What is the average cost of a new AC unit installed?
The average installed cost of a new central AC in 2026 is $4,500 to $9,500, and most homeowners pay around $6,500 for a mid-efficiency system replacing an existing one. That figure covers the condenser, the indoor coil, refrigerant, line work, electrical, permits, and labor. A bare-equipment-only price you see online (often $1,800 to $4,000) is not what you pay, because professional installation is roughly 40% to 60% of the total.
Prices swing by region and by contractor. Dense metro areas with high labor rates and strict permitting push jobs toward the top of the range, while a straight like-for-like swap in a low-cost area can come in near the bottom. Always get three written quotes; on the same house, bids commonly vary by $2,000 or more for the same equipment.
How does AC type change the price?
System type is the biggest single driver. A central split system (outdoor condenser plus indoor coil on existing ductwork) is the most common and runs $4,500 to $9,500 installed. A ductless mini-split runs $3,500 to $5,500 for a single zone and $8,000 to $20,000 for a multi-zone whole-home setup, which makes sense when you have no ducts. A heat pump, which both cools and heats, typically adds $1,500 to $4,000 over a comparable AC-only condenser.
Window and portable units are a different category entirely: $150 to $700 for a unit you install yourself, with no contractor needed. They make sense for one room, a rental, or a stopgap. See best portable air conditioner and best mini-split for options, and heat pump vs furnace if you are weighing heating too.
How much does tonnage add to the cost?
Tonnage is the cooling capacity of the system, where one ton equals 12,000 BTU per hour. Bigger homes need more tons, and each step up adds equipment and refrigerant cost. As a rough guide, a 2-ton system runs about $3,800 to $6,500 installed, a 3-ton about $4,800 to $8,000, and a 5-ton about $6,500 to $11,000.
Do not assume bigger is better. An oversized AC short-cycles, cools unevenly, and leaves humidity behind, which feels clammy even at the set temperature. A proper Manual J load calculation sizes the unit to your actual house. Run the BTU calculator for a fast ballpark, then have your contractor confirm with a full load calc before they order equipment.
Does a higher SEER2 rating cost more up front?
Yes. SEER2 measures efficiency, and higher numbers cost more to buy but less to run. As of 2023, the federal minimum is SEER2 13.4 in northern states and SEER2 14.3 in the South and Southwest. A baseline-efficiency system is cheapest up front; jumping to SEER2 16 to 17 typically adds $1,000 to $2,500, and premium SEER2 18-plus variable-speed systems can add $3,000 or more.
Whether the upgrade pays off depends on your climate and electricity rate. In a hot climate where the AC runs much of the year, a mid-tier SEER2 (around 16) usually returns the extra cost in lower bills within several seasons. In a mild climate with light cooling use, the cheapest compliant unit is often the smarter buy. Variable-speed premium systems also dehumidify better and run quieter, which is worth paying for if comfort matters more than raw payback.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a federal tax credit for a new AC in 2026?
No. The federal 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit expired for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025, so a heat pump or AC installed in 2026 does not qualify for that federal credit. Incentives in 2026 come from state rebate programs (such as HEEHRA and HOMES) and local utility programs instead. Check your current state and utility incentives before you buy, since amounts and eligibility change.
How much does it cost to replace just the outdoor AC unit?
Replacing only the outdoor condenser runs about $2,500 to $5,500 installed. In most cases, though, you should not replace the condenser alone, because pairing a new outdoor unit with an old indoor coil hurts efficiency and can void the manufacturer warranty. A proper replacement swaps the matched coil at the same time.
How long does a new AC unit last?
A well-installed and maintained central AC lasts about 12 to 17 years, and many units in mild climates run 20 years. Heat pumps tend to last a bit less because they run year-round for both heating and cooling. Annual maintenance, correct sizing, and changing the filter regularly all extend the lifespan.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace an old AC?
Repair is usually cheaper when the unit is under about 10 years old and the fix is minor. Replacement makes more sense once the system is 12-plus years old, uses discontinued R-22 refrigerant, or needs a repair costing more than about half the price of a new unit. A failing compressor on an older system almost always tips the math toward replacement.
Does a new AC raise my home value?
Yes, a new efficient AC can help, especially in hot climates where buyers expect reliable cooling. It rarely returns the full install cost as a dollar-for-dollar resale bump, but it removes a major objection and can speed up a sale. A modern, efficient system also lowers running costs while you live there.