Air conditioner replacement cost by size
System size, measured in tons of cooling, is the biggest driver of cost. Each step up means a bigger condenser, a bigger coil and more refrigerant.
| Job | What's included | Typical market range | Fair price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central AC, 2 ton | 14.3 SEER2 split condenser + matched evaporator coil · A2L-refrigerant system (R-454B or R-32) · Pad, disconnect and whip · Removal and refrigerant recovery of old system · Reuse existing line set after flush & pressure test | $5,000–$8,500 | $6,300 |
| Central AC, 3 ton | 14.3 SEER2 split condenser + matched evaporator coil · A2L-refrigerant system (R-454B or R-32) · Pad, disconnect and whip · Removal and refrigerant recovery of old system · Reuse existing line set after flush & pressure test | $5,800–$9,500 | $7,200 |
| Central AC, 4 ton | 14.3 SEER2 split condenser + matched evaporator coil · A2L-refrigerant system (R-454B or R-32) · Pad, disconnect and whip · Removal and refrigerant recovery of old system · Reuse existing line set after flush & pressure test | $6,500–$11,000 | $8,200 |
| Central AC, 5 ton | 14.3 SEER2 split condenser + matched evaporator coil · A2L-refrigerant system (R-454B or R-32) · Pad, disconnect and whip · Removal and refrigerant recovery of old system · Reuse existing line set after flush & pressure test | $7,000–$12,000 | $9,200 |
| AC (3 ton) + gas furnace (80%) combo | 14.3 SEER2 condenser + matched coil · 80% AFUE gas furnace, ~80k BTU · Removal of both old units · Reconnect existing ductwork, venting and gas | $7,000–$14,000 | $10,500 |
*National base price before local adjustment and add-ons. Prices are current estimates while our provider network finalizes local pricing. Market ranges come from published contractor prices and national cost guides (sources). Updated October 2026.
Want heating and cooling in one system? See heat pump replacement costs.
Rough sizing guide
Most homes replace like-for-like. The tonnage is in the model number on the outdoor unit’s label. In many brands, the digits 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48 or 60 mean 1.5 to 5 tons (thousands of BTU ÷ 12). For example, “…36…” usually means 3 tons. If rooms have always been too hot or too humid, ask your pro for a Manual J load calculation before choosing a size.
What’s included, and what costs extra
| Add-on | When you need it | Fixed price |
|---|---|---|
| Permit & inspection | Required in most cities for HVAC change-outs. Your pro pulls it. | $225 |
| New / upgraded electrical circuit | For heat pump water heaters or a larger AC breaker. Assumes your panel has room (no panel upgrade). | $600 |
| Attic / crawlspace / tight-closet access | Extra labor when the unit is hard to reach. | $375 |
| New refrigerant line set | If the old lines are damaged or the wrong size for the new system. | $850 |
| New smart thermostat | Installed and paired. | $275 |
| Condensate pump | When there's no floor drain nearby. | $275 |
| Same-day / after-hours service | Book for today, or evening and weekend slots. | $250 |
Central air conditioner replacement: what changes in 2026
- New refrigerants. New central systems now use lower-GWP A2L refrigerants (R-454B or R-32) instead of R-410A. Your installer should be trained for A2L equipment.
- SEER2 efficiency minimums. Federal rules set a minimum efficiency for new split AC systems: 13.4 SEER2 in Northern states and 14.3 SEER2 in Southern and Southwestern states. Our standard systems meet the higher Southern minimum.
- Matched systems. A new condenser has to be paired with a matched indoor coil to hit its rated efficiency and keep its warranty, so we always include one.
Air conditioner and furnace replacement
Your AC’s indoor coil sits on top of the furnace, and the furnace blower moves the cool air. If the furnace is also 15+ years old, replacing both together often costs less than two separate jobs. A 3-ton AC plus an 80% gas furnace is $10,500. See AC + furnace replacement costs →
Check these before you replace (DIY)
Many “broken AC” calls turn out to be simple fixes. Before booking a replacement:
- Replace the air filter. A clogged filter can freeze the coil and stop cooling. Most 1" filters should be changed every 1–3 months.
- Check the thermostat: it should be set to “Cool,” set below room temperature, and have fresh batteries.
- Check the breakers for both the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, plus the disconnect switch by the outdoor unit.
- Clear the condensate drain. A full drain pan can trip a float switch that shuts the system off. Clear the line with a wet/dry vac at the outdoor end.
- Clean around the outdoor unit. Clear 2 ft of space around it and gently rinse the coil fins with a hose, with the power off.
Leave it to a pro: capacitors, contactors and refrigerant work. Capacitors can hold a dangerous charge even with the power off.
When the system is 12–15+ years old, needs a compressor, or has a refrigerant leak in the coil, replacement is usually the better value.
Choosing an air conditioner replacement company
- Licensed and insured for HVAC in your state, and EPA 608 certified for refrigerant handling.
- Pulls the permit. Most cities require one for an AC change-out.
- Itemized, written price before work starts. Compare each line with the prices on this page.
- Registers your warranty. Many manufacturers require registration within a set period for the full parts warranty.
Air conditioner replacement financing
Common ways homeowners finance AC replacement:
- Contractor or manufacturer financing: often promotional rates. Read the deferred-interest terms.
- A home equity line of credit (HELOC): usually the lowest rate for larger jobs.
- A 0% intro APR credit card: works for smaller balances you can clear within the promo period.
Utility rebates may also apply to high-efficiency heat pumps. Check your utility’s website.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace a central air conditioner?
A fair price for central AC replacement is $6,300 for a 2-ton system up to $9,200 for 5 tons, installed with a matched indoor coil, removal of the old unit and refrigerant recovery. A new line set, electrical upgrades or a permit are fixed-price add-ons.
Should I replace my AC and furnace at the same time?
If the furnace is more than about 15 years old, often yes. Replacing both together saves on labor, guarantees matched equipment, and usually costs less than two separate jobs.
Can I still get an R-410A air conditioner?
New central AC systems are now built for lower-GWP A2L refrigerants such as R-454B and R-32. R-410A systems are being phased out, so a new install in 2026 will typically use an A2L refrigerant. Your existing R-410A system can still be serviced.
What size AC do I need?
The right size depends on your climate, insulation, windows and layout. A pro should confirm it with a Manual J load calculation. As a starting point, most homes replace with the same tonnage unless they’ve had comfort problems.
Is AC replacement financing available?
Common options are contractor or manufacturer financing programs, home equity lines of credit, and 0% promotional credit cards. Compare APRs and fees. Promotional rates often carry deferred interest.
How long does AC replacement take?
A straightforward split-system swap usually takes one day. Adding a furnace, a new line set or electrical work can extend it to a second day.