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

Average summer temperatures reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit in Raleigh, North Carolina. Combined with high humidity, homeowners are left seeking out the sweet relief of functional air conditioning. The AC replacement cost in Raleigh, North Carolina is $6,273 on average, but costs range from $4,342 to $8,446 depending on the square footage of the house, size and type of AC, and the unit’s efficiency rating.

AC Replacement Cost Factors

Various factors can influence AC replacement costs in Raleigh, North Carolina, including:

Home Size

For every 400 to 500 square feet, you’ll need about one ton of AC. For a 2,170 square foot home in Raleigh, you’ll need about 3.5 to 4.5 tons of AC. Depending on your home size, here are the average AC costs:

AC Unit Size

AC size is measured in British thermal units, or BTUs, to express how much heat the unit can remove in one hour. Every ton of AC accounts for about 12,000 BTUs.

Consult with an HVAC pro in Raleigh, North Carolina, to find the appropriate AC size for your house.

Type of AC

The type of AC plays a major role in replacement costs, especially if you want to install central air without existing ductwork. The most common AC system in Raleigh homes is central air, but window and portable units or ductless mini-split systems are also available. For major energy savings, consider investing in a geothermal heat pump.

Efficiency (SEER)

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, is how efficient an AC unit is. While the minimum SEER in Raleigh is 15, many households have an AC in the 15–17 range. Higher SEER units cost more up front, but will save you money on your energy bills over time.

HVAC Pro Costs

HVAC replacement requires a pro who is certified to handle refrigerant, so be sure to consider labor costs for your project. The AC installation pro you hire will also build the cost of permits into their fees.

Labor

Labor costs will make up about 30% of the cost to replace an AC system, but costs could be higher for more complex jobs like installing new ductwork. For an average $6,273 project, labor could account for about $1,882 of this total.

Permits

You can secure a residential trade permit for electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work for $75 through Wake County. Additional inspection and city fees may apply, so leave the permit process to your HVAC pro, who will include the cost of permits in the project total.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

Installing a new AC system may require some household electrical and plumbing upgrades. Here’s who to hire:

• Electrician: An electrician will ensure your AC system has enough power and a dedicated circuit to prevent power outages. Hiring an electrician in Raleigh costs an average of $145 to $375.

• Plumber: AC requires drainage to remove condensation that occurs during the cooling process. A plumber can make sure you have the correct drain line. Hiring a plumber in Raleigh costs an average of $150 to $385.

Does AC Replacement Increase Home Value?

AC replacement can increase your home value by about 5% to 7%, especially in an area with hot, humid summers like Raleigh. In total, you can get about a 30% return on investment (ROI) for this project, with more returns on higher efficiency systems.

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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