| 2,700–3,300 | 5 | 60,000 |
AC tonnage refers to the amount of heat an AC unit can remove from a home in one hour. A 1-ton unit, for example, can remove 12,000 British thermal units (BTUs), while a 3-ton system will remove 36,000 BTUs. The larger your house, the more cooling power you'll need. The general rule is that you'll need 1 ton of cooling for every 500 or 600 square feet.
"Many people are tempted to buy larger units for faster cooling,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and a general contractor based in Raleigh, NC. “But the result can be higher electric bills, inconsistent cooling, higher humidity and, in some cases, mold. Your HVAC contractor will calculate the exact size unit for your living space."
However, many other variables factor into which size air conditioner will work best in your home. For example, a basement is naturally cooler than first- or second-floor rooms. Rooms with high ceilings also require more air conditioning or the addition of ceiling fans to circulate air better.
You'll want to ensure a crucial task like this is done correctly. To avoid potential injuries or problems with unit sizing or installation, ask an experienced local AC installation pro for a quote for your system. Most people pay $500 to $2,500 in labor for AC replacement.
While most projects are handled by the HVAC company from beginning to finish, there are some cases when additional help is needed:
Plumber: Central AC systems require drain lines to remove condensation from the air handler. Adding a drain line is usually included in the cost of installing a new AC system. But if not, you can expect the plumber costs to range between $100 and $150.
Electrician: Central AC units must connect to a dedicated circuit with a standard 240-volt connection. Most AC units also require 15 to 60 amps of power, depending on their size. If your home doesn't have the required electrical circuit, you'll need to hire a local electrician to install one. New electrical circuits range from $100 to $150.
Location affects the cost of AC unit installation since labor rates are more expensive in areas with higher living costs or higher demand. Local building codes and even the regional climate can also play a role in the final price.
Here are some service price estimates across various areas of the country:
| Location | Average AC Unit Installation Price |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | $7,000 |
| Miami, FL | $4,150 |
| San Francisco, CA | $7,900 |
| Green Bay, WI | $4,000 |
| Nashville, TN | $4,900 |
Outside of the major cost factors above, you’ll want to consider the following costs when budgeting for your new AC unit.
Replacing an existing AC unit will cost anywhere from $3,906 to $8,016 for most people. This cost assumes you already have the required ductwork and electrical setup to simply replace the old unit.
Installing a new AC unit from scratch requires adding new ductwork, which increases the overall cost. Your home size and the total length of the ductwork will also impact the price.
It’s best to opt for AC unit brands with an established reputation for service and longevity. Certain brands are also known for performing well in specific climate zones. Before selecting your AC unit, ask your HVAC specialist to fill you in on the benefits and features of the top-performing brands in your region.
Here are some top AC unit brands to consider:
American Standard®
Lennox®
Amana®
Frigidaire®
Coleman®
The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is also a critical factor. This ratio measures an AC unit's total cooling output in BTU during a season, divided by its total electric energy input. The higher the resulting number, the better. All units sold are over 13 SEER, and some can perform at up to 27 SEER.
The advantages of improved SEER ratings are lowered energy costs and cooling times, but they come with a corresponding cost increase for the new unit and installation. If your hot weather season is shorter, the increased price may not be worth it. But if you need to replace a broken AC unit with a new one anyway, this might be something to keep in mind to help offset your energy bills.
Some larger homes with multiple floors require multiple AC systems to cool the whole house. The area where your AC system can effectively cool is called a "zone." If you need to cool multiple zones, you should budget for the cost of installing more than one AC system.
If you're installing a new central AC system but don't have existing ductwork, you'll also need to pay to install ducts. Installing new ductwork costs between $3,000 and $7,500 for 300 linear feet. The overall cost is higher for larger homes that need more ductwork throughout.
Many companies will remove and dispose of your existing AC system when they install the new system. But if you need to have it removed separately, you can expect to pay around $25 to $200, depending on the size of your system and how easy it is to access.
Most regions require that your AC system is installed by a properly licensed professional to ensure the system is safe for use. Before signing a contract, make sure your HVAC pro is licensed and committed to adhering to local and federal regulations to avoid potential fees for improper installation.
Most central AC manufacturers offer a warranty between 5 and 10 years that covers parts and equipment. But you can often purchase an extended warranty that will cover the unit for longer. Extended warranties cost about $100 to $500, depending on their length and coverage. Remember that HVAC warranties don’t automatically transfer to new homeowners when you move into a new home.
