Here's what you can expect when getting an estimate for coolant leak repair costs. The cost can vary based on the detection method used, the source of the leak, and the amount of damage that needs to be repaired in the aftermath.
How Much Does AC Replacement Cost in Houston? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $4,115 - $8,640
Heating and air conditioning service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
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Highlights
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.
AC Replacement Cost Factors
Replacing AC in Houston costs $6,375 on average, but the final cost for this home upgrade will depend on the following factors.
Home Size
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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 |
AC Unit Size
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 |
Type of AC
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 |
Efficiency (SEER)
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 |
HVAC Pro Costs
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.
Labor
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.
Permits
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.
Additional Pros to Consider Hiring
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.
Does AC Replacement Increase Home Value?
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.
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’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.
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