AC Replacement Cost in District of Columbia
$3,900 – $9,450We estimate AC replacement in District of Columbia at $3,900 to $9,450 for a central AC outdoor unit and matching coil on existing ductwork. The national estimate is $3,800 to $9,050. District of Columbia HVAC technician pay is 38% above the national median, ranking 1 of 51.
| 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 | $101 | $183 |
| Estimated total | $3,900 | $9,450 |
Our estimate, not a quote. Billed rate is the District of Columbia median wage from BLS (2025, $40.57 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. |
Cities in District of Columbia
| Metro area | Median wage | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $34.58 | $3,850 | $9,250 |
Who can legally do this in District of Columbia
The DC Board of Industrial Trades licenses refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics. DC is a single jurisdiction, so this is a District-level license.
Check a license with SCOUT, DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
Compared with neighboring states
Other HVAC technician jobs in District of Columbia
AC Replacement cost in every state · District of Columbia home repair guide
Sources
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.