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

Dallas is known for very hot summers with temperatures that range from 91 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit on average. That means an old or undersized AC system just won’t cut it in keeping Dallas residents cool and comfortable. AC replacement costs in Dallas, Texas, average $6,465, although the project total ranges from $4,412 to $8,522 for most, depending what size and type of AC system works best for your home.

AC Replacement Cost Factors

In Dallas, homeowners spend an average of $6,465 to replace their AC. The four primary factors that influence the cost of your AC replacement in Dallas, Texas, are your home size, the unit’s tonnage and BTUs, the type of AC, and its efficiency (SEER).

Home Size

The bigger the space you need to cool down, the more power you’ll need and the more it will cost to install. The median home size in Dallas is 1,800 square feet, which works best with AC units of around 2.5 to 3 tons.

Based on the size of your Dallas home, here are the recommended tonnages and common cost ranges for AC replacement:

AC Unit Size

When shopping for an AC unit, consider the tons and the British Thermal Units (BTUs), or the measurement of how much heat the unit can remove from your house in one hour. The larger the area you plan to cool, the bigger the AC unit you’ll need. Work with an AC installer in Dallas, Texas, to find the appropriate AC size to cool your home.

Type of AC

The type of AC you install will influence the cost. Central AC is most common in Dallas. Geothermal is the most expensive to install, but it’s also the most efficient and costs less to operate long-term. If you’re replacing window, portable, or ductless AC units and need to install new ducts, the cost could be $2,500 to $8,000 higher than if you replace a system with existing ductwork.

Efficiency (SEER)

AC units use the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) to measure efficiency. The minimum SEER requirement in Dallas, Texas, is 15. If you’re looking at SEER 2 ratings, an updated version of SEER, the minimum is 14.2.

HVAC Pro Costs

No matter what type of AC you choose or the size you need, it’s best to leave installation to the pros. AC installers in Dallas must have the proper accreditation from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

Improper installation or failure to pull permits could cost you in high energy bills and penalty fees down the line, so hire the right person to check your current HVAC system and install its replacement.

Labor

AC replacement costs in Dallas range from $500 to $2,500 for labor, not including the materials or cost of the new AC unit. Unless you’re setting up a window or portable AC unit, you must leave AC installation to a pro licensed by the TDLR, per Texas law.

Permits

Dallas requires permits for AC replacement from the City of Dallas Building Inspection Department. Building permit costs in Dallas average $410 to $2,600, but always check with the city to determine what permits and inspections you need.

When you hire an HVAC pro for AC replacement, they’ll handle the permit process and build those costs into the project total.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

Most HVAC companies can handle the entire AC replacement process, including setting the AC on a dedicated circuit and installing drain lines. If not, consider hiring these additional pros to complete the project.

• Electrician: An electrician will ensure your AC has the right amount of power and won’t blow a fuse. Hiring an electrician in Dallas costs $165 to $505.

• Plumber: Without the proper drainage, condensation from the AC will get trapped, causing damage to your AC system and your house. Hiring a plumber to install proper drainage in Dallas costs $175 to $470.

Does AC Replacement Increase Home Value?

A newly updated AC system is a highly attractive feature in a city that gets as hot as Dallas. Homeowners can expect a 30% to 60% ROI for this project. AC replacement and proper maintenance can raise the value of a Dallas home by 5% to 10%, with better value potential for high-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 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. 

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