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The cost of replacement for an air conditioner in a residential home can range between $4,350-$12,095. This includes labor and permit fees.
This range also covers a variety of system sizes and levels of sophistication, including variable-speed AC systems.
The factors that can affect the price of your air conditioner replacement include:
The article below gives more information on the cost of various types of air conditioners and split systems. These include entry-level, mid-range, and high-end options.
The decision to replace your air conditioner can be on par with the decision to renovate your home or buy a car. However, many homeowners begin the process without an idea what the overall cost will be. HVAC prices tend to fluctuate, especially with the Inflation Reduction Act and other discounts available to homeowners.
At Fire & Ice, we have several sales professionals with over 20 years of experience in the HVAC industry. These professionals have decades worth of HVAC knowledge and put your comfort first. We understand how important it is to have an HVAC system that meets efficiency standards. Not to mention having an HVAC company with professional installers you can rely on.
In this article, we'll take you through the various factors that can affect your central air conditioning replacement cost. We hope by the end of this article, you'll be prepared to make the best decision for you, your home, and your comfort.
When most people imagine their new cooling system, they think of the AC unit itself. However, replacing your current system involves more than just replacing the central air conditioning unit.
So, let's discuss some of the other components that may affect the final replacement AC unit cost.
Before an AC installation can begin, a heating and cooling professional will need the following list of required items:
Physical components, such as indoor coil, outdoor pad, copper line set, PVC pipe up to 15 feet long, etc.
Depending on size, the capacity of your AC unit will affect its energy efficiency and its ability to meet your cooling needs. In this case, the size of your system describes the output it needs to adequately produce and recycle cool air into your home.
Before a contractor begins an HVAC installation, they should complete a Manual J Load Calculation. A load calculation not only looks at the total square footage of your home (your home size) but also considers other factors.
These factors include the number and size of windows and doors your home has and the height of your ceilings. This allows an HVAC professional to recommend the best air conditioning unit for your house.
RELATED: Sizing Your Air Conditioner, Heat Pump and Furnace
One thing to keep in mind is that a larger or more powerful air conditioner isn't always better for your home. If it's under/oversized, an air conditioner will cycle on and off too much. As a result, it may not cool your home or remove moisture properly. This can also lead to poor energy efficiency and, thus, a higher monthly energy bill.
If a central air conditioner unit is sized too small, it will overwork itself and will not adequately cool your home or remove moisture properly. Because of these factors, there will never be a "one size fits all" central air conditioner solution for every house.
The cost of equipment can increase as you go up in capacity. However, a properly sized HVAC unit can help lower your overall carbon footprint and provide more comfort in your home. Additionally, by avoiding unnecessary on-off switching, you'll increase the longevity of your AC system.
An air conditioner's SEER rating is like a car's MPG (Miles Per Gallon). Think about it: when you purchase a new vehicle, you want to know its MPG to know how far a full tank of gas will get you. By the same token, in the HVAC industry, we use a SEER rating to describe how efficient an air conditioner is.
More recently, there has been a new standard of SEER ratings known as SEER2. This new calculation takes more of the custom features of your home in order to give you better overall energy efficiency. In the Midwest, a new AC unit should have a SEER2 rating of at least 13.4 or higher.
Usually, as the SEER rating goes up, the initial purchase cost may increase. In Columbus, Ohio, AEP recommends a SEER2 rating of at least 13.4 for any central AC unit installed. However, check your local Energy Star Guide to find your state's rules and regulations regarding SEER2.
That said, when you have a central AC system at a higher SEER2, your operating costs will be lower. Which can reduce the long-term air conditioning cost of your HVAC system
RELATED: What's a Good SEER Rating and Why Is It Important?
When you think about the cost of fixing or replacing your air conditioner, you might forget about your furnace. In Ohio, most of us have a split system (an indoor unit and an outdoor unit). Keep in mind if you're replacing your central air conditioner, you will likely need to match it to your current heating system.
This is typically the case if you choose a variable-speed AC unit that isn't compatible with your furnace. Variable-speed air conditioners require indoor blower motors that operate at different speeds. As a result, variable-speed systems typically offer the most control over your central air conditioning system.
Other types of air conditioners include:
Single-stage and two-stage air conditioners without variable-speed features can generally pair with single-stage and two-stage furnaces.
RELATED: One-Stage, Two-Stage & Variable-Speed ACs: Differences & Benefits
Your current HVAC system can limit your options at times. Nevertheless, if you're thinking of upgrading to a variable-speed air conditioner, you may need to replace your furnace/air handler.
Keep in mind that replacing a furnace or air handler typically costs anywhere from $3,300 to $7,025. And when you replace your air conditioner and furnace at the same time, you can increase efficiency and reduce costs. But it's ultimately up to you to decide when to replace your HVAC systems.
And speaking of matching equipment: your new system may also require ductwork adjustments if it isn't the right size. Your home's ductwork helps circulate conditioned air throughout your house. To cool your home properly, your ductwork must meet your new system's airflow requirements.
