Do you need to replace a central air conditioning unit? Here’s how much it costs for new central air.The bad news: You need to replace a central air conditioning unit. Show
The good news: Your new air conditioner will most likely be more energy-efficient, quieter, and function at prime condition for over a decade. This year’s purchase will work hard for your family, for 15 years on average, keeping you cool, maintaining healthy air quality, and regulating temperature. Work with a professional on the ac installation, and you’ll also enjoy the comfort of reliable service and a warranty — in addition to ensuring a safely-operating unit. If your central ac is broken, you may be feeling overwhelmed and stressed out (not to mention, hot). It’s a big investment to replace a central air conditioning unit, and yes, the cost of central ac is greater than an in-window unit or portable air conditioner. Luckily, when installed correctly by professionals, replacing a central air conditioning unit is one of the best financial investments you can make for your home. New models are much more efficient than outdated air conditioners, which means that when you replace your old ac, you’re taking clear steps toward a reduced energy bill, and reducing your carbon footprint. In this article, we’ll break down the costs, and what you can expect throughout the purchasing and installation process. How Much Does It Cost to Replace A Central Air Conditioning Unit?The cost of a new central air conditioning unit can vary greatly depending on many factors, including where you’re located in the country, the type of model you get, and the cost of central air installation. On average, consumers can expect to pay anywhere between $1,500 and $4,000 for a new central ac unit. Keep in mind: Those prices are for the actual AC unit. Models that are highly energy-efficient will cost more up-front, but can save you thousands over the years in reduced energy bill costs. It’s also worth seeking rebates from the manufacturer, and shopping during the off-season (more on that in a moment). If central air conditioning prices are out of reach for your budget, consider an in-window unit, instead. Unlike the dinosaurs of yesteryear, new models are quiet and hard-working. However, unlike central air, an in-window unit must be removed and reinstalled every year. If you need to replace a central air conditioning unit, you will also have to budget for the cost of consultation and installation — this means you are paying for the knowledge and expertise of HVAC professionals. Before purchasing, an air conditioner contractor will talk you through the options available to you, and help you determine which is ideal. Although it can be tempting to “DIY” your central air conditioning installation, this is not a good idea! Licensed professionals will get the job done correctly and, more importantly, safely. Plus, when you use a trusted HVAC company to replace your central air unit, you can count on friendly service and maintenance, should anything go wrong down the line. An air conditioner under warranty is peace of mind for you. After the purchase of a new ac unit, the national average for central air installation costs, on average, between $3,500 and $7,500. Remember that a trustworthy company will be honest and upfront about all costs, so you aren’t surprised by an enormous bill after the work is done. An entirely ductless system installation is more complicated, and can cost closer to $10,000, depending on the scope of the project and size of the building or home. When Is the Best Time to Replace A Central Air Conditioning Unit?If your AC breaks in the middle of a heatwave, you probably don’t need any help figuring out when you should replace it (Answer: ASAP!). But if you’re looking to upgrade, and aren’t on a tight deadline, consider buying and installing your new unit in the fall and winter, when demand is lower. This may result in greater savings, and a stress-free experience for you. Not only are central air conditioner units frequently priced lower in the off-season, the labor costs involved may be lower. It’s important to talk to your HVAC provider and ask questions about pricing, as well as any potential deals or discounts. As with any major home project, two things will ensure a quality purchase that goes the distance. First, doing research and being aware of the options available to you will help you make the right decisions for your unique circumstance, preferences, and space. Second, always choosing friendly professionals committed to quality means you’ll be enjoying cool air for years to come, without any problems or safety issues. Maintenance Plan Exceptional care for those you love. The Blanton’s Maintenance Plan has you covered! $2,500 – $7,500 AC unit replacement cost (3 to 5 ton)$6,000 – $12,000 AC unit + ductwork installation costGet free estimates from AC installers near you, or view our cost guide below. December 27, 2021 Reviewed by Tom Grupa and 6 expert AC installers on HomeGuide. Cost to install central airThe average cost to install central air is $2,500 to $7,500, depending on the size (tons), brand, and efficiency rating (SEER). New central AC unit prices are $1,000 to $5,000, plus $1,000 to $2,500 for labor to install. Cost to install central air
Table of contents[hide][show]
Central air installation cost calculatorThe following table shows the average cost to install or replace a central AC unit. Central air installation cost calculator
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members. Find top-rated AC installers in your city. View Pros New AC unit cost by sizeAC units are sized in tons. One ton of cooling capacity equals 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTU). One ton of air conditioning cools 450 to 600 square feet on average, depending on the home's layout, insulation, and local climate. AC unit cost by tonsReplacing a 3 to 5-ton AC unit costs $3,000 to $8,000 for a 1,500 to 2,500 square foot home. AC unit cost by tons
Whole-house AC cost per square footInstalling central air for a 1,200 square foot house costs $2,500 to $6,000. Installing central air for a 2,000 square foot home costs $3,100 to $7,800 or more. Homes over 3,000 square feet may require two condenser units. Return to top Central air conditioner pricesCentral air conditioner prices are $1,000 to $8,500 for the unit alone, depending on the size, brand, and efficiency. Large systems with high SEER ratings or AC units from top brands cost the most. Air conditioner prices by SEER ratingAir conditioners have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of 13 to 26. AC units with a higher SEER rating cost more upfront but are more efficient and reduce long-term energy costs. Air conditioner prices by SEER rating
