Average AC Replacement Cost

The cost of an AC replacement can vary widely, as it depends on many factors. Sometimes, you just need to replace minor parts. While other times, you might need a total replacement of the unit. Use this guide to determine an estimate of how much it would cost you to replace your AC unit.

The Total Cost

For ductless split systems, the total replacement costs usually range between $2,500 to $4,500. And if you use heat pumps, the replacement cost would be more expensive due to the complexity of the system. Your AC replacement cost would then range between $5,000 to $6,000 for the whole unit.

Meanwhile, the central system may cost somewhere around $3,500 to $7,000. The wide range of prices exist simply because there are many variations of central AC units. Out of all the contributing factors, the level of efficiency, size, and brand are what affect the cost most significantly.
Here are more precise estimations:

● SEER 13-16
● Size 1.5 to 2.5 tons: $2,300 to $4,000
● Size 2.5 to 3.5 tons: $2,500 to $4,300
● Size 3.5 to 5 tons: $2,650 to $4,800

● SEER 17-20
● Size 1.5 to 2.5 tons: $3,500 to $4,800
● Size 2.5 to 3.5 tons: $3,750 to $5,000
● Size 3.5 to 5 tons: $4,000 to $6,500

● SEER 21-26
● Size 1.5 to 2.5 tons: $5,200 to $7,000
● Size 2.5 to 3.5 tons: $5,400 to $7,700
● Size 3.5 to 5 tons: $5,600 to $8,500

If your aim is to get the lowest prices, you need to browse amongst the affordable brands. Meanwhile, if you wish to buy an HVAC system from the premium tier, you can expect the price to be moderately to significantly higher.

The Breakdown Cost

If only one or a few parts fail in your system, then you might not need to replace the whole unit. Therefore, the cost would depend on what parts you need to replace. Here are the estimated prices of those items:

● Condensing unit cost: $700 – $4,000
● Indoor coil cost: $150 – $1,100
● Refrigerant line set cost: $110 – $400
● Labor cost: $1,100 – $2,400
● Condensing unit pad cost: $20 – $150
● Electrical cost: $300 – $650
● Permit and inspection cost: $100 – $250
● Thermostat cost: $40 – $600
● Ductwork: $3,000 – $4,500

If your AC is premium, yet your budget for the replacement is limited, you can opt for getting your parts from generic brands instead. Sometimes the parts are compatible. Although this might significantly lower your AC replacement cost, bear in mind that this decision may risk a decrease in performance, as well as a shorter lifespan.
With regular maintenance, your AC will be less prone to breakage. However, it is better not to force a repair if the damage is quite severe because it may lead to a more serious problem. In the end, that would just result in a much higher AC replacement cost than you originally expect to pay.

ECM Air Conditioning, with its headquarters located in Boynton Beach, FL, provides air conditioning services within Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If you’re having issues with your HVAC system, we’re on-call and ready to assist you with your air conditioning needs. So if you’re in need of an HVAC Contractor, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an air conditioning service call diagnostic! Our HVAC experts will diagnose any issues that may be occurring with your HVAC system and help to repair your AC issue on the spot.

Best of all, because ECM is the largest HVAC company in South Florida our local warehouse facility that is 69,000 SQFT houses over $1 million in inventory and fully stocks our 127 vehicles on the road, making us one of the very few AC service companies capable of repairing most issues right on the spot. That means no waiting and no downtime without air conditioning for you & your family in the blistering Florida heat!

Call us at 561-295-1763 or contact our HVAC team online.