Your system may require ductwork adjustments simply because different air conditioners have different requirements. But sometimes, a home's existing ductwork was improperly sized for a previous installation.
Failure to correctly modify your ductwork can affect the performance of your system. In that same vein, improperly sized ductwork can lead to hot or cold spots in your home, even with a new system. Long-term, this can also increase your energy costs and shorten your air conditioner's lifespan.
Your chosen HVAC company should analyze your ducts to check if they are the right size. If they are the wrong size, ask our experts about switching to a ductless HVAC system. You can also add indoor air quality products, such as the REME HALO, to eliminate impurities.
In the end, you should have an HVAC system with properly sized air ducts that operate efficiently and effectively.
A line set is the copper tubing that connects your outside AC unit to your indoor HVAC system. This tubing helps move the refrigerant between your split systems
Since your system cools your home by moving refrigerant, your comfort depends on the integrity of your line set. If your unit doesn't have line set protection, it will be exposed to outside elements. These elements can damage your HVAC system and cost homeowners more money in the long run.
Until recently, there were only a handful of ways to protect a line set. And many of them were both ineffective and unsightly.
When you invest in a new HVAC system, it should have a line-set positive seal system. This will make your unit more effective and energy efficient. Not to mention, it's a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to line set protection.
Airex designs these HVAC accessories with homeowners in mind. Its sleek design will complement any outdoor unit. Plus, it's HOA-approved! At Fire & Ice, we recommend this product and use it for each new air conditioner installation. This is a proactive measure we take to ensure proper fitting at no cost to our customers.
RELATED: The Airex Pro Positive Seal System for Beauty & Performance in Air Conditioner Installations
HVAC is one of the few trades that include multiple disciplines, such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. Tasks related to these areas of expertise can impact the final cost of your HVAC replacement or service. This can include making electrical adjustments to ensure you're getting the most bang for your buck.
You may not need electrical adjustments. But if you do, there are a couple of common areas:
Many older systems do not have modern thermostats with the level of air control that you may wish to have. In those instances, electrical adjustments are necessary to ensure that your new HVAC system runs smoothly.
Depending on the complexity, electrical adjustments can add between $100-$600 to the overall cost of an installation. This work often requires a state-licensed electrician to perform. Hiring an HVAC contractor without any electrical license or knowledge will jeopardize your system's overall well-being.
Air conditioners also remove moisture from the air when they run. The condenser collects moisture, which turns into water that needs draining. This condensate runs to a floor drain, sump pump, or approved standpipe.
Sometimes, obstructions stop this process. If so, you may need to drain your condensate pump. These types of pumps typically cost around $370, so ask your HVAC professional if you need one and properly adjust your budget.
When considering an HVAC replacement, it's important to understand the significance of your installation day. In fact, the HVAC installation process is the most important step for the safety and lifespan of the system.
HVAC contractors must follow several key processes to ensure your system's efficiency, comfort, safety, and life expectancy.
During an HVAC installation, your trusted heating and cooling contractor must follow the rules and regulations. The city, manufacturers, and the HVAC industry set these standards. If your HVAC contractor doesn't follow the required steps, it will have negative consequences. These consequences include expensive energy bills, discomfort, and a shorter lifespan for your new system.
It's also important to note that many HVAC contractors don't include labor or other fees in their estimates. As a result, you could end up paying more than you planned.
We recommend always checking that your HVAC contractor's estimate includes these additional costs.
You should consider many factors when deciding on an HVAC repair or replacement. This includes the difference between an air conditioning service and a new AC unit cost. As previously mentioned, many states have local utility rebates or government tax credits when buying a new HVAC system.
Product manufacturers will occasionally have product rebates available as well. These rebates are usually for a full HVAC installation with the purchase of a thermostat. At Fire & Ice, we include the purchase of a thermostat with your estimate. These digital, programmable thermostats can also save on energy usage by allowing more precise control over your system.
The cost of replacement for an air conditioner in a residential home is an average cost of $8,225.
That may seem like a significant cost for many homeowners wanting a new HVAC system. But it reflects the equally wide range of variables and choices available to a homeowner that we discussed earlier.
Keep in mind that this is the average price of an air conditioner and may not include your HVAC installation and labor costs. To know the total price of a new air conditioner, book a free estimate with our residential sales experts.
However, for the time being, let's break down this average cost a little further.
Air conditioning units typically fall into the following categories:
Entry-level air conditioners offer single-stage cooling. They're a reliable cool air solution if you're on a budget or if you don't plan to stay in your home long-term.
Entry-level air conditioners typically cost between $4,350-$8,000.
Mid-range air conditioners offer two-stage cooling. Because of their increased efficiency, mid-range air conditioners can be great if you plan to stay in your home long-term.
Mid-range air conditioners typically cost between $6,200-$9,500.
High-end air conditioners offer variable-speed cooling. Because they provide you with the most control over your system, high-end air conditioners can be great if you want to address multiple problem areas in your home. This can be a good investment for homeowners if they don't plan on moving anytime soon.