Installing a central AC unit isn't a job you should tackle on your own. While it's possible to purchase an air conditioner from a wholesaler and install it yourself, it requires some serious skill to do it correctly. You must be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to handle refrigerants. It is generally safest to hire a state-licensed local HVAC contractor to complete the installation for you.
For homes that have never had central AC, installation requires new breakers in your electrical panel, new wires to through your foundation, new ductwork linking to your existing HVAC system, framing and finishing areas for ductwork, and mounting your unit on metal brackets or a concrete pad. All told, it's a fairly complex project that a professional HVAC contractor should handle.
Window AC and portable air conditioning units are the exceptions to this rule, as you will not need to worry about ductwork or installing new breakers. These can be DIY installed and will not require an HVAC professional to do the job safely and correctly. Still, it may be worth hiring a pro to ensure that you’re complying with building codes and local safety regulations.
AC replacement costs $5,954 on average, while AC repairs cost $450 to $2,000 or more. This makes repairs a better option in most cases, depending on the age of the unit. According to the $5,000 rule, you can multiply the repair cost with the age of your AC in years. If the result is larger than 5,000, consider getting a replacement. If not, think about repairing it.
AC units last about 10 to 20 years, with window units lasting eight to 10 years and central AC lasting 12 to 17 years. If your unit is nearing the end of its life span, you’re better off putting the repair money toward a replacement, especially if you’re pouring money into regular repairs.
Some AC types, like window units, are sometimes not worth repairing. Since a new window AC unit costs $150 to $800, fixing common issues, like replacing the fan motor, coil, or compressor, can cost more than a new unit.
Installing a new AC unit can be stressful, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Here are a few ways to keep costs down:
Consider the best time to install an AC, which is during the fall or spring.
Check for government rebates and tax breaks when upgrading to a high-efficiency system.
If you need only a few rooms cooled in your home, consider opting for window units or a ductless split system.
Ask your HVAC contractor about financing options to make your new AC unit cost more affordable.
Invest in yearly maintenance to avoid costly repairs and get the most from your AC unit’s life span.
It's possible to find rebates or tax breaks from federal or state agencies to offset the cost of air conditioning. Home upgrades that are Energy Star® approved can provide up to $3,200 annually in federal income tax credits until the year 2032.
State governments may offer rebates if you install a particularly high-efficiency system, but they are often limited in duration. It's worth researching your state’s rebate options before you hire a professional air conditioning company.
In addition, air conditioning manufacturers are phasing out the hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), an ozone-destroying greenhouse gas known as R-22. As of 2015, R-22 production has gone down by 90%.
Under current regulations, manufacturers may no longer produce or install new AC units that contain R-22. However, companies can still manufacture new parts, such as condensers with R-22, for replacement in existing units.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed over 10,000 real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
To keep your AC unit in good working condition, you should service your AC unit at least once per year. Your HVAC pro will inspect, clean, and replace parts as necessary. A great DIY option is to clean the evaporator coils every year, preferably before the summer months. Regular maintenance helps avoid costly repairs down the road.
The life span of an AC unit depends on the type and its usage. On average, a window AC unit lasts eight to 10 years, while central AC lasts 12 to 17 years. Over time, the parts of the unit may wear out, fail, or become less efficient. Look for signs your AC has run its course, such as leaks and foul smells.
Age and condition dictate whether you should repair or replace your air conditioning system. Most HVAC pros say to replace your unit if it's 15 years or older and to replace both units simultaneously if you have an indoor and outdoor unit. If replacing your unit with a more energy-efficient model would help lower your energy bill over time, it’s a good idea to replace it. Finally, if your existing AC is broken, find out if the cost to repair it is close to the cost to replace it. If so, it's best to invest in a new one.
Provided you don't need to repair, replace, or install new ductwork, it takes about a day to install a new central AC system. However, if you need new ductwork or extensive electrical or plumbing updates, it might take as many as five days to install a new system.
No, it's not advisable to only replace the outside AC unit connected to your system. AC units are designed to work as a cohesive system, and older units work differently than newer units. Therefore, replacing only one component can lead to incompatibilities that affect the system’s performance. Replacing one component can void your warranty, costing you money for repairs.
