Replacing a central air conditioner is a one-day job for most homes. This guide covers what it costs, the signs your unit is done, and how efficiency choices and rebates affect the price.
AC replacement swaps the outdoor condenser and the indoor evaporator coil for a new matched pair, with a new or flushed refrigerant line set, a filter drier, electrical, and a weighed refrigerant charge. If your system uses R-22 refrigerant (pre-2011), replacing the whole system is almost always better value than a major repair.
If the furnace or air handler is also old, replacing both together keeps the coil and blower matched to the new condenser for its rated efficiency.
Central AC units last about 15 years. Past 12–15, replacement moves up the list, especially for R-22 systems.
A repair over half the price of a new unit, or repeated failures in a short time.
R-22 is phased out and expensive. A leak or compressor failure on an R-22 system usually means replacement.
Cooling costs creeping up despite maintenance points to lost efficiency.
The house feels clammy, rooms never cool evenly, or the system runs constantly.
Replacing on your schedule — not in a heat wave — means better pricing and equipment choice.
Installed ranges for a typical single-family home. Tailor it with the AC Replacement Cost Calculator.
| Scenario | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Standard-efficiency central AC | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| High-efficiency central AC | $7,000 – $11,000 |
| AC + matched evaporator coil | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| AC + coil + line set (R-22 conversion) | $7,000 – $12,000 |
| Full system (AC + furnace) | $8,000 – $16,000 |
| Ductless mini-split (replacing window units) | $4,000 – $12,000 |
The rules of thumb contractors use:
Weigh these together, not one at a time. The Repair or Replace calculator combines age, repair cost, replacement cost, and energy use into a 10-year projection.
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A standard-efficiency central AC replacement runs about $5,000–$8,000 installed; high-efficiency runs $7,000–$11,000. Replacing the matched coil or converting an R-22 line set adds to that. Estimate yours with the AC Replacement Cost Calculator.
Central air conditioners last about 15 years with regular maintenance — less in hot climates where they run nine-plus months a year. Past 12–15 years, replacement is worth considering.
Not always, but if the furnace or air handler is also 12+ years old, replacing both keeps the coil and blower matched to the new AC so it delivers its rated efficiency, and it usually costs less than two separate jobs.
Usually not for a sealed-system repair. R-22 is phased out and costs several hundred dollars per pound. A leak or compressor failure on an R-22 system is a strong signal to replace.
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