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How much does an AC replacement cost in Nanaimo, BC?

Converted from US national rangeUpdated Prices checked October 20262 sources

An AC replacement costs about CA$5,460 to CA$11,350, typical CA$8,400, using the US national range converted to Canadian dollars. That is HomeAdvisor's US figure ($3,887 to $8,073) at 1.4054 CAD per USD (Bank of Canada, October 20, 2026), not a survey of Nanaimo prices.

Converted to Canadian dollars

Low
CA$5,460
Typical
CA$8,400
High
CA$11,350

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AC replacement cost in Nanaimo, BC

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

AC replacement cost in Nanaimo, BC
EstimateLowTypicalHighBasisChecked
Converted to CADCA$5,460CA$8,400CA$11,350US national range × 1.4054 CAD per USD (Bank of Canada, October 20, 2026). Not a survey of Nanaimo pricesOctober 2026
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

Dollar figures in this section are US national figures in US dollars.

  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 in Nanaimo

Fees quoted here are US figures in US dollars; Canadian permit fees are set by your municipality.

Permit note

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

Rules are set locally; confirm with Nanaimo’s building department.

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.

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Top-ranked HVAC contractors in Nanaimo

The top 3 of 73 HVAC contractors we rank for Nanaimo, BC, by CR Score. Paid placement never changes rank.

  1. #1
    Norm's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
    CR Score 684.9from 3,111 Google reviews
  2. #2
    The Comfort Group Heating Co
    CR Score 664.8from 1,244 Google reviews
  3. #3
    Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas
    CR Score 654.9from 301 Google reviews

See all ranked HVAC contractors in Nanaimo

AC replacement cost in Nanaimo: questions

How much does an AC replacement cost in Nanaimo, BC?

An AC replacement costs about CA$5,460 to CA$11,350, typical CA$8,400, using the US national range converted to Canadian dollars. That is HomeAdvisor's US figure ($3,887 to $8,073) at 1.4054 CAD per USD (Bank of Canada, October 20, 2026), not a survey of Nanaimo prices.

Are these prices in Canadian dollars?

Yes, converted. We have no Canadian price survey for this job, so we show the US national range converted at 1.4054 CAD per USD (Bank of Canada daily rate for October 20, 2026). Local labour, material and tax differences are not reflected.

Do I need a permit for an AC replacement in Nanaimo?

A mechanical or electrical permit and an inspection are usually required. Ask whether the quote includes them. Rules are set locally, so confirm with Nanaimo’s building department.

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. Dollar figures here are US figures in US dollars.

How many HVAC contractors serve Nanaimo?

We rank 73 HVAC contractors for Nanaimo, BC by CR Score. Get at least three written quotes for the same scope.

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.

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.
  3. Bank of Canada: Daily exchange rates (USD/CAD) · page updated October 20, 2026Used for: Conversion rate 1.4054 CAD per USD.
These are published estimates converted at a stated exchange rate, checked October 2026. They are not quotes. Typical range shown: CA$5,460 to CA$11,350. Editorial policy

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