AC Replacement Cost
A new central air conditioner typically costs $3,200–$10,500 installed, depending mostly on size. Set your home size and any extra work to see your range.
Last reviewed September 2026
Published US installed ranges. The size guide is our rough rule of thumb; insulation, windows and climate change the real cooling load, so ask installers for a Manual J calculation.
Central AC prices by size
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 tons | $3,200–$5,800 |
| 2 tons | $3,400–$6,400 |
| 2.5 tons | $3,800–$7,100 |
| 3 tons | $4,200–$7,900 |
| 3.5 tons | $4,600–$8,600 |
| 4 tons | $5,000–$9,300 |
| 5 tons | $5,600–$10,500 |
| Ductwork changes or replacement (extra) | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Electrical panel upgrade (extra) | $1,500–$4,000 |
Yearly running cost by efficiency (3-ton system)
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 13.4 SEER2 | $725–$1,209/yr |
| 14.3 SEER2 | $680–$1,133/yr |
| 16 SEER2 | $608–$1,013/yr |
| 17 SEER2 | $572–$953/yr |
| 20 SEER2 | $486–$810/yr |
Not sure it needs replacing? Run the AC problem finder or check whether it's a simple capacitor repair first.
AC replacement questions
How much does it cost to replace a central AC unit?
A straight replacement typically costs about $3,200–$5,800 for a 1.5-ton system up to $5,600–$10,500 for a 5-ton system. A common 3-ton system runs about $4,200–$7,900 before any ductwork or electrical work.
What size AC do I need?
Size depends on your home's cooling load, not just square footage: insulation, windows, sun exposure and climate all matter. Ask installers for a Manual J load calculation instead of simply matching your old unit.
Should I repair or replace my AC?
Repair capacitors, contactors, thermostats and drain problems on a younger system. Consider replacement when the unit is over 10–15 years old, needs a major repair such as a compressor or large refrigerant leak, or uses the phased-down R-22 refrigerant.
Does a higher SEER2 rating save much money?
On a 3-ton system, moving from 14.3 to 16 SEER2 saves roughly $72–$120 a year at $0.18/kWh, depending on how many hours it runs. The payback is faster in hot climates with long cooling seasons.