Price guide · Air Conditioning
AC Replacement Cost
Central AC replacement, installed
Quick answer: Replacing an air conditioner costs about $5,978 on average, according to Angi, with most jobs between $1,400 and $12,500 depending on type and size. HomeGuide puts a standard-efficiency central AC for a 2,000 sq ft home at $5,000 to $8,300 installed, and high-efficiency systems at $12,500 or more. New ductwork, electrical work and zoning add to the price.
Angi puts the average air conditioner replacement at $5,978, with a full range of $1,400 to $12,500. HomeGuide's figure for a standard-efficiency central AC in a 2,000 sq ft home is $5,000 to $8,300 installed, not counting ductwork changes. Mid-range systems run $8,300 to $12,500 and high-end systems $12,500 to $14,000+.
Cost by AC type
| Type | Unit (Angi) | Installed (HomeGuide) |
|---|---|---|
| Window | $150 – $800 | $300 – $1,100 |
| Portable | $100 – $500 | $250 – $950 |
| Central AC | $2,500 – $4,500 | $5,300 – $10,500 |
| Central AC with new ductwork | – | $9,000 – $16,000 |
| Ductless mini-split | $2,000 – $3,000 | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Furnace and AC together | – | $10,500 – $18,500 |
Cost by efficiency (SEER)
| SEER | Installed (HomeGuide) |
|---|---|
| 13 – 14 | $5,300 – $7,900 |
| 15 – 16 | $6,700 – $9,300 |
| 17 – 18 | $7,500 – $10,600 |
| 19 – 21 | $9,100 – $12,200 |
| 22 – 26 | $11,400 – $17,300+ |
Higher SEER units use less electricity but cost more up front. Angi notes high-SEER units can be three or four times the price of lower-efficiency models.
Cost by home size
| Home size | Typical size | Installed (HomeGuide) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 1.5 – 2 tons | $4,500 – $7,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | 2.5 – 3 tons | $6,000 – $8,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 3.5 – 4.5 tons | $7,000 – $11,500 |
| 2,500 sq ft | 4.5 – 5 tons | $8,500 – $13,500 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 5+ tons | $10,000 – $16,000+ |
For prices by tonnage, see AC unit cost by size.
Extra costs
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| New ductwork (about 300 linear ft) | $3,000 – $7,500 | Angi |
| Ductwork replacement | $1,400 – $5,600+ | HomeGuide |
| Minor duct sealing and repairs | $300 – $1,500 | HomeGuide |
| Dedicated electrical circuit | $100 – $150 | Angi |
| Condensate drain line | $180 – $500 | Angi |
| Old unit removal (if billed separately) | $25 – $200 | Angi |
| Permit, AC replacement | $100 – $250 | HomeGuide |
| Extended warranty | $100 – $500 | Angi |
Adding zones costs $1,700 to $2,000 for two zones and $350 to $500 for each additional zone (Angi).
Repair or replace?
Angi lists repairs at $450 to $2,000 or more. Replacement usually makes more sense when the system is over 10 years old, uses R-22 refrigerant, or needs a compressor or coil out of warranty. See AC repair cost and AC compressor replacement cost.
Ways to save
- Replace in spring or fall; Angi says off-season installs can save 10% to 15%.
- Get at least three quotes that include a load calculation, not just a size matched to the old unit.
- If the furnace is also old, compare the price of replacing both at once; see HVAC replacement cost.
What replacing an AC includes
Most replacements swap the outdoor condenser and the matching indoor evaporator coil. The installer recovers refrigerant, removes the old equipment, sets the new unit on a pad, connects the refrigerant lines or installs new ones, wires the system, pulls a vacuum, charges it and tests performance.
Sizing and efficiency
- Size (tonnage) should come from a load calculation, not just the size of the old unit. An oversized system cycles on and off often and controls humidity poorly; an undersized one struggles on the hottest days.
- Efficiency (SEER2) affects operating cost. Higher-efficiency units cost more up front but cost less to run.
- Single-stage vs. variable-speed systems differ in comfort and humidity control.
What affects the price
- Tonnage and efficiency rating.
- Brand and warranty.
- Line set replacement.
- Ductwork condition and any needed repairs.
- Electrical updates.
- Permits and inspection.
- Whether the furnace or air handler is replaced too.
AC or heat pump?
A heat pump provides both cooling and heating with the same outdoor unit. In mild-winter climates, it can replace both an AC and a gas or electric furnace.
Questions to ask
- Did you do a load calculation for my home?
- Will the indoor coil be replaced to match?
- What do the warranties cover, and do they require registration?
- Is the permit included?
In Texas
Cooling is the biggest share of home energy use in much of Texas, so efficiency matters more here than in milder climates. Humid areas like Houston benefit from equipment and sizing that control moisture well, not just temperature.
Efficiency standards in your region
Federal minimum efficiency standards for central air conditioners are measured in SEER2, a rating that replaced the older SEER test in 2023. The minimum is higher in southern states, including Texas, than in northern ones, because air conditioners run more there. Any new system an installer sells must meet your region's minimum. Higher-SEER2 models cost more but use less electricity. In hot climates where the AC runs for many months, the savings add up faster.
What a proper installation includes
A quality replacement goes beyond swapping boxes. Look for:
- A load calculation to confirm the right size.
- A matched outdoor unit and indoor coil.
- New or properly flushed refrigerant lines.
- A pressure test with nitrogen and a deep vacuum before charging.
- Charging to the manufacturer's specification, not just "by feel."
- A new pad, disconnect or whip if needed.
- Testing airflow and temperature split after startup.
- Registration of the equipment for the warranty.
These steps affect how efficiently and reliably the system runs for years.
Single-stage, two-stage or variable-speed
Single-stage systems run at full power whenever they are on. They are the least expensive.
Two-stage systems have a low and a high setting. They run longer at the low setting, which improves comfort and humidity control.
Variable-speed systems adjust their output in small steps. They give the most even temperatures and the best humidity control, and they are usually the most efficient, but they cost the most.
In humid climates, two-stage and variable-speed systems can make a noticeable difference in comfort because they remove more moisture.
Timing your replacement
Spring and fall are often the best times to replace an AC. Contractors are less busy, and you have time to compare quotes without the pressure of a broken system in summer heat.
What to get in writing
Ask each installer for the load calculation result, the model numbers of the outdoor unit, coil and air handler, the SEER2 rating, the refrigerant type and the warranty terms for both parts and labor. With these in writing, quotes can be compared line by line.
Removal of the old unit
Old refrigerant must be recovered by a certified technician. Make sure removal and disposal are included in the price.
Sources
HVAC contractors in Texas
Our Texas business directory lists 1,058 HVAC contractors across 6 major cities. The ratings below are the average Google rating of the listed businesses in each city, and the review counts are the total number of Google reviews they have received.
| City | Businesses listed | Avg. Google rating | Total reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 464 | 4.7 | 72,003 |
| Dallas | 121 | 4.8 | 26,510 |
| San Antonio | 200 | 4.7 | 63,399 |
| Austin | 108 | 4.8 | 39,568 |
| Fort Worth | 99 | 4.7 | 25,658 |
| El Paso | 66 | 4.5 | 11,208 |
Source: twupro Texas business directory, built from public Google Maps listings.
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