Getting AC and furnace replacement done at the same time can lead to huge benefits for your wallet and your home in Phoenix, AZ. Here’s everything you need to know.
How Much Does AC Replacement Cost in Phoenix? [2026 Data]
Heating and air conditioning service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Get quotes from heating and air conditioning pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from heating and air conditioning pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
Highlights
Central AC is the most common in Phoenix and costs $6,892 to replace on average.
Phoenix is the hottest city in the U.S., with summer temps of 90–107 degrees Fahrenheit.
The hard, dusty desert soil makes it hard to install geothermal AC, raising the cost.
AC units in Phoenix must have at least 14 SEER, but higher SEER is better.
City permits add $180–$200 to the project total.
Phoenix, Arizona, is the hottest city in the U.S., so homeowners here know the importance of having working air conditioning. In order to beat the heat, Phoenix residents can expect to spend $6,892 for AC replacement, with the total cost ranging from $5,091 to $8,837. Larger homes require more powerful AC systems and more ductwork, so the cost will be higher. Smaller homes or simpler AC units, like a portable AC or a ductless system, cost less. The SEER rating of your unit also affects the total cost.
AC Replacement Cost Factors
AC replacement in Phoenix averages $6,892, but the total cost can range widely from $2,500 to $12,700 depending on the type and size of the unit, how efficient it is, and even the amount of space you need to cool.
Home Size
The bigger your home, the more cooling power you’ll need, meaning you’ll spend more to replace AC in a 3,000-square-foot home compared to a 1,200-square-foot home. The median home size in Phoenix is 2,260 square feet.
| Home Size (Square Feet) | Tonnage | AC Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 | 1.5–2 | $2,500–$5,000 |
| 1,500 | 2–3 | $3,000–$7,000 |
| 1,800 | 2.5–3 | $3,250–$7,000 |
| 2,000 | 3–4 | $3,500–$8,000 |
| 2,200 | 3.5–4.5 | $3,750–$8,500 |
| 2,500 | 4–5 | $4,000–$9,000 |
| 3,000 | 5+ | $9,000–$12,700 |
AC Unit Size
The size of your AC unit is measured by tonnage, or how much heat it can remove in one hour, which is then expressed as British Thermal Units (BTUs).
What is a BTU?
BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a unit that measures how much energy it takes to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. For heat pumps, each ton of capacity is equivalent to roughly 12,000 BTUs.
Bigger is not always better—the appropriate tonnage and BTU rating of your AC should match the size of your home. In Phoenix, one tonnage per 500 square feet is a general estimate, with most homes requiring 2 to 5 tons. Consult with an AC installer in Phoenix, Arizona, to determine what size AC you need.
| Tonnage | BTUs | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18,000 | $2,500–$5,000 |
| 2 | 24,000 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| 3 | 36,000 | $3,500–$7,000 |
| 4 | 48,000 | $4,000–$8,000 |
| 5 | 60,000 | $4,500–$9,000 |
Type of AC
Photo: Imagesbybarbara / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Central AC is common in Phoenix because it reliably cools the entire home. However, you can also consider alternatives like window units, portable AC, or even a ductless system. The type of AC you choose will impact the cost.
| Type of AC | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central | $5,000–$9,000 | Whole-house cooling | Difficult to install |
| Window | $60–$400 | Low cost | Prone to dust and debris buildup |
| Portable | $80–$700 | Moves from room to room | Limited cooling capacity |
| Ductless | $7,000–$17,000 | No ductwork installation required | Takes up wall space |
| Geothermal | $11,000–$35,000 | Energy-efficient | Hard to install in desert soil |
Efficiency (SEER)
With temperatures that average over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, Phoenix households should prioritize energy-efficient units to keep cooling costs down. For AC units, efficiency is measured by SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. In Phoenix, the SEER must be at least 14, as required by the U.S. Department of Energy.
The more efficient the unit, the more it will cost up front. However, you’ll save more in the long run.
| SEER | Cost |
|---|---|
| 14–15 | $2,500–$7,000 |
| 16–17 | $3,000–$8,000 |
| 18–19 | $3,500–$9,000 |
| 20+ | $4,000–$12,700 |
HVAC Pro Costs
As a major city, Phoenix has slightly higher costs for materials and labor compared to smaller cities or rural areas. Plus, you’ll need to consult the City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department and Office of the Ombudsman for building codes and permits.
Here are the costs you can expect for hiring a pro for your AC replacement in Phoenix:
Labor
The cost to hire an AC pro in Phoenix is $1,500 to $4,000 total. Pros commonly charge $80 to $150 per hour. Consider whether repairing versus replacing your AC is a better deal. If repairs cost more than 50% of the cost of a replacement, it’s time to invest in a new system.
