Central AC replacement cost (2026): published ranges compared
Replacing a central air conditioner usually means a new outdoor condenser and a matching indoor coil. Here are published figures.
| Source | What it measures | Published figure |
|---|---|---|
| HVACFIND Price Index | AC replacement, 1,500 to 2,500 sq ft home | $4,650 (low) · $7,000 (typical) · $10,450 (high) |
| Angi | New AC unit installed | $3,900 to $8,000 on average |
| Modernize | Central AC system plus labor | $6,465 to $11,877 |
| Bryant (manufacturer) | Central AC including installation | $3,000 to $15,000 |
What moves the price
- Size (tonnage) and efficiency (SEER2)
- Whether the indoor coil, line set and pad are replaced
- Electrical work, permits, and access (attic, roof, crawlspace)
- Replacing the furnace at the same time. HVACFIND lists AC plus furnace at $8,550 · $11,650 · $15,850.
About these numbers: the figures above are published estimates from the third-party sources linked, as shown on their sites when we checked in October 2026. They are not HVAC Quote Check data, and different sources measure different things (equipment only vs. installed, existing ducts vs. new, national vs. marketplace quotes). Your price depends on your home, region and scope.
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