How Much Does AC Replacement Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost for AC replacement is $5,978, based on 24,979 verified projects from Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $3,887 and $8,073, with the spread driven by system type, home square footage, and local contractor fees. If your project requires ductwork modifications, budget an additional $3,000 to $7,500 on top of that range.

AC Unit Costs by Type: What Homeowners Pay

The type of AC unit you choose is the primary driver of purchase and installation cost, with options ranging from compact portable AC unit models to whole-home central systems. Costs vary significantly by type of new AC unit, as shown in the breakdown below:

• Portable AC unit: These free-standing units can be moved throughout your home.

• Window AC unit: These air conditioners rest in a window, and they cool small areas of your house, such as one room.

• Central AC: The most popular AC option, central units cool down an entire house through a system of ducts.

• Ductless split system: These air conditioners have an indoor and an outdoor unit, and they don't require extensive ductwork.

• Geothermal: Geothermal AC systems use the ground temperature for heating and cooling your home.

Below, you can find the average costs for different types of air conditioning units, as well as the installation cost:

Air Conditioning Unit Cost by Size: How Tonnage Affects Price

AC unit size directly affects cost, and getting the sizing right matters as much as the price itself. An undersized unit may force you to install additional systems later, while an oversized one can drive up energy bills and cause uneven cooling. Here's how air conditioning unit cost by size costs compare by AC tonnage:

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 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.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a HVAC Pro?

Hiring an experienced local AC installation pro is the safest way to ensure your new system is installed correctly, and most homeowners pay $500 to $2,500 in labor for AC replacement. Getting a quote before committing gives you a clear picture of what to expect and helps you avoid unexpected costs from improper installation.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

While most projects are handled by the HVAC company from start 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 $180 and $500.

• 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.

AC Replacement Costs by Location: Where Installation Runs Highest

Where you live has a meaningful impact on AC installation costs, since labor rates rise in areas with higher costs of living or stronger seasonal demand, and local building codes or regional climate requirements can add to the total. The table below shows estimated installation prices across several U.S. cities to illustrate how costs vary by location.

AC Replacement Cost by State

The cost of replacing your air conditioner varies on a state level. For example, you can expect to pay more for an AC replacement in Northeastern states, such as Maine and Connecticut, as well as Southwestern states, like California and New Mexico.

AC Replacement Costs: Extra Expenses to Budget For

Beyond the unit and standard installation, several additional expenses can affect your total AC replacement budget, from permit fees and ductwork to warranties and removal of your old system.

Urgency of Work

How quickly you need your AC replaced can affect what you pay, and 66% of Angi customers reported needing a replacement within two weeks. Emergency requests during peak cooling seasons like spring and summer tend to cost more because technician demand is at its highest during those months.

Energy Efficiency

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) measures how efficiently an AC unit cools your home over a season, with all sold units rated above 13 SEER and some reaching up to 27 SEER. Higher-rated units deliver lower energy costs and faster cooling, but the most efficient models can be three or four times more expensive than standard options. If your hot season is short, the premium may not pay off, but if you are replacing a broken unit regardless, upgrading to a higher SEER model is worth considering to offset long-term energy bills.

Number of Zones

Larger or multi-story homes often need more than one AC system to cool multiple zones effectively, with a basic two-zone setup starting at $1,700 to $2,000. Each additional zone adds $350 to $500 to the total, so budgeting for zoning early helps avoid surprises. Costs vary depending on the number of zones you need, as shown in the table below.

Ductwork Modification

Installing a new central AC system without existing ductwork adds $3,000 to $7,500 for 300 linear feet of new ducts, with larger homes paying more due to the greater total length required. If you already have ducts, plan to have them inspected before installation, since sealing leaks, replacing damaged sections, or improving airflow may be necessary before the new system can run efficiently.

Removal of Existing AC System

Most HVAC companies include removal and disposal of your old unit as part of the installation, but if you need it handled separately, expect to pay $25 to $200 depending on the system's size and how accessible it is.

Permits and Potential Fees

Most regions require AC systems to be installed by a licensed professional, so before signing any contract, confirm your HVAC pro is licensed and committed to meeting local and federal regulations. Skipping this step can result in fees or code violations that cost more to resolve than the permit itself.

Warranties

Most central AC manufacturers include a five-to-ten-year warranty covering parts and equipment, but extended coverage is available for $100 to $500 depending on the length and scope of the plan. Keep in mind that HVAC warranties do not automatically transfer to new homeowners, so factor that into your decision if you plan to sell your home.

Why You Should Hire an AC Replacement Pro

Hiring an AC replacement pro costs more upfront, but you benefit from faster installation, improved energy efficiency, and reduced risk of system damage. Pros bring specialized tools and expertise, making the process smoother and often saving you money on future repairs or higher energy bills.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a professional AC replacement technician

Replacing an air conditioning system is a complex project that requires specialized knowledge. Here are some of the top reasons to work with a pro:

• AC technicians ensure your electrical system, ductwork, and existing infrastructure aren’t damaged during installation.

• They have the tools, refrigerants, and expertise needed to safely remove old units and install new ones according to code.

• Working with a pro ensures your system operates efficiently and reliably, avoiding costly breakdowns.

• Bundling AC replacement with maintenance or duct cleaning can save on overall home comfort and energy costs.

If you want to DIY some AC tasks

If you want to take on parts of the project yourself, here are a few DIY tasks that can help save time and labor costs:

• Clear the area around your existing unit to give technicians easy access.

• Ensure proper measurements of your space so the new system is correctly sized.

• Remove furniture, plants, or obstacles that could interfere with installation.

If your air conditioner is relatively new and only has one or two issues, you may be able to repair it instead of replacing it. AC unit replacement costs $5,978 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. 

AC units last 10 to 20 years. If your unit is nearing the end of its lifespan, you’re better off putting the repair money toward a replacement, especially if you’re pouring expenses 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.

AC Unit Replacement vs. All-New HVAC System

Replacing an existing AC unit will cost anywhere from $3,887 to $8,073 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.

How to Save Money on AC Replacement Costs

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 unit, which is during the fall or spring. You can save 10% to 15% during these seasons. 

• 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 mini-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 lifespan.

• Get quotes from multiple contractors to compare rates.

Tax Credits for New AC Units

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.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

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 [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.