When cooling your home, you can pay as little as $200 for a small window AC unit or as much as $25,000 or more for a state-of-the-art, high-efficiency central air conditioning system. Replacing your old AC system can involve a lot more than just swapping out the old unit for a new one. Every home is unique, and every homeowner wants different levels of comfort, convenience, efficiency, and performance.

Working with a professional HVAC contractor is recommended to ensure you get the correct AC size and proper configuration and installation. Most HVAC contractors will also offer financing to make the installation of your new system more affordable.

What Determines the Cost of Replacing an AC?

The total cost for replacing an AC can be influenced by several factors like type of AC, size of the system, energy efficiency, ductwork modifications or additions, and electrical needs. Let's break it down.

The Type of AC System

Here’s how much you’ll spend depending on the type of AC system you choose:

  • Window units or portable ACs: These systems typically cost between $200 and $900. However, they can only cool the room they’re placed in and won’t cool the entire home.
  • Ductless mini-split systems: These range from $2,500 to $9,000 and can usually be installed in less than a day. They require refrigerant lines and electrical connections to operate. Mini-splits come as either heat pumps or straight AC units, with heat pumps generally being more expensive. 
  • Central air conditioning systems: A new central AC system may cost anywhere between $5,500 and $16,000. This is the average cost of a unit, but the actual amount you will pay will include labor costs and the cost of installing new ductwork if your home lacks one. Central AC systems also come in different configurations and applications, which will also impact the final cost.

Energy-Efficiency

Air conditioners are rated using a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) number. The higher the SEER level, the less energy the unit uses to cool your home. More efficient units often cost more upfront, but they can help you save on your energy bills over time. AC units typically range in SEER ratings from 14.3 SEER to 20+ SEER.

Size of the Unit

When it comes to ACs, size really matters. The goal is to find a unit that's just the right size for your home to ensure maximum comfort and efficiency.

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to sizing your AC system. A unit that's too small will run constantly and still struggle to cool your home, leading to higher energy bills and uneven temperatures. But going too big isn't the answer either. An oversized unit cools the space too quickly, shuts off, and then turns back on repeatedly. This frequent cycling wastes energy and wears out the system faster.

AC unit sizes are measured in British Thermal Units (BTU). Central AC systems typically range from 18,000 to 60,000 BTUs, while ductless mini-split systems range from 9,000 to 36,000 BTUs. The larger the home, the larger the system that will be required.

Ductwork

Your ductwork helps move air through your home. If your ducts are old, leaking, or too small, they could limit how well your new AC works. You may need to fix, seal, or even replace them to get the best results. If not, your new AC could waste energy and wear out sooner. Ductwork installation costs will vary depending on the scope of the work and the size of the home and AC system. If redoing the ductwork is too expensive, switching to a ductless system may be an option.

Electrical Costs

Not every AC replacement comes with extra electrical work. If your current system is very old, you might need electrical upgrades. This could include updating wiring, changing your thermostat, or replacing breakers in your panel. These upgrades will increase the overall replacement cost. For example, installing a new panel costs between $850 and $4,000. 

Talk to an Expert About Your Options

Since there are so many factors influencing the price of your AC replacement, it's best to schedule an appointment with a professional. At One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, we help you understand your options, find the right system for your home, and make sure it's installed the right way. We show up on time, we do the job right, and we back it with a satisfaction guarantee. To make your investment easier, we also offer flexible financing options to fit your budget.

Call us at (800) 893-3523 or book an appointment online. 

one hour replacing ac unit