Skip to content
Zoxi Home

How Much Does a New AC Unit Cost? (2026 Prices)

Replacing a central air conditioner usually costs about $4,500 to $9,500 installed. See prices by size and efficiency, and what every HVAC quote should list.

Published Oct 27, 2026. 3 min read.

Before and after: rusty old AC condenser replaced with a new unit on a clean pad

Replacing a central air conditioner in a typical US home costs roughly $4,500 to $9,500 installed, with many homeowners paying around $6,800 for a standard 3-ton system that reuses existing ductwork. Basic systems in small homes can be cheaper; high-efficiency or variable-speed systems often cost $10,000 or more.

See a range adjusted for your ZIP code with our free AC cost estimator.

New AC cost by size

AC size is measured in tons of cooling. Bigger homes and hotter climates need bigger units.

System sizeTypical home sizeInstalled cost (approx.)
2 tons1,000 – 1,300 sq ft$3,500 – $7,000
3 tons1,600 – 1,900 sq ft$4,500 – $9,500
4 tons2,200 – 2,600 sq ft$5,500 – $11,000
5 tons2,600 – 3,200 sq ft$6,500 – $13,000

Home size is only a rough guide. The right size should come from a load calculation (often called a Manual J) that looks at insulation, windows and climate. An oversized unit cycles on and off, wastes energy and leaves the house clammy.

Efficiency: SEER2 ratings

Efficiency is rated in SEER2. Since 2023, new central AC systems must meet a federal minimum of about 13.4 SEER2 in northern states and 14.3 SEER2 in the Southeast and Southwest for most home-size systems. Higher-SEER2 systems cost more up front but use less electricity; the savings are biggest in hot climates. Higher-efficiency systems may also qualify for utility rebates — ask your utility.

What drives the price

  • Matching indoor coil: a new outdoor unit usually needs a matching indoor coil to reach its rating and keep the warranty.
  • Refrigerant line set: reusing old lines can save money but may not suit the new refrigerant.
  • Ductwork: leaky or undersized ducts can add thousands.
  • Electrical work: a new disconnect, breaker or circuit.
  • Permit: usually a few hundred dollars.
  • Access: attic or rooftop installs take longer.
  • Removal and disposal of the old unit, including refrigerant recovery.

What every AC quote should list

  • Brand and model numbers of the outdoor unit and indoor coil
  • Size in tons and the SEER2 rating
  • Whether a load calculation was done
  • Line set: new or reused
  • New pad, disconnect and electrical work
  • Permit and inspection
  • Removal of the old system
  • Labor warranty in years, separate from the parts warranty

Send every installer the same list with our HVAC quote request template, then compare the quotes side by side.

Repair or replace?

Consider replacing when the system is about 12 to 15 years old, needs a major repair like a compressor, or uses the old R-22 refrigerant. A common rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than half the price of a new system, replace it.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a 3-ton AC unit cost installed?

A standard 3-ton central AC usually costs about $4,500 to $9,500 installed, depending on efficiency, ductwork and your region.

Is it cheaper to replace the AC and furnace together?

Often yes per piece, because the installer is already there and the indoor parts can be matched. If the furnace is old too, ask for prices both ways.

How long does a central AC last?

Most central air conditioners last about 12 to 15 years, longer with yearly maintenance and shorter in very hot, humid or coastal areas.

Sources

Prices are national ranges for planning only. Your price depends on your home, your region and the contractor. This guide is general information, not professional, legal or insurance advice.

Related guides