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

For most of the year, Austin temperatures average above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so households here rely on efficient, functional AC. The average for AC replacement is $5,966. But depending on the size of your home, type of AC, and AC efficiency rating, costs may range from $4,135 to $7,811. 

AC Replacement Cost Factors 

There are several different factors that can influence the cost of AC replacement. Here are some factors to consider:

Home Size

The bigger your home, the more powerful your AC system needs to be. With the median home size in Austin at 2,020 square feet, the average home here would need about 3 to 4 tons of AC for efficient cooling.

Here are the average costs based on how many tons you need per square foot.

AC Unit Size

The AC unit size is measured by tonnage and British thermal units (BTUs), or how much heat the system can remove in one hour. Every ton accounts for about 12,000 BTUs, which is enough AC for about 400 to 500 square feet of space.

An HVAC pro in Austin, Texas can help you determine the right AC tonnage and BTUs based on your home size, but here are the average costs to consider:

Type of AC

Central air is by far the most common type of AC in Austin, where temperatures are warm year-round and summers can be scorching hot. Smaller homes or homes without existing ductwork may consider other options, like window units or ductless AC. Ground-source heat pumps (geothermal) are an energy-efficient option, but come with a higher upfront investment.

Efficiency (SEER)

AC efficiency is measured by SEER, or the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Higher-efficiency units may cost more upfront, but you’ll save again and again on your energy bills. A more efficient system also puts less strain on the system, so you may save on repairs and extend how long your AC lasts with a higher SEER unit. The minimum SEER required for Austin is 15.

HVAC Pro Costs 

In Austin, HVAC replacement should be handled by a licensed, certified HVAC pro, plus you’ll need the proper permits before starting this project.

Labor

Labor costs make up about 30% to 50% of the final cost to replace an AC system, with more complex installations costing more in labor. For example, a typical AC replacement costing $5,966 may include $1,790 to $2,980 in labor fees. HVAC pros must go through training and obtain specific licenses and certifications, so their expertise is worth its weight in gold.

Permits

The cost for a permit to replace an AC in Austin is about $70, but you may also pay additional fees for inspections. Your local HVAC pro will navigate the permit and inspection process for you and will build those fees into the total project cost.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

An HVAC pro can handle most replacement jobs from start to finish; however, they may recommend home upgrades like an updated electrical panel or plumbing to properly accommodate a newer AC system. Here’s who to hire for these projects:

• Electrician: Without a powerful enough electrical system and a dedicated circuit just for the AC unit, it could overload your system, causing a home blackout and increasing risks for an electrical fire. Hiring an electrician costs around $160–$540.

• Plumber: AC systems naturally produce condensation, so you’ll need a drain line to properly move that moisture away from the AC unit and out of your home. Hiring a plumber costs around $170–$450.

Does AC Replacement Increase Home Value?

Texas homes without an efficient AC system may not stand out to buyers compared to those with recent AC replacements. An AC replacement can add 5% to 10% value to your home and includes a project ROI of about 30% to 66%. Higher-efficiency systems offer better ROI.

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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