See what a new central air conditioner should cost before a contractor quotes you. Pick your AC size, efficiency and ductwork needs. You get a low-to-high price, with the unit and the installation shown apart. No sign-up needed.
—
| AC unit (standard efficiency) | — |
| Installation | — |
| Higher-efficiency upgrade | — |
| Ductwork | — |
National prices, not your city's. Permits add about $100–$250 (HomeGuide), and removing the old unit about $100–$200; many contractors include both. Electrical upgrades and a new furnace or air handler cost extra. Based on HomeGuide, Angi, ENERGY STAR cost data, updated September 2026. See sources.
Optional. The estimate above is yours either way. Leave your details and a local HVAC contractor will call you for an exact, free quote.
Unit price and installed price for a standard-efficiency central AC, using the existing ducts.
| AC size | Fits a home of | AC unit only | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 tons (18,000 BTU) — homes of about 1,000 sq ft | about 1,000 sq ft | $2,200–$3,500 | $4,700–$6,500 |
| 2 tons (24,000 BTU) — homes of 1,000–1,200 sq ft | 1,000–1,200 sq ft | $2,500–$3,800 | $5,000–$6,800 |
| 2.5 tons (30,000 BTU) — homes of 1,200–1,500 sq ft | 1,200–1,500 sq ft | $2,900–$4,200 | $5,400–$7,200 |
| 3 tons (36,000 BTU) — homes of 1,500–1,800 sq ft | 1,500–1,800 sq ft | $3,300–$4,800 | $5,800–$7,800 |
| 3.5 tons (42,000 BTU) — homes of 1,600–2,000 sq ft | 1,600–2,000 sq ft | $3,700–$5,300 | $6,200–$8,300 |
| 4 tons (48,000 BTU) — homes of 1,800–2,200 sq ft | 1,800–2,200 sq ft | $4,000–$5,800 | $6,500–$8,800 |
| 5 tons (60,000 BTU) — homes of 2,200–3,000 sq ft | 2,200–3,000 sq ft | $4,500–$6,500 | $7,000–$9,500 |
We start with the price of a standard-efficiency AC unit in your size. We add $2,500–$3,000 for installation, the gap between HomeGuide's unit and installed prices. For a higher SEER rating, we add the extra unit cost HomeGuide reports for that tier. Then we add ductwork if you need it. Every figure comes from the sources below. We round to the nearest $100.
Only a contractor can size your AC properly, with a load calculation called a Manual J. Your real price also depends on your city, the brand and your home. Get at least three written quotes for the same size and SEER rating. Or find HVAC contractors in your city.
HomeGuide puts a standard-efficiency AC replacement at $5,000 to $8,300 for a 2,000 sq ft home. A mid-range unit costs $8,300 to $12,500 installed, and a high-efficiency one $12,500 to $14,000 or more. Angi reports a national average of $5,978, with most jobs between $1,400 and $12,500.
One ton of cooling covers about 500 to 600 square feet, according to both HomeGuide and Angi. HomeGuide also gives a rule of thumb of 16 to 30 BTU per square foot. A contractor should confirm the size with a load calculation, since an oversized unit wastes energy and an undersized one runs nonstop.
HomeGuide reports $5,300 to $7,900 installed for a 13 to 14 SEER unit, and $11,400 to $17,300 or more for 22 to 26 SEER. Federal rules require at least 14 SEER (13.4 SEER2) in northern and southwestern states, and 15 SEER (14.3 SEER2) in southeastern states.
Usually not. HomeGuide says most AC replacements can use the existing ducts. Sealing and minor repairs cost $300 to $1,500. Replacing ducts that are beyond repair costs $1,400 to $5,600 or more.
HomeGuide suggests replacing both if the furnace is over 15 years old, or if you are upgrading to a higher-SEER AC. Replacing both at once keeps the parts matched and avoids paying for two separate installs.
ENERGY STAR lists a credit of 30% of the cost, up to $600, for qualifying central AC units bought and installed from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2025. Check the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder for utility and state rebates in your area.
National figures. We do not adjust for your region. Rates checked September 2026.