Your air conditioning unit is your best friend this summer. You can typically expect to spend an average of $5,960 on AC replacement costs.
That said, the cost can range from $1,500 to $12,368, with the bulk of homeowners paying between $5,021 and $8,439, or $8 to $12 per square foot, with your final cost depending on the type, brand, and size, as well as labor costs, and any ductwork modifications.
In this new AC unit cost guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about new AC unit cost factors.
Cost by Type of AC Unit
4 popular types of AC units compared visually — plus a portable and a ductless model
The price of a new AC unit will vary depending upon the type and size that is perfect for your home. That’s because a window or portable AC is a heck of a lot cheaper than a central air conditioner, because its smaller and less complex.
- Portable AC unit: These stand-alone units] can be rolled around your home.
- Window AC unit: Another type of air conditioner that’s parked in a window and cools the room inside.
- Central AC: The most common type of AC, central units cool off the whole house via a series of ducts.
- Ductless split system: These air conditioners consist of an outdoor and an indoor unit, and they don’t need massive ductwork.
- Geothermal: Geothermal AC units take advantage of the temperature of the ground for house cooling.
Size of the Air Conditioner
For the kids room you need to know how big is the air conditioner.
Not surprisingly, more powerful AC systems cost more to start. But it’s also crucial not to select a too-small unit, as you’ll run the risk of adding more air purifiers down the road.
Conversely, an oversized air conditioner “can be expensive to purchase and operate and may not adequately control humidity or distribute air properly.
AC tonnage refers to the amount of heat an AC unit can remove from a home in one hour. A one-ton system can remove 12,000 British thermal units (BTUs), for example, while a three-ton system will remove 36,000 BTUs. The bigger your house, the more cooling power you’re going to need. The general rule is to have 1 ton of cooling for every 500 or 600 square feet.
There are a host of other variables to consider in determining what size air conditioner is right for your home. For instance, a basement is naturally cooler than rooms on the first or second floor. High ceilings rooms mean higher air conditioning or ceiling fans are needed in order to blow more air around.
HVAC Pro Cost
When it comes to something as important as new AC installation, you want that job to be done right, of course. Ask a pro for a quote for your system; you can find an experienced local AC installation expert here and avoid potential injuries or issues. Labor is typically $500 to $2,500 for air conditioner replacement costs.
Additional Pros to Consider Hiring
Most jobs are completed by the HVAC company before, during, and after the job, but here are those rare instances when a bit of extra help may be in order:
- Plumber: There would be drain lines in central AC systems to remove condensation from the air handler. The cost of installing a new AC system typically includes adding a drain line. But if it isn’t, be prepared for a plumber costs to be anywhere from $180 – $500.
- Electrician: Central AC units need to be wired to their own circuit and get the standard 240 volt hookup. Most AC units also require between 15 and 60 amps of power, depending on size. Should your dwelling not have the necessary circuit, a local electrician will need to install one. New ones can go from $100 to $150.
How Much Does AC Replacement By Location?
Cost of the AC Unit itself – The AC unit price varies depending on location, as labor rates are more expensive where there is a high cost of living or demand. Local building codes and even the regional climate can also be factors in the final price.
Aside from the major costs factors mentioned above, there are a few other things that you’ll need to include when calculating costs for your new AC unit.
Energy Efficiency
Also consider the SEER rating. This ratio is the AC unit’s total cooling output (in BTU) during a typical cooling-season, divided by the total electric energy input during the same period. The larger this index is, the better. All units are also over 13 SEER and some can work up to 27 SEER.
The primary benefits of upgrading the SEER rating is a reduction in both cooling time and energy expenses, but at the same time accompanied by a cost increase for the new unit, and the installation. Units with the highest SEER ratings are typically three to four times more expensive than the lowest efficiency units.
If you have a shorter hot weather season, you may not get enough use from an added expense. But if you’re going to have to replace a busted air conditioning unit with a new one anyway, this might be something to bear in mind to help cover your energy bills.
Number of Zones
A few of these are larger, multi-story homes that have several AC units to cool the entire house. That section of your home that your AC system can cool off is a “zone.” If you have to cool more than one zone, you can anticipate needing to calculate for the installation cost for more than one unit.
You’ll spend between $1,700 and $2,000 for a two-zone system (the simplest, least expensive kind), with each additional HVAC zone running you an extra $350 to $500.
Ductwork Modification
If you’re installing a new central AC system and you don’t have existing ductwork, you’ll need to pay to have them installed, too. The cost of installing new ductwork is between $3,000 and $7,500 for 300 linear feet. The total price is even higher for large homes that require more new ductwork throughout.
Existing ductsIf you have existing ducts, you may need to repair them in advance of installing a new AC unit. This may involve repairing leaks, replacing sections of piping, increasing air flow and other possible solutions.
Removal of Existing AC System
From most companies consider taking out your old AC system and disposing of it when they install a new system. But if you have to have it removed as an individual job, expect to pay between $25 and $200 depending on the size of your system and how easily accessible it is.
Permits and Potential Fees
In most areas, it’s necessary that your air conditioning system is installed by a licensed professional so it’s safe to use. Before you sign on the dotted line, you want to ensure that your HVAC pro is licensed and committed to upholding local and federal regulations, so you don’t risk any fees for shoddy installation.
Warranties
Many makes of central AC come with a five- to 10-year warranty on parts and equipment. But you can easily buy an extended warranty to cover the unit for more time. Such plans may cost consumers $100 to $500, depending upon the length and type of coverage. Keep in mind that if you’re moving into a new home, HVAC warranties don’t automatically transfer to new owners.
AC Replacement Cost Final Thoughts
A new AC is a major purchase, but the truth is, in the end the question you need to ask is can you justify the cost of fixing your old AC compared to purchasing a new AC. A replacement AC system adds value to your home and keeps your living space cool for many summers to come.