Permits
Phoenix bases permit costs on the total cost of the project. Costs include a base fee of $150 for projects up to $1,000, plus another $9 for every $1,000 in the cost of the project up to $10,000.
So, if your AC replacement cost in Phoenix, Arizona, totals $5,000, you’d spend $186 on permits. However, check with your HVAC pro or the city to determine the exact total based on your specific project.
Additional Pros to Consider Hiring
You’re not likely to need additional services when you just have your AC replaced. However, if you’re upgrading from a handful of window units to central AC, for example, you’ll need some electrical and plumbing work for a more powerful system.
Electrician: An AC system has to work really hard in Phoenix to keep your home’s interior cool. Hire a local electrician to make sure your AC is on a dedicated circuit with enough power, up to 60 amps, to effectively cool your home. Hiring an electrician in Phoenix costs $164 to $567.
Plumber: Your AC system needs a drain line to prevent condensation from leaking into your unit or your home. An HVAC pro often handles drain line installation. However, you may need to hire a plumber to assist. Hiring a plumber in Phoenix costs $198 to $585.
Does AC Replacement Increase Home Value?
If your AC replacement involves a new central AC unit or a ductless system, it can increase the value of your home by up to 10% in Phoenix’s hot desert climate. Adding an AC has an ROI of 30%. However, installing a window unit or portable system won’t add to your home’s value.
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 extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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.
Heating and air conditioning services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Phoenix, AZ
4.5★ avg. • 229 total reviews
- Ronald C.
Ivan and crew arrived when they said they would and got my AC replacement ductwork installed quickly and correctly in a short period of time. Highly recommended.
On Time A/C LLC - Irlanda A.
Had some lights installed and a fan. Very clean and professional.
Lightning Valley Electric - License Not Yet Provided - All S.
I trust them!! They are responsible and professional! On the day Ivan came he adjusted the speed taps on the blower motor and topped off the system to factory specification to prevent condensation on the evaporator coil. Now there is more air foow and the temperatures are really cold
KAI HVAC SERVICES LLC - Elizabeth M.
Horrible company. They did the worst install, cut all the corners and actually reused a 10+ year old elbow with air holes and flimsy material throughout resulting in leaking air outside not in the home. This is something no other ac company in the valley would ever do. The work was so...
Huffman's Heating & Cooling LLC - Jane K.
We rely on ReddiServices and have never been disappointed. Chris Groth was our service advisor for this inspection and evaluation of our air handler system. We trust his expertise. No hard sell! Thank you, Chris.
Reddi Services - William K.
The owners actually came out and they were very professional and gave me great advice plus they were about 20% less than others. I spoke with a Gabriel and they are so knowledgeable because I know nothing about ACs
Lillys Air Conditioning and Services LLC - Craig R.
Have used AHW for 20 years, Ro system, water softner and A/C units. Always prompt and helpful
AHWA, LLC - Chris F.
I called Semper Fi Heating and Cooling for a second opinion for my HVAC and the compressor. It was a spur of the moment call late evening. Their serviceman, Luis, arrived soon after the call. The result was Luis settled my mind with his expertise, carefully explaining what caused the...
Semper Fi Heating & Cooling, LLC - Eric A.
Jonathon installed a whole new AC unit. Jonathon gave me great customer and my AC works GREAT! Thanks again Jonathon! Highly recommend and I have referred him to a couple friends and family.
Mucho Frio Heating and Cooling, LLC - Crissy J.
Our a/c unit was buzzing and randomly shutting off. Gerard got back to us same-day of initial outreach, and sent Jesus and his colleague, who were were fantastic, knowledgeable, professional, and super fast. They even helped us wire our smart thermostat which only took a couple of minutes. We...
Sun Devil Heating and Cooling, Inc
The homeowners guide to heating and air conditioning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
If your air conditioning unit isn’t functioning properly, you might need an AC recharge. Our guide will detail what a typical AC recharge cost in Phoenix, AZ looks like.
When determining the AC coil cleaning cost in Phoenix, AZ, you’ll need to factor in the size, cleaning method, and type.
New insulation makes your home more comfortable and boosts energy efficiency. Use this guide to budget for insulation installation costs in Phoenix, AZ.
HVAC replacement costs in Phoenix, AZ, depend on a lot of factors, like unit type, size, and labor. See what you can expect to pay for HVAC replacement here.
The cost to install an electrical outlet depends on many factors. Find out what impacts the cost of installing an outlet in Phoenix, AZ.