Installing a new central air conditioner is a one- to two-day job whose price depends mostly on system size, efficiency, and the condition of your ductwork and electrical. Here's how it works and what to weigh.
A central AC installation replaces or adds the outdoor condenser and the indoor evaporator coil, connects them with a refrigerant line set, wires the electrical, sets the thermostat, and charges the system by weight. A good contractor performs a Manual J load calculation to size the system rather than matching the old one.
If you are replacing a working furnace or air handler at the same time, doing both together usually costs less than two separate visits and keeps the system matched for efficiency.
About one ton per 500–600 sq ft, adjusted for climate. Oversized units short-cycle and leave humidity behind.
Higher-rated equipment costs more up front and uses less electricity. The payoff depends on your climate and rates.
Existing ducts in good shape add nothing. Sealing, resizing, or new ducts can add $1,500–$8,000.
A new disconnect and circuit is minor; an older panel that needs upgrading adds $1,500–$3,000.
Replacing the refrigerant lines is best practice on an older system, especially when switching refrigerant types.
A permit, inspection, and a proper startup with a weighed charge should be included — ask.
Installed ranges for a typical single-family home. Tailor it with the AC Replacement Cost Calculator.
| Scenario | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Central AC replacement, standard efficiency | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Central AC replacement, high efficiency | $7,000 – $11,000 |
| Central AC + evaporator coil | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| New AC with new ductwork | $9,000 – $16,000 |
| Ductless mini-split, single zone | $3,500 – $6,500 |
| Ductless mini-split, multi-zone | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Panel upgrade (if needed) | +$1,500 – $3,000 |
A straightforward AC replacement takes about a day; adding ductwork or a mini-split with several zones takes longer. A typical job includes:
A quote well below the others usually skips something — a permit, a load calculation, a new line set, or startup commissioning. Ask what's included.
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A central AC replacement typically runs $5,000 to $11,000 installed, depending on system size and efficiency. Adding ductwork pushes it to $9,000–$16,000, and a single-zone ductless system starts around $3,500. Estimate yours with the AC Replacement Cost Calculator.
A like-for-like central AC replacement is usually done in one day. A full system with new ductwork or a multi-zone mini-split can take two or more days.
As a rule of thumb, about one ton of cooling per 500–600 square feet, adjusted for climate, insulation, and sun exposure. A contractor should confirm with a Manual J calculation. Sanity-check with the AC Sizing Calculator.
If the furnace is also 12+ years old, replacing both together usually costs less than two separate jobs and keeps the coil and blower matched to the new AC for rated efficiency.
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