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How much does an AC replacement cost?

US national rangeUpdated Prices checked October 20262 sources

An AC replacement costs $3,887 to $8,073 in the US, with a typical job around $5,978. Basis: per system, installed (unit plus labor); typical range of customer-reported jobs. Figures from HomeAdvisor, checked October 2026.

US national range, per system, installed (unit plus labor); typical range of customer-reported jobs

Low
$3,887
Typical
$5,978
High
$8,073

AC replacement cost: low, typical and high

Each row says exactly what the figures are and where they come from.

AC replacement cost: low, typical and high
EstimateLowTypicalHighBasisChecked
US national range$3,887$5,978$8,073Per system, installed (unit plus labor); typical range of customer-reported jobs (HomeAdvisor)October 2026

AC replacement cost by type or size

US national figures in USD, as published by each source.

AC replacement cost by type or size
Type or sizePrice (USD)Source
3-ton central AC replacement, existing ducts$5,500 to $10,000Fixr
3-ton central AC replacement with new ducts$7,500 to $16,000Fixr

What drives the cost of an AC replacement

  1. System size

    Capacity in tons depends on home size, climate, sun exposure and insulation.

  2. Efficiency (SEER2)

    Higher-efficiency units cost more up front and less to run.

  3. Ductwork

    New ductwork is the largest add-on, at $1,000 to $5,000.

  4. System type

    Split, packaged, heat pump and ductless systems are priced differently.

  5. Electrical and drain work

    A panel upgrade or new condensate line adds cost.

  6. Labor

    Installation typically takes four to eight hours, about $300 to $1,600 in labor.

Permits and what's included

Permit note

A mechanical or electrical permit and an inspection are usually required. Ask whether the quote includes them.

What’s usually included

  • The new outdoor and indoor equipment
  • Refrigerant lines, electrical connection and startup
  • Removal of the old unit (confirm on the quote)

Scopes vary. Get the scope in writing on every quote.

AC replacement cost: questions

How much does an AC replacement cost?

An AC replacement costs $3,887 to $8,073 in the US, with a typical job around $5,978. Basis: per system, installed (unit plus labor); typical range of customer-reported jobs. Figures from HomeAdvisor, checked October 2026.

What affects the cost of an AC replacement?

System size: capacity in tons depends on home size, climate, sun exposure and insulation. Efficiency (SEER2): higher-efficiency units cost more up front and less to run. Ductwork: new ductwork is the largest add-on, at $1,000 to $5,000. System type: split, packaged, heat pump and ductless systems are priced differently.

Do I need a permit for an AC replacement?

A mechanical or electrical permit and an inspection are usually required. Ask whether the quote includes them.

What is usually included in the price?

The new outdoor and indoor equipment; Refrigerant lines, electrical connection and startup; Removal of the old unit (confirm on the quote). Always get the scope in writing on the quote.

How much does an AC replacement cost by type or size?

3-ton central AC replacement, existing ducts: $5,500 to $10,000; 3-ton central AC replacement with new ducts: $7,500 to $16,000.

Where do these prices come from?

The low, typical and high figures come from HomeAdvisor (“AC unit installation cost”, updated June 17, 2026). We checked them in October 2026. They are national estimates, not quotes.

Sources

Checked October 2026. Figures are estimates, not quotes.

  1. HomeAdvisor: AC unit installation cost · page updated June 17, 2026 · checked October 2026Primary source. Used for: Low, typical and high; ductwork, labor and efficiency drivers.
  2. Fixr: Central air conditioner installation cost · page updated August 29, 2025 · checked October 2026Used for: 3-ton replacement ranges with and without new ducts; drivers; permit.
These are published estimates, checked October 2026. They are not quotes. Typical range shown: $3,887 to $8,073. Editorial policy

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