How much does a new AC unit cost?

A new central AC unit costs $3,500–$8,000 installed in 2026, including equipment and labor. The price depends on home size, efficiency rating (SEER), brand tier, and your region. High-efficiency units (20+ SEER) run $6,000–$10,000+ but deliver significant long-term energy savings.

What is the average HVAC replacement cost in 2026?

The average HVAC replacement cost in 2026 is $5,000–$12,000 for a complete central AC and furnace system in a typical 1,500–2,500 sq ft home. