AC Replacement Cost
$3,800 – $9,050An AC replacement costs about $3,800 to $9,050 in the U.S. That covers a central AC outdoor unit and matching coil on existing ductwork. The range reflects parts, job difficulty and local labor rates.
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts and materials (our assumption) | $3,500 | $8,000 |
| Labor hours (our assumption) | 4 | 8 |
| Billed labor rate per hour | $73 | $132 |
| Estimated total | $3,800 | $9,050 |
Our estimate, not a quote. Billed rate is the national median wage from BLS (2025, $29.33 an hour) times 2.5 to 4.5 to cover payroll costs, overhead, travel and profit. How we estimate
What our assumptions are based on
| Item | Sourced figure | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parts | $2,555 – $3,550 | Budget Heating listed prices for 3-ton split systems with a condenser and air handler, not a condenser and coil. Two models listed: $2,555 and $3,550 (the second, a wall-mount apartment type, also on sale at $2,630). | Budget Heating |
| Labor hours | 4 – 8 | 4 to 8 hours for a typical AC replacement (Today's Homeowner). Bob Vila says about 3 to 5 days for a full system replacement. | Today's Homeowner |
What other publishers report
| Publisher | Low | High | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| This Old House | $4,000 | $8,000 | Central AC installed, excluding ductwork. Page dated June 2026. |
| Today's Homeowner | $5,000 | $14,000 | Central AC installed. Page dated March 2025. |
| Bob Vila | $3,900 | $7,900 | Central AC installed. Page dated April 2024. |
Having this problem?
This job often needs a permit. Check with your local building department before work starts.
Estimated cost by state
| State | HVAC Technician median wage | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $23.26 | $3,750 | $8,850 |
| Alaska | $37.23 | $3,850 | $9,350 |
| Arizona | $28.56 | $3,800 | $9,050 |
| Arkansas | $23.13 | $3,750 | $8,850 |
| California | $34.88 | $3,850 | $9,250 |
| Colorado | $31.35 | $3,800 | $9,150 |
| Connecticut | $36.83 | $3,850 | $9,350 |
| Delaware | $29.96 | $3,800 | $9,100 |
| District of Columbia | $40.57 | $3,900 | $9,450 |
| Florida | $27.24 | $3,750 | $9,000 |
| Georgia | $27.11 | $3,750 | $9,000 |
| Hawaii | $31.47 | $3,800 | $9,150 |
| Idaho | $27.04 | $3,750 | $8,950 |
| Illinois | $37.21 | $3,850 | $9,350 |
| Indiana | $29.05 | $3,800 | $9,050 |
| Iowa | $29.17 | $3,800 | $9,050 |
| Kansas | $29.07 | $3,800 | $9,050 |
| Kentucky | $28.18 | $3,800 | $9,000 |
| Louisiana | $28.20 | $3,800 | $9,000 |
| Maine | $30.37 | $3,800 | $9,100 |
| Maryland | $33.67 | $3,850 | $9,200 |
| Massachusetts | $37.16 | $3,850 | $9,350 |
| Michigan | $29.26 | $3,800 | $9,050 |
| Minnesota | $36.71 | $3,850 | $9,300 |
| Mississippi | $23.41 | $3,750 | $8,850 |
| Missouri | $28.82 | $3,800 | $9,050 |
| Montana | $29.26 | $3,800 | $9,050 |
| Nebraska | $28.77 | $3,800 | $9,050 |
| Nevada | $29.09 | $3,800 | $9,050 |
| New Hampshire | $35.51 | $3,850 | $9,300 |
| New Jersey | $35.79 | $3,850 | $9,300 |
| New Mexico | $24.17 | $3,750 | $8,850 |
| New York | $35.78 | $3,850 | $9,300 |
| North Carolina | $27.53 | $3,800 | $9,000 |
| North Dakota | $35.81 | $3,850 | $9,300 |
| Ohio | $30.06 | $3,800 | $9,100 |
| Oklahoma | $27.67 | $3,800 | $9,000 |
| Oregon | $30.26 | $3,800 | $9,100 |
| Pennsylvania | $30.00 | $3,800 | $9,100 |
| Rhode Island | $32.39 | $3,800 | $9,150 |
| South Carolina | $27.22 | $3,750 | $9,000 |
| South Dakota | $29.51 | $3,800 | $9,050 |
| Tennessee | $26.68 | $3,750 | $8,950 |
| Texas | $27.77 | $3,800 | $9,000 |
| Utah | $28.24 | $3,800 | $9,000 |
| Vermont | $29.88 | $3,800 | $9,100 |
| Virginia | $28.72 | $3,800 | $9,050 |
| Washington | $36.38 | $3,850 | $9,300 |
| West Virginia | $23.49 | $3,750 | $8,850 |
| Wisconsin | $29.67 | $3,800 | $9,050 |
| Wyoming | $26.30 | $3,750 | $8,950 |
Common questions
How much does AC replacement cost?
An AC replacement costs about $3,800 to $9,050 in the U.S. That covers a central AC outdoor unit and matching coil on existing ductwork. The range reflects parts, job difficulty and local labor rates.
Which states cost the most for AC replacement?
Labor is the part that changes by state. See the table on this page for each state's estimate.
How long does AC replacement take?
Today's Homeowner says you can expect a typical AC replacement to take between four and eight hours, including removing the old unit and installing the new one. Source
Can I replace a central AC myself?
Not the refrigerant work. EPA regulations require technicians who maintain, service or repair equipment that could release refrigerants to be certified. We recommend hiring a certified HVAC technician, and asking your local building department whether you need a permit. Source
Can I claim AC replacement on my taxes?
The IRS page says you can claim the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, which listed central air conditioners, for improvements made through December 31, 2025, and it gives no later date. This is general information, not tax advice, so ask a tax professional about your situation. You can also check for state or utility programs. Source
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.