Heating and air conditioning service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
The median home size in Houston is 1,900 square feet, requiring 2.5- to 3.5-ton AC units.
Houston has sweltering summers, with temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The minimum required SEER rating for AC units in Houston is 15.
With temperatures that stay above 90 degrees Fahrenheit all summer long, Houston definitely brings the heat. This means that residents need reliable air conditioning to keep cool. AC replacement costs in Houston, Texas, average around $6,375, but how much you spend depends on the type of AC system you have, the size of the AC unit and your home, and how efficient the system is.
Replacing AC in Houston costs $6,375 on average, but the final cost for this home upgrade will depend on the following factors.
You’ll need more AC power to cool a bigger home, and that means the cost will increase the more square feet you need to cover with AC. The median home size in Houston is 1,900 square feet, but here’s how much you can expect to spend for different square footages:
| Home Size (Square Feet) | Tonnage | AC Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 | 1.5–2 | $1,500–$4,750 |
| 1,500 | 2–3 | $5,000–$6,400 |
| 1,900 | 2.5–3.5 | $5,300–$6,400 |
| 2,000 | 3.5–4 | $6,400–$7,000 |
| 2,200 | 4–4.5 | $7,000–$7,700 |
| 2,500 | 4–5 | $7,700–$8,300 |
| 3,000 | 5+ | $8,300–$13,000 |
The AC unit size is measured in tons and British Thermal Units (BTUs), or how much heat the AC system can remove in one hour. The average home in Houston will need between 2 and 4 BTUs, but consult with an AC installer in Houston, Texas to find the right BTUs and tonnage to cool your home.
| Tonnage | BTUs | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | 18,000 | $1,500–$4,750 |
| 2 | 24,000 | $4,750–$6,400 |
| 3 | 36,000 | $6,400–$7,000 |
| 4 | 48,000 | $7,000–$8,300 |
| 5 | 60,000 | $8,300–$13,000 |
The type of AC plays a major role in how much AC replacement will cost. Replacing a window or portable unit costs the least, but these AC types are meant to only cool a room or small area. By comparison, central or geothermal cooling systems cost more to replace, but they cool the entire home.
| Type of AC | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central | $4,100–$8,700 | Whole-house cooling | Difficult to install |
| Window | $60–$400 | Low cost | Limited cooling capacity |
| Portable | $80–$700 | Moves from room to room | Takes up floor space |
| Ductless | $4,000–$10,000 | No need to install ducts | Visible in each room |
| Geothermal | $15,000–$50,000 | Energy-efficient | High up-front cost |
Because summer temperatures in Houston are regularly above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s important to have a more efficient cooling system. The efficiency of an air conditioner is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER.
The U.S. Department of Energy requires AC units sold in Houston to have at least 15 SEER. The higher the SEER, the more it will cost up front (but the lower your energy bills will be).
| SEER | Cost |
|---|---|
| 15–16 | $1,500–$4,100 |
| 17–18 | $4,500–$6,000 |
| 19–20 | $6,500–$8,500 |
| 21+ | $8,700–$13,000 |
Replacing your AC is not a DIY job, and labor costs will make up much of the cost of this project. However, hiring a pro ensures your system works properly, which will keep those summer energy bills in check.
Hiring an HVAC pro in Houston, Texas, for AC replacement costs $3,500 to $5,700, not including the cost of materials. If the company you hire allows you to tip the HVAC crew, you can tip 20% of the total or, for higher-cost installations, $20 to $30 for each worker.
The City of Houston offers a permit cost calculator to help you estimate the cost of permits required for your project, including AC replacement. The cost is based on the total value and size of the project, with most permits costing around 1% of the project total.
Always check with the City of Houston’s Planning and Development Services Division of Public Works and Engineering to figure out what permits you need. Luckily, hiring an HVAC pro means the experts will handle securing permits and can build those costs into your project total.
If you’re swapping an outdated AC system, consider upgrading your electrical panel or installing new drain lines to accommodate a newer system. If your HVAC pro doesn’t offer these services, you can hire the following pros.
Electrician: An electrician can make sure your AC has the appropriate amount of power to prevent short-circuiting or blown fuses. Hiring an electrician in Houston costs $185 to $600.
Plumber: AC systems need drain lines to prevent condensation from building up, which can lead to mold and mildew. Hiring a plumber in Houston costs $185 to $500.
Replacing your AC in Houston can increase the value of your home by 6% to 10%, especially for higher-efficiency systems. You can get 30% to 60% ROI by installing a new, energy-efficient AC system in your Houston home.
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’ve surveyed thousands of 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.
We had a great experience with http://www.Elias.solar. Elias installed 45 kW of inverter capacity and 80 kWh of batteries in enclosed, air-conditioned spaces, and the system has offset nearly 98% of our electricity usage. Pricing was straightforward, unlike most solar installers who play...
Elias Solar, Inc.Really impressed with how thorough the cleaning was. The technician explained everything clearly and made sure every vent was properly serviced. Air quality feels noticeably better now.
Lone Star Air Duct Cleaning ServicesMoises was communicative and provided a very competitive quote. He worked hard in the summer heat to complete our patio job.
I moved some things from my old apartment to the new one and hired this company. I really recommend them, everything arrived in good condition and they are very fast.
Expert MoversAtticair provided exceptional air duct replacement service! When my HVAC system began experiencing airflow issues, I knew it was time to replace the air ducts. Atticair came highly recommended, so I decided to contact them for an assessment. Sahar, the technician, arrived promptly and...
Attic AirMarco and his team repaired our 6 year old cracked stucco to better than new condition. Great work and the job site was tidy at the end of the day.
Majo Exterior Remodeling LLCHad a suspected air quality issue at my home and asked for a quote. Received the quote and then was able to get the air quality test done the same day. When I found that I needed treatment for the house, I was able to have that work completed the very next day. Sincerely appreciated the...
Hippo Home InspectionsThey check my air conditioning and heating systems every 3 months
One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning - HoustonThe guy was really nice, arrived on time clean my air duct and dryer vent I recommend and definitely will take them again
Quality Air Bro'sThey are able to manage all of her long list of conditions with medications and food and still have great quality of life at 23 years old. Snowshoe siamese cat.
Westbury Animal HospitalFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
If your air conditioning unit isn’t functioning properly, you might need an AC recharge. Our guide will detail what a typical AC recharge cost in Houston, TX looks like.
The cost of a new furnace in Houston depends on the size and type of furnace, labor costs, and more. Learn how much a new furnace costs in Houston.
When determining the AC coil cleaning cost in Houston, TX, you’ll need to factor in the size, cleaning method, and type.
Getting AC and furnace replacement done at the same time can lead to huge benefits for your wallet and your home in Houston, TX. Here’s everything you need to know.
Updated flooring can make any room in your home feel brand new. Explore flooring installation costs in Houston, TX, from materials to labor costs.
Heat pumps offer maximum efficiency and are more affordable than HVAC alternatives. Learn about heat pump costs in Houston, Texas, to set your budget.
