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

While Minneapolis may be known for its cold winters, summers can be surprisingly hot with mostly 80-degree days, which means your AC should be in good working condition to help you beat the heat. Homeowners can expect to spend $4,458 on AC replacement costs in Minneapolis, Minnesota, although costs may range from $3,221 to $5,886 depending on the type of AC you’re replacing, the size of the unit and your home, and the SEER rating.

AC Replacement Cost Factors

AC replacement costs in Minneapolis can vary widely based on the following cost factors.

Home Size

The larger your home is, the bigger the AC unit you’ll need to cool the entire house. The median home size in Minneapolis is 1,867 square feet, which requires an AC of around 3 tons. Here’s what you can expect to spend by the size of your home:

AC Unit Size

The size of your home and the size of your AC go hand in hand. AC size is measured in tons or British Thermal Units (BTUs), which is how much heat the unit can remove in one hour. Each ton equates to around 12,000 BTUs per hour, and every 400 to 500 square feet of space needs one ton.

Consult with an AC installer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to find the appropriate AC size for your home.

Type of AC

In Minneapolis, central air is the most common type of AC, but ductless and even geothermal systems work well here. Because the ground temperature at 50 feet deep is 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit in Minnesota, geothermal is a viable option for home heating and cooling.

Whether you stick with central AC or switch things up with a ductless or geothermal unit, here are the average costs for different AC units:

Efficiency (SEER)

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ranks how efficient your cooling system is. Higher SEER units cost more up front, but their more efficient cooling means lower cooling costs month after month.

The minimum SEER for Minneapolis, Minnesota, is 14. However, by upgrading to a system with at least 16 SEER, you’ll save more money over time by reducing your energy bills.

HVAC Pro Costs

AC replacement requires a licensed pro to complete, plus you’ll need to pay for permits before the project can start. Here are the labor and permit costs for AC replacement in Minneapolis.

Labor

Labor accounts for up to 50% of the total cost to replace an AC system. For an average AC replacement in Minneapolis of $4,458, labor would total $2,229. You’ll pay more if the team needs to install new or replace existing ducts for a central AC system.

Permits

Minneapolis requires mechanical permits for nearly all HVAC work. Your HVAC pro can apply for permits and schedule inspections with the city’s Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department. Fees range from $84.20 to $216.60, but most HVAC pros will include the cost of permits in their project contract.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

Wondering who to call for HVAC replacement? While an HVAC specialist or AC installer can often handle the full installation, some projects could require other pros to install the proper wiring and drainage for your AC.

• Electrician: AC systems require a lot of power, and they can’t share a circuit with other appliances. Otherwise, they’ll overload the circuit and blow out your power. If you’re upgrading your AC, make sure it has a dedicated circuit and the right amount of power. Hiring an electrician in Minneapolis costs $172 to $620.

• Plumber: AC naturally creates condensation from the cooling process, and that water needs to drain away from the unit. You can hire a plumber to install a drain line for your HVAC system. Hiring a plumber in Minneapolis costs $174 to $499.

Does AC Replacement Increase Home Value?

By replacing an AC system for a home in Minneapolis, you could increase the value of your home by up to 10%. You’ll get about 30% ROI on this project. By upgrading to a more efficient system, you can maximize your savings.

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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