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

Trying to estimate your AC replacement costs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? On average, you’ll pay $6,511 for a new air conditioner in the City of Brotherly Love. However, these types of projects often run between $4,445 and $8,622, depending on the unit’s type, size, and efficiency rating.

AC Replacement Cost Factors in Philadelphia

Not sure how much to budget for your AC replacement in Philadelphia? Here are the main cost factors to consider.

Type of AC Unit

The type of AC unit you choose will impact your AC replacement costs significantly. 

Portable and window AC units, which start around $100, are the most affordable options. They’re useful if you live in a small or older Philly home—like a Trinity row house or brownstone—without ductwork. Central AC is far more expensive, with average costs starting at $2,500 (if you already have working air ducts).

Air Conditioner Size

AC size measures the cooling capacity of your air conditioner. HVAC manufacturers measure AC size in tons or British Thermal Units (BTUs)—but in either case, bigger sizes equate to better cooling ability (and heftier price tags).

Size isn’t something you want to guess. If your AC unit is too small for your Philadelphia home, it could struggle to cool your space evenly. On the opposite end, if your AC unit is too big, it could lead to wasted energy and high power bills. For those reasons, it’s best to call a professional if you aren’t sure which size to pick.

AC Unit’s Energy Efficiency

An air conditioner’s efficiency measures how much energy it requires to cool your home. Higher-efficiency AC units use less power—and cost more up front—than lower-efficiency models. 

No matter where you live, upgrading your AC unit’s efficiency can help you save money. But it’s especially wise in Philadelphia, where electricity rates are 15.3% higher than the national average, according to the latest available data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The efficiency rating systems for air conditioners are Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and SEER2. HVAC efficiency standards require new air conditioners in Philadelphia to have a minimum SEER rating of 15 (or a SEER2 rating of at least 13.4.).

Accessibility

If part of your HVAC system is in a tight or hard-to-access spot (like a crawl space or on the roof of a multi-story property), it can increase the difficulty of the project and take up more of your contractor’s time. As a result, they might charge higher labor rates.

AC Pro Costs in Philadelphia

Aside from the air conditioner itself, there are other expenses involved in an AC replacement in Philadelphia, including permits and taxes. 

Licensing and Certification

Unlike many other cities, Philadelphia doesn’t have a specific licensing requirement for HVAC professionals. However, technicians who work with refrigerants must be EPA-certified. 

Also, in Pennsylvania, businesses that do certain types of home improvement work (including HVAC) on one- or two-family dwellings need a home improvement contractor license. 

Before hiring an AC installer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, check their credentials. Even though there isn’t a special HVAC license, top HVAC technicians in Philly often have a North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification or other qualifications.

Permits

You need a mechanical permit from the City of Philadelphia to install HVAC systems and ductwork. Prices depend on the project specifics, but as an example, the permit for air duct installation costs $189, plus city and state surcharge fees.

Taxes

When you buy an AC unit in Philadelphia, it will be subject to the city’s 8% combined sales tax rate. For a $3,500 central air conditioner, that would come out to $280.

Rebates

In spring and fall, the Electrical Association of Philadelphia runs a rebate program to encourage residents to upgrade to more energy-efficient HVAC systems. The most recent version of the program offered up to $1,200 back on central AC systems. PECO customers can also get a $150 or $200 rebate on their central AC.

Does Replacing Your AC Increase Home Value in Philadelphia?

Summer temperatures in Philadelphia can get uncomfortable, so it’s definitely beneficial to have a working air conditioner at your home. And if you’re thinking about selling, this is a project that can boost your property’s resale value, too.

Of course, you don’t need year-round air conditioning in Philly. To get through the colder months, you’ll also want a reliable heating system (like a furnace or heat pump). By replacing both parts of your old or worn-out HVAC system, you can increase 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.