Central Air Conditioner Replacement Cost: Pricing Guide
Angi reports that replacing an existing central AC costs $3,887 to $8,073 for most people, with an average of $5,978. Bob Vila lists a close range of $3,882 to $7,903 and an average of $5,860. Other sources run higher, so the table below shows how the figures compare.
Central air conditioner replacement cost breakdown
| Scenario | Cost | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5-ton unit | $2,500 to $4,500 | Unit cost | Forbes Home |
| 3-ton, 14 SEER change-out using existing ducts (low end) | $3,750 | Project low | Fixr |
| Split system AC | $3,800 to $7,700 | Unit cost | Fixr |
| Standard efficiency unit | $5,000 to $8,300 | Replacement average | HomeGuide |
| Central AC unit average | $5,900 | Average | Forbes Home |
| Central AC installation | $5,800 to $14,400 | Installed | Fixr |
| Central AC unit with installation | $8,460 | Average | This Old House |
Forbes Home says a 1.5-ton unit could cool 750 to 900 square feet. Fixr gives an average of $8,750 for installation, and This Old House reports $8,460 including installation, from a survey of homeowners. Per square foot, both Bob Vila and Fixr put new central air at $2.90 to $7.20.
Labor vs. materials
Angi says most people pay $500 to $2,500 in labor for AC replacement. Forbes Home puts typical labor at $640 to $1,200, while Bob Vila gives a lower average of $1,250 to $3,000 when a new unit goes in without updating existing ductwork. Hourly rates differ: Forbes Home reports $80 to $150 per hour for HVAC contractors and notes that emergency service in peak season can cost more. In a This Old House survey, 72% of homeowners who replaced their central AC paid between $100 and $250 per hour in installation labor.
Additional installation costs
HomeGuide lists minor duct sealing and repairs at $300 to $1,500. New ductwork is priced differently by each source: Bob Vila gives $1,100 to $2,700, Forbes Home says duct installation averages $2,000 (with a spread of $1,000 to $5,000), and Angi reports $3,000 to $7,500 for 300 linear feet. Angi puts a new electrical circuit at $100 to $150. For wiring beyond a single circuit, see our electrical cost guides.
Repair vs. replace
In a This Old House survey, over 62% of homeowners with central air repaired their system and nearly 38% replaced it. HomeGuide says new AC units run 20% to 40% more efficiently than 10-year-old models, which can mean monthly utility savings. Fixr adds that many air conditioners could no longer be sold and installed after January 1, 2023, as manufacturers changed products to meet new requirements. See our HVAC cost guides for related systems.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Replacing a central AC involves high-voltage wiring and refrigerant lines, so it is work for a licensed HVAC contractor. Ask the contractor who will handle permits for your area.
Ways to save
- Compare bids: Collect itemized quotes from several licensed local companies so you can benchmark labor, equipment, and warranty terms.
- Plan ahead: Booking before a breakdown avoids paying for an emergency call.
- Check the ducts first: Bob Vila lists labor at $1,250 to $3,000 when existing ductwork is left alone, and new ductwork is a separate line item.
- Ask about add-ons: Confirm whether the quote includes duct sealing, a new circuit, and disposal of the old unit.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask for an on-site assessment rather than a phone estimate. The written quote should name the brand, tonnage, and SEER rating, and list labor, permit fees, and disposal of the old unit as separate lines. Confirm the contractor’s license and insurance before signing.
What changes the price
- Unit cooling capacity and system tonnage required for home size
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of the condenser
- Condition of existing ductwork, including repairs or new layout runs
- Electrical service updates, such as installing a dedicated circuit
- Regional contractor labor rates and seasonal installation demand
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace a central air conditioner?
Fixr gives a wider installation range of $5,800 to $14,400, so the figure depends on the source and the home.
How much does AC installation labor cost?
Forbes Home lists typical labor at $640 to $1,200, and rates are quoted hourly as well as per project.
Does a new AC need new ductwork?
Not always. Bob Vila lists a lower labor cost when a unit goes in without updating existing ductwork, and puts new ductwork at $1,100 to $2,700.
Is it better to repair or replace an old AC?
A This Old House survey found most owners repaired rather than replaced. Weigh the repair quote against the replacement figures above, and your system's age.
Sources
Related cost guides
Figures are estimates based on the sources above and vary by region, home and contractor. Get at least three written quotes before you hire. See our disclaimer and how we research.