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

On average, AC replacement costs in Orlando, Florida, run between $3,874 and $6,798, with most people spending about $5,323 on this project. Your final cost will depend on a few factors, including the type of AC unit you install and its efficiency rating. Whether you want a budget-friendly window AC unit or a whole-house cooling system, here’s how much you’ll pay for a new AC system in Orlando.

AC Replacement Cost Factors 

The specifics of your AC unit—including its type, size, and efficiency—have a significant effect on your project total. Here’s how these factors impact your AC replacement costs.

Type of AC Unit

Whether it’s a compact window unit or a large central air system, the type of air conditioner you pick will have a major impact on your AC replacement costs. Basic units start around $100 but can only cool small spaces, while more powerful systems cost $2,000 or more.

Size of AC Unit

The size of the air conditioner also factors into your overall AC replacement costs. In the HVAC industry, manufacturers measure air conditioner size in tons or British thermal units (BTUs). But in both cases, smaller units cost less than larger ones.

If you’re happy with your current AC’s performance, you can stick with the same size. But if you need a smaller or bigger unit, you’ll have to perform a Manual J calculation to determine the best size for your house. There’s a lot that goes into this, including measuring your home’s square footage, factoring in the number of windows and doors, and assessing the quality of your insulation and ductwork. For those reasons, it’s best to hire an HVAC pro in Orlando, Florida, to properly size your system.

SEER Rating

Your AC unit’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating will affect its price as well. Air conditioners with higher SEER (or SEER2, the updated version of SEER) ratings are more energy-efficient, so they use less power to cool your house. As a result, they can help reduce your electricity bills, but they also cost more upfront.

New AC units installed in Orlando should meet the following HVAC efficiency standards, which apply to the entire Southeast region of the country.

Accessibility

Local AC pros often charge higher prices if an AC unit or another part of the air conditioner is in a tight or hard-to-access location, like a crawl space or on top of a building. If that’s the case at your home, be aware that you may pay more for labor.

AC Pro Costs

While the AC unit itself accounts for a large portion of your AC replacement budget, you’ll also need to factor in other expenses, including labor, permits, and sales tax.

Licensing and Certification

Have a licensed HVAC technician replace your air conditioner. Before hiring someone, make sure they hold a current license from Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). It’s also a nationwide requirement for people who work with refrigerants to get a Section 608 certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

If your AC pro is certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE), that’s even better. It’s an optional certification, but it ensures that your technician has real-world experience and the right skills to tackle your AC replacement job correctly. 

Permits

A mechanical permit is necessary when repairing or replacing an AC unit in Orlando. Before your contractor starts working on your system, make sure they’ve pulled the correct permits.

Sales Tax

When budgeting for AC replacement, don’t forget about sales tax. In Orlando, the combined sales tax rate is 6.5%. That might not add up to much on a $150 window AC unit, but on a $4,000 central AC, that’s an extra $240.

Rebates

If you’re an Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) electric customer and install a heat pump to provide heating and cooling for your home, you may be eligible for a rebate. Rebates vary from $45 to $1,150, depending on the size of the heat pump and its SEER/SEER2 rating.

Does Replacing AC Increase Home Value?

In Orlando’s hot and humid climate, installing a brand-new air conditioner can add significant resale value. If your house doesn’t have a reliable AC system here, it won’t be as appealing to buyers in central Florida. This type of project often results in a 30% return on investment and can boost 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. 

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