How Much Does AC Replacement Cost in Los Angeles? [2025 Data]

The average AC replacement cost in Los Angeles, California, ranges from $4,790 to $10,100, with most people paying $7,428. Ultimately, your costs will depend on several factors, including the type and efficiency of the AC unit. You’ll also want to budget for an air conditioner that’s powerful enough to keep you cool through the warm Southern California summers. Here’s what you need to know to start your budget.

AC Replacement Cost Factors in Los Angeles

Air conditioners aren’t one-size-fits-all appliances. They come in a range of types, sizes, and efficiency levels—all of which influence their costs.

Type of AC Unit

From portable units to central AC, there are several types of AC units available in Los Angeles. They range in price from a couple hundred to several thousand dollars. 

On the lower end, portable and window AC units start around $100. If you’re in an older apartment or home without ductwork, you might consider buying one of these kinds of units. Meanwhile, central AC begins at $2,500 and is ideal for homes with existing ductwork.

Size of Air Conditioner

Measured in tons or British Thermal Units (BTUs), AC size is something else to consider when estimating AC replacement costs. Larger AC sizes correspond to higher cooling capacities—and while you might think bigger is better in sunny Southern California, that’s not always true.

To find the right size AC unit for your Los Angeles home, you’ll need to consider its square footage as well as how many windows you have, how much sun exposure you get, and several other factors. It’s a complicated calculation, so ask an HVAC pro for help with it.

Energy Efficiency

AC units have Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) or SEER2 ratings, which measure their energy efficiency. Units with higher SEER or SEER2 ratings are more efficient, meaning that they require less power to cool your home (and, as a result, are less expensive to operate). However, they also cost more than units with lower SEER or SEER2 ratings.

When you buy a new air conditioner, it must meet certain efficiency requirements (which vary by region). In Los Angeles, California, the minimum HVAC efficiency standards are:

Accessibility

The design and accessibility of your HVAC system can also affect your costs. For example, if your indoor AC unit is tucked into a cramped crawl space or the outdoor unit of your mini-split system is mounted on your roof, your contractor may have to work harder or use additional equipment to access your system. If so, they could charge more for labor.

AC Pro Costs

The AC unit itself is only one of the costs involved in replacing an air conditioner. You’ll also need to budget for other expenses, including professional labor and permits.

Licensing and Certification

In Los Angeles, you must have a licensed HVAC contractor replace your AC. That’s because the state requires an HVAC license for all technicians who perform work exceeding $500 on air conditioning, heating, or refrigeration systems. Before hiring someone to replace your AC, you can check the status of their license on California’s Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website.

In addition to their state license, an AC installer in Los Angeles, California, should also be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to handle refrigerants.

Permits

The City of Los Angeles requires a permit for many types of HVAC projects, including AC replacement. If you’re installing an AC unit of the same type and size as your current one, you won’t have to submit plans—you can get an express permit from the city. Permit fees depend on the exact type of work you need.

Taxes

At 9.75%, the combined sales tax rate in Los Angeles is fairly steep. It’s worth keeping this in mind before buying an air conditioner—especially if you’re purchasing a higher-priced unit (like a mini-split or central AC). On a $3,000 AC unit, the sales tax would come out to $293.

Rebates

If you install a new HVAC system that exceeds the federal energy efficiency standards, you could receive a rebate from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). 

Rebate amounts depend on the unit’s SEER2 rating. For mini-splits or central AC with a 15.2 SEER2 rating, you can get $100 per ton. With a 16 SEER2 rating, you’ll get $120 per ton.

Does Replacing an AC Unit Increase Home Value in Los Angeles?

In this corner of the country, replacing an outdated air conditioner can add significant resale value to your home—especially in places like the San Fernando Valley, where summertime temperatures often cross the three-digit mark. AC units with high SEER ratings are particularly attractive since they can help reduce energy bills. On average, a new HVAC system can raise your home’s value by 5% to 7%.

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 survey 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.