AC replacement cost
Replacing a central air conditioner costs $3,887 to $8,073 for most homeowners, with a national average of $5,978, according to Angi's October 2026 data. HomeGuide puts a standard-efficiency replacement for a 2,000 sq ft home at $5,000 to $8,300, before any ductwork. Below are the published ranges by size, efficiency and home size, the extras that change a quote, and an estimator you can fill in with your own numbers.
Published cost ranges
These are national ranges as each source publishes them. None of them are our own prices. They describe slightly different jobs, so read the notes in the last column before comparing.
| Source (date) | Range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Angi (updated Oct 22, 2026) | $3,887–$8,073, average $5,978 | AC replacement, from 24,979 projects; ducts extra ($3,000–$7,500) |
| HomeGuide (Jul 25, 2025) | Entry $5,000–$8,300; mid $8,300–$12,500; high $12,500–$14,000+ | 2,000 sq ft home, single-stage / two-stage / variable speed, no ductwork |
| Fixr (updated Aug 29, 2025) | $5,500–$10,000 (3 tons, existing ducts); $7,500–$16,000 if ducts need replacing | Replacement; Fixr's headline $5,800–$14,400 (average $8,750) assumes new ductwork |
Two things to watch. First, Fixr's widely quoted $8,750 average is for a new installation with new ducts, not a like-for-like swap; its replacement figure is the one in the table. Second, Angi's summary calls $3,887 to $8,073 the cost of "AC replacement labor" in one bullet, but the same page uses it as the total project range and separately puts labor at $500 to $2,500. We treat it as the total, as the rest of Angi's page does.
By system size (tons)
One ton of cooling is 12,000 BTU. HomeGuide and Angi both say one ton cools roughly 500 to 600 square feet, but insulation, climate, windows and ceiling height change that, so a contractor should size the system with a load calculation. Our BTU calculator gives a starting estimate.
| Size | HomeGuide installed | Fixr installed (mid-efficiency) | HomeGuide unit only | Angi unit only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 tons (18,000 BTU) | $4,700–$6,500 | $3,650–$6,250 | $2,200–$3,500 | $1,300–$4,000 |
| 2 tons (24,000 BTU) | $5,000–$6,800 | $4,250–$7,500 | $2,500–$3,800 | $1,500–$5,000 |
| 2.5 tons (30,000 BTU) | $5,400–$7,200 | $4,500–$8,000 | $2,900–$4,200 | – |
| 3 tons (36,000 BTU) | $5,800–$7,800 | $5,000–$9,150 | $3,300–$4,800 | $2,000–$5,500 |
| 3.5 tons (42,000 BTU) | $6,200–$8,300 | $5,450–$9,700 | $3,700–$5,300 | – |
| 4 tons (48,000 BTU) | $6,500–$8,800 | $6,950–$11,600 | $4,000–$5,800 | $2,600–$6,200 |
| 5 tons (60,000 BTU) | $7,000–$9,500+ | $7,800–$14,000 | $4,500–$6,500 | $2,800–$6,800 |
By home size
| Home size | Typical tons | Installed |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 1.5–2 | $4,500–$7,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | 2.5–3 | $6,000–$8,500 |
| 1,800 sq ft | 3–4 | $6,500–$10,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 3.5–4.5 | $7,000–$11,500 |
| 2,500 sq ft | 4.5–5 | $8,500–$13,500 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 5+ | $10,000–$16,000+ |
HomeGuide's home-size table pairs 2,000 sq ft with 3.5 to 4.5 tons, while Fixr says most homes need 3 to 3.5 tons. Fixr also publishes per-square-foot figures ($5,800 to $14,400 for 2,000 sq ft), but those include new ductwork.
Cost by efficiency (SEER2)
| SEER / SEER2 | Unit only | Installed |
|---|---|---|
| 13–14 SEER (up to 13.4 SEER2) | $2,800–$4,900 | $5,300–$7,900 |
| 15–16 SEER (14.0–14.7) | $4,200–$6,300 | $6,700–$9,300 |
| 17–18 SEER (15.0–17.2) | $5,000–$7,600 | $7,500–$10,600 |
| 19–21 SEER (16.5–18.5) | $6,600–$9,200 | $9,100–$12,200 |
| 22–26 SEER (up to 25.8) | $8,900–$14,300 | $11,400–$17,300+ |
HomeGuide notes the federal minimum is 13.4 SEER2 in northern states and 14.3 SEER2 in the southeast. Angi says the most efficient models can cost three or four times as much as standard ones, and that the premium may not pay off where the cooling season is short.
Central AC vs other options
If you're weighing alternatives, HomeGuide lists a central AC at $5,300 to $10,500 installed, central AC with new ductwork at $9,000 to $16,000, an air-source heat pump at $8,000 to $15,000, a furnace-and-AC system at $10,500 to $18,500, and ductless mini-splits at $10,000 to $25,000. Angi lists ductless split systems at $2,000 to $3,000 for the unit plus $1,200 to $10,000 to install. A heat pump both heats and cools, so it can replace an AC and a furnace at once. See our heat pump installation cost, mini split installation cost and furnace replacement cost guides.
Extras that change the quote
- Ductwork: sealing and minor repairs $300–$1,500; replacing ducts $1,400–$5,600 or more (HomeGuide). Angi says new ducts add $3,000 to $7,500 for 300 linear feet.
- Permit: $100–$250 for a replacement, or $250–$1,500 for a new install with ductwork (HomeGuide). Fixr says to check with your town.