High-end air conditioners typically cost between $8,200-$12,095.
Live in Columbus or its immediate surroundings? Talk with a specialist today!
Contact UsA pricing guide from even a few years ago can be horribly outdated. Why is this? Reasons can vary but include the following:
Inflation
Most of these reasons can both increase or decrease costs, but the only constant is that costs will fluctuate as each variable changes.
How much does it cost to install central air? Let's examine how factors like unit size, compressor type and home size can impact the final price.
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Note: You have other options beyond central AC, including ductless mini-splits, window units and even swamp coolers. The type of unit you select will impact your overall AC installation cost. This guide focuses on central air only.
You'll need to familiarize yourself with two measurements when it comes to the size of your AC. British thermal units (BTUs) are the unit of measurement for an AC's output; tonnage refers to capacity. A 1-ton AC has an output of roughly 12,000 BTUs.
You'll also need to know your home's square footage. In general, a 1-ton AC unit can cool 500 to 600 square feet of space. That means you'll need 12,000 BTUs for every 500 to 600 square feet of living space. If your home has high ceilings, multiply the tonnage you need by 1.25.
A 1.5-ton unit generally costs between $2,500 and $4,500 and could adequately cool 750 to 900 square feet of space.
The table below shows the typical price for various unit sizes.
UNIT SIZE (TONS)BTUSCENTRAL AC UNIT COST RANGE1.5
18,000
$2,500 ' $4,500
2
24,000
$3,100 ' $5,100
3
36,000
$3,400 ' $5,400
4
48,000
$4,200 ' $6,200
5
60,000
$4,300 ' $6,800
The type of compressor in your central AC unit can also impact the total cost:
Single-Stage Compressor
An AC unit with a single-stage compressor is the most affordable, but you're trading efficiency for the low upfront cost. In the long run, it's less valuable to go this route.
Two-Stage Compressor
Think of ACs with a two-stage compressor as the middle-of-the-road option'that happy medium between price and efficiency. AC units with a two-stage compressor can run at full capacity, but they can also reduce capacity to 60% to 70% to save money.
Variable-Speed Compressor
Variable-speed compressors offer homeowners multiple capacities, maximizing cool temps while minimizing output. This is the most efficient but also the most expensive option, but it could be well worth the investment: An efficient AC means a lower cost to run the air conditioner.
The size of your home also impacts your overall central air cost. Naturally, larger homes need an AC unit with a higher capacity, and you'll spend more money upfront (and likely per month) on those larger units.
The table below shows common home sizes and the typical central AC unit cost. Remember, homes with vaulted ceilings may need a unit with more output, which could increase costs.
HOME SIZE (IN SQUARE FEET)CENTRAL AC UNIT COST RANGE750 ' 900
$2,500 ' $4,500
1,000 ' 1,200
$3,100 ' $5,100
1,500 ' 1,800
$3,400 ' $5,400
2,000 ' 2,400
$4,200 ' $6,200
2,500 ' 3,000
$4,300 ' $6,800
Pro Tip
Have a multi-story house with a top floor that's always hot, even when you crank the central AC? You don't necessarily need to replace your air conditioning system. It may be more cost-effective to keep the central air you have for the rest of the home but install a ductless mini split system in the attic. On average, installing a ductless mini-split AC costs $4,000 per unit. Run the unit when you're in the attic, and keep it off when you're not.
The type of home you live in will also dictate your central AC installation costs. For instance, a newer single-family home averages $5,850, but if you live in an old home without ductwork, you'll spend closer to $7,850 to install the unit and the ducts, depending on the size of the house.
If you rent an apartment, you won't be in charge of installing and paying for the AC unit'but you may need to budget for a window AC unit or portable AC if the apartment's AC system isn't great.
And if you own an apartment building or condos, the cost to install central AC for each set of units in one central building could exceed $100,000.
We measure the efficiency of an HVAC system using the SEER rating. At minimum, the United States Energy Information Administration requires that air conditioners in the northern half of the country have a SEER rating of at least 14. In the south, the requirement jumps to 15. High-efficiency units can go as high as 28.
As you'd expect, the cost to install a central AC unit increases in tandem with the efficiency rating. A 14-SEER unit costs on average around $2,700 while a 16-SEER unit could go for closer to $4,100.
SEER RATINGAVERAGE COST PER UNIT14
$2,700
15
$3,500
16
$4,100
17
$4,900
18
$5,500
19
$6,200
20
$6,950
The brand can also impact your total AC replacement cost. The table below shows the AC unit costs from some of the best air conditioning brands on the market. Expect your costs to be higher if you choose a higher-efficiency model or need to install ductwork. Labor will also drive up overall costs.
AC BRANDAC PRICE*Coleman
$1,775
York
$1,800
Rheem
$1,975
American Standard
$2,300
Carrier
$2,625
Lennox
$2,700
Trane
$3,000
*Pricing is based on a standard efficiency 2.5-ton central AC unit and matching evaporator coil. A 2.5-ton unit is the approximate size installed in most 1,400 to 1,800-square-foot homes.
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