AC Replacement Cost Calculator (2026)
Quick answer
Replacing a central air conditioner costs about $4,700 to $7,800 for a typical 3-ton system with standard efficiency in 2026. A high-efficiency system adds about $2,500 to $5,000. Replacing the AC and gas furnace together runs about $8,000 to $14,000.
AC Replacement Cost Calculator
Estimate the installed cost of a new central air conditioner. Includes equipment, labor, refrigerant, standard electrical hookup and removal of the old unit.
Home-size estimates use a rule of thumb. Your installer should do a Manual J load calculation to choose the right size. This is a planning estimate, not a quote.
For more detail, read our AC unit replacement cost guide. Replacing your heating too? See furnace replacement costs.
How this calculator works
- AC size. If you enter your home size, we estimate the size in tons using a common rule of thumb for your climate, rounded to the nearest half ton. If you know your current AC size, pick it directly. It is usually printed on the outdoor unit’s label as BTU (for example, 36,000 BTU = 3 tons).
- Base price. We start from a 2026 installed price range for an outdoor unit plus matching indoor coil at that size.
- Adjustments. We add costs for a heat pump or a new furnace, higher efficiency, duct repairs and your area’s labor costs.
AC replacement cost by size
| AC size | Cooling capacity | Typical home size* | Installed cost (standard efficiency) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 ton | 18,000 BTU | Up to 1,100 sq ft | $3,600 – $6,000 |
| 2 ton | 24,000 BTU | 1,000 – 1,400 sq ft | $4,000 – $6,500 |
| 2.5 ton | 30,000 BTU | 1,300 – 1,700 sq ft | $4,400 – $7,100 |
| 3 ton | 36,000 BTU | 1,600 – 2,000 sq ft | $4,700 – $7,800 |
| 3.5 ton | 42,000 BTU | 1,900 – 2,300 sq ft | $5,100 – $8,500 |
| 4 ton | 48,000 BTU | 2,200 – 2,700 sq ft | $5,500 – $9,000 |
| 5 ton | 60,000 BTU | 2,700 – 3,300 sq ft | $6,200 – $10,000 |
How much more does high efficiency cost?
| Efficiency level | SEER2 rating | Extra cost vs standard |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 14.3 – 15 | — |
| Mid | 16 – 17 | +$800 to $2,000 |
| High (variable speed) | 18 and up | +$2,500 to $5,000 |
Higher-efficiency units cost more up front but use less electricity. They make the most sense in hot climates where the AC runs for many months each year.
What can add to the price
- New refrigerant line set if the old copper lines are damaged or the wrong size.
- Electrical work, such as a new disconnect box or breaker.
- Permits, which many cities and counties require for HVAC replacement.
- A new thermostat, especially for variable-speed systems.
- Hard-to-reach locations, such as rooftop units or tight attics.
- Ductwork repairs. Leaky ducts can waste a large share of the cooling you pay for.
Repair or replace?
Replacement usually makes sense when your AC is 12 to 15 years old or older, needs a major repair such as a new compressor, or still uses R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer produced in the US. For a young system with a small problem, a repair is often the cheaper choice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know what size AC I have?
Look at the label on your outdoor unit. Find the model number and look for a two-digit number divisible by 6, such as 24, 30, 36, 42, 48 or 60. Divide it by 12 to get the size in tons. For example, 36 means 36,000 BTU, or 3 tons.
Is a bigger AC better?
No. An oversized AC turns on and off too often. It cools the air but does not remove enough humidity, and it wears out faster. Ask your installer for a Manual J load calculation to get the right size.
Are there tax credits or rebates?
Federal tax credits and utility rebates for efficient heat pumps and air conditioners change often. Check energy.gov and your local utility for the current rules before you buy.
