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

Trying to budget for a new air conditioner in the Motor City? The AC replacement cost in Detroit, Michigan, is $3,609, with most people spending between $2,520 and $5,016 on this project. The price you pay will depend on a number of factors, including the type and efficiency of your AC unit. Here’s how to estimate your costs for a new AC in Detroit.

AC Replacement Cost Factors for Detroit

The AC unit itself will account for a big chunk of your air conditioner replacement costs. Here’s how much you’ll pay based on the AC unit you choose.

Type of AC Unit

In Detroit, you can pick from several types of air conditioners, ranging from budget-friendly units (like portable and window units) to pricier systems (like ductless mini-splits and central AC). 

Size of Air Conditioner

Air conditioners come in various sizes, which also affects their prices. AC sizes, which are listed in AC tonnage or British Thermal Units (BTUs), measure an air conditioner’s cooling capacity—or how much heat it can remove from the air per hour. Larger units can cool bigger spaces, so they’re more expensive.

Multiple variables come into play when calculating the right size AC unit for your home. In addition to square footage, you should also think about ceiling height, household size, and insulation quality (among other factors). If you need help, call an HVAC professional.

SEER Rating

Air conditioners have Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and SEER2 ratings, which measure their energy efficiency. A higher SEER or SEER2 rating means that the unit is more efficient, so it requires less power to cool your home. However, higher ratings also come with heftier price tags.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sets minimum HVAC efficiency standards for new AC units. These requirements vary by region, but in Detroit, they are 14 SEER and 13.4 SEER2.

Accessibility

Your AC unit’s location and accessibility can also influence the price of your AC replacement in Detroit. For example, if your AC pro needs to open up walls to replace your ductwork or climb onto your roof to get to the condenser, they may increase their fees due to the extra effort required to access it.

AC Pro Costs in Detroit

In addition to the AC unit itself, you should also prepare for other costs—including professional labor and permits—when replacing an air conditioner in Detroit. 

Licensing and Certification

When replacing an AC unit in Detroit, you need to hire a mechanical contractor licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The contractor should also hold a valid certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to work with refrigerants.

Optionally, if you want to ensure that your pro has solid HVAC experience and skills, look for technicians who are certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE).

Permits

After you hire an HVAC pro in Detroit, Michigan, they’ll be responsible for securing a mechanical permit for your AC replacement job. Permitting costs depend on the type of AC unit, but for a residential system, you’ll likely pay $200 to $300 for a mechanical permit.

Taxes

As you’re shopping for a new AC unit, keep in mind that the sales tax rate in Detroit (and the rest of Michigan) is 6%. If you’re planning to buy a portable or window AC unit, this won’t increase your costs significantly. But on a central AC system, which costs $2,500 to $4,500, this would add an extra $150 to $270.

Rebates

DTE Energy customers in Detroit can receive a rebate for upgrading to a high-efficiency central AC. Rebates range from $100 to $300, depending on the unit’s SEER2 rating.

Does Replacing Your AC Increase Home Value in Detroit?

Not only can a new AC unit help you stay comfortable in the Detroit heat, but it can also increase your property’s resale value. For prospective homebuyers in the Motor City, having a reliable cooling system can make sweltering summer days more bearable.

However, with Detroit’s cold and snowy winters, buyers here will also expect your house to have a good heating system. By upgrading both parts of your HVAC system, you can expect your home’s value to rise 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 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.