Central AC unit prices by brandCentral AC unit prices by brand
Return to top Air conditioner replacement cost by typeAir conditioner replacement cost by type
*No installation required. Get free estimates from AC companies near you. View Pros Central air system types and speedsCentral air conditioning systems come in two types:
Central AC units come with different compressors:
Ductless mini-split air conditioning costDuctless mini-split AC installation costs $3,000 to $10,000 on average, depending on the number of zones, BTU size, SEER rating, and brand. A ductless AC system features an outdoor condenser that supports up to five indoor air handlers, also called "zones". Window or portable AC unitA window AC unit costs $300 to $1,100 with installation or $150 to $800 for the unit alone. Window air conditioner prices depend on the size, brand, efficiency, and features. A portable AC unit costs $200 to $900 and does not require installation. A portable unit uses a hose to vent hot air outside through a window, wall, ceiling, or door. HVAC replacement – central heat and air unitThe cost for HVAC replacement depends on whether the home has a furnace or heat pump:
Return to top Home AC unit and system installation cost factorsThe labor cost to install central air conditioning is $1,000 to $2,500 or more, depending on if it includes new ductwork. Labor makes up 40% to 60% of the total installation cost. Home AC unit and system cost to install
*May not be required. The following factors affect the cost to install a central AC unit:
Compare quotes from AC installation services today. View Pros Cost to add central air conditioning to an existing furnaceAdding air conditioning to an existing furnace costs $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the home size and the new AC unit's SEER rating. Adding central AC to a forced-air system may require other upgrades:
Install ductwork for central airThe average cost to install ductwork for central air is $2,400 to $6,600 to retrofit a home without existing ducts. Replacing HVAC ductwork costs $1,400 to $5,600, depending on the home's size. Cost to install ductwork for central air
Additional costs to put in central air
Return to top Frequently asked questionsWhat size air conditioner do I need?An air conditioner needs 16 to 30 BTUs per square foot of living space on average. Hire a licensed HVAC contractor to perform a Manual J Load calculation and determine the home's ideal AC size. A Manual J Load calculation considers factors like:
The following table shows the recommended AC size in tons based on the home's square footage and climate zone: AC unit size calculator
Do not buy a cooling system that is too small or too large for the home:
Does central air increase home value? Is central air worth it?Installing central air conditioning increases a home's resale value by 2% to 10%, depending on the location. Central air is a good investment in warm climates but provides less value in regions with mild summer weather. Replacing an existing central air system maintains but does not increase the home's value. Installing a new high-efficiency AC unit with a high SEER rating provides a return on investment (ROI) of 70% to 85%. How much does central air conditioning cost to run?The cost to run central air conditioning is $80 to $200 per month on average, depending on the AC unit's BTU size, SEER rating, and local utility rates. Air conditioning cost to run
*Running 8 hours per day.
How long do AC units last?An air conditioner lasts 12 to 15 years if correctly sized for the home and properly maintained. An AC unit's lifespan depends on the quality, environment, and usage. Improperly sized air conditioners or units located in areas with extreme heat typically have a shorter lifespan. Signs an air conditioner needs to be replaced:
How long is an average air conditioner warranty?An air conditioner warranty lasts 10 to 15 years if the product is registered within 60 days of installation. Coverage timeframes for individual parts vary from 5 to 20 years, depending on the brand. Standard AC warranties cover equipment malfunctions but typically do not cover labor. An AC tune-up costs $70 to $200. Failing to perform regular AC maintenance may void the manufacturer's warranty. How long does it take to install a central AC unit?Installing a central AC unit takes 1 to 2 days on average if using the existing ductwork. AC installations requiring new ductwork take 3 to 5 days or more, depending on the home's size, age, duct type, and crew size. What is the difference between a heat pump and an air conditioner?An air conditioner can cool but cannot heat. A heat pump can cool in the same way but can also reverse itself to provide heat instead when needed. Air conditioners are typically paired with a furnace to heat the home during cold months.
Still have questions? Ask an AC pro. View Pros Return to top Getting AC unit replacement quotes and estimatesBefore hiring an AC company near you, be sure to:
Questions to ask AC installers
Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted pros: Get free estimates
Millions of people ask HomeGuide for cost estimates every year. We track the estimates they get from local companies, then we share those prices with you. 20+ AC installers near youGet free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted pros: Get free estimates Related ArticlesFind Pros NearbyNavigationIs it worth it to replace AC unit?Choosing to replace your old A/C is an important decision. Modern air conditioners can last upwards of fifteen years, so it's crucial you choose the correct unit for your home's cooling needs. It's not a decision that should be rushed. But if your older A/C breaks down on a 100 degree day, you might not have a choice.
Can I just replace my outside AC unit?The simple answer is No. When replacing the outside AC unit in your home, HVAC experts recommend that you also replace the indoor unit. While this is entirely your decision, failure to replace both can cause issues such as reduced efficiency, regular failures, and increased cooling costs.
How much is a new AC unit inside and out?Air Conditioner Costs by Type. How much does a whole new air conditioning system cost?National Average: $5,644
The national average to install a new AC unit is $5,644, with a typical price range of $3,810 to $7,480. Central AC unit costs are determined by a few primary factors: the amount of ductwork needed, the size of the unit, the SEER rating, and any needed repairs.
|