- Removing the old unit: Fixr says about $150–$250; Angi says most companies include it, or $25–$200 separately.
- Electrical: Angi says central AC needs a dedicated 240-volt circuit, and a new circuit costs $100–$150.
- Condensate drain line: usually included, otherwise a plumber charges $180–$500 (Angi).
- Zoning: two zones $1,700–$2,000, three $2,050–$2,500, four $2,400–$3,000 (Angi).
- Extended warranty: $100–$500 on top of the maker's 5- to 10-year parts warranty (Angi).
- Labor: Angi says $500–$2,500; Fixr says $1,250–$3,000 with existing ducts, at $75–$250 an hour.
- Season: Angi says fall and spring installs can save 10% to 15%; HomeGuide says May to August is peak season.
Federal tax credit: ended after 2025
Section 25C (Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit) ended for new installs after 2025. The IRS FAQ on Public Law 119-21 (FS-2025-05, August 21, 2025) states the credit is not allowed for any property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Angi's AC page (updated October 2026) still says ENERGY STAR upgrades can earn up to $3,200 a year in federal credits until 2032; that is the pre-2025 rule and no longer applies. Check your utility and state for rebates.
Estimate your own job
Each line starts at a published range: the installed system from HomeGuide's tonnage table, with extras from HomeGuide, Angi and Fixr as noted. Type a figure from your own quote and that line will use your number instead.
When to replace rather than repair
HomeGuide suggests replacing when the system is more than 10 to 12 years old, repairs would cost at least half the price of a new AC, it still uses R-22 or R-410A refrigerant, it breaks down often, energy bills keep climbing, or it cools unevenly. HomeGuide says new systems last 15 to 20 years; Angi says central units typically last 12 to 17. Angi also says AC units must be installed by a licensed professional in most regions.
- AC replacement is licensed work: the system uses a 240-volt circuit and refrigerant, which under EPA Section 608 rules may only be handled by certified technicians. Don't open refrigerant lines yourself.
- Turn off power at the outdoor disconnect and the breaker before cleaning around the unit.
Getting quotes
- HomeGuide advises comparing quotes from at least three NATE-certified installers for the same size and efficiency, getting everything in writing, and never paying in full before the work starts.
- Ask for a Manual J load calculation rather than a rule of thumb, and whether the quote includes the indoor coil, permit, removal, and any duct or electrical work.
- Ask what warranty covers parts and labor, and whether it needs registering.
Related costs: heat pump installation cost, furnace replacement cost, mini split installation cost, water heater replacement cost and the cost guides.
FAQ
How much does it cost to replace a central AC unit?
Angi (updated October 22, 2026) puts the national average at $5,978, with most homeowners paying $3,887 to $8,073. HomeGuide (July 25, 2025) says $5,000 to $8,300 for a standard-efficiency system in a 2,000 sq ft home, $8,300 to $12,500 for mid-range and $12,500 to $14,000 or more for high-end, all without ductwork. Fixr (August 29, 2025) gives $5,500 to $10,000 to replace a 3-ton system on existing ducts.
How much does a 3-ton AC replacement cost?
HomeGuide lists $5,800 to $7,800 installed for 3 tons, Fixr $5,000 to $9,150 installed for a mid-efficiency unit, and Fixr's replacement figure for a 3-ton system is $5,500 to $10,000. Angi lists $2,000 to $5,500 for the 3-ton unit alone, before installation.
Why is Fixr’s $8,750 average higher than the others?
Fixr's $8,750 average is for a new 3-ton, 16 SEER split system with new ductwork in a 2,000 sq ft home. For a replacement that keeps the existing ducts, Fixr's own figure is $5,500 to $10,000, and its low-end example is $3,750 for a 14 SEER change-out.
Is there a federal tax credit for a new AC in 2026?
Not for new installs placed in service in 2026. The IRS says the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (section 25C) is not allowed for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Angi's AC page still says ENERGY STAR upgrades can earn federal credits until 2032; that reflects the old rule. Check your utility and state for rebates.
Should I repair or replace my AC?
HomeGuide puts AC repairs at $150 to $650 on average and suggests replacing if the system is more than 10 to 12 years old, a repair would cost at least 50% of a new AC, or it uses R-22 or R-410A refrigerant. Angi puts repairs at $450 to $2,000 or more and says AC units last 10 to 20 years.
How long does AC replacement take?
HomeGuide says 4 to 8 hours to replace the outdoor unit only, 8 to 14 hours for both the outdoor and indoor units, and 2 to 3 days with ductwork modifications.
Can I replace just the outdoor unit?
HomeGuide says it's possible if the indoor parts are compatible and in good condition, but not if the old system uses R-22 or R-410A refrigerant. Angi advises against it, saying mismatched parts can hurt performance and void the warranty.
Sources
All checked November 4, 2026. Dates are each page's own published or updated date.
- HomeGuide, How much does AC replacement cost?, July 25, 2025: efficiency tiers, home size, tonnage, SEER, type, ductwork, permits, repair, timing.
- Angi, How much does AC replacement cost?, updated October 22, 2026: national average and range, unit and install by type, unit by tonnage, labor, ducts, removal, circuit, drain line, zones, warranty.
- Fixr, Cost to install central air, updated August 29, 2025: installation and replacement ranges, tonnage, labor, removal.
- IRS, FAQs for modification of sections 25C, 25D and related credits (FS-2025-05), August 21, 2025: 25C not allowed after December 31, 2025.
- US EPA, Section 608 technician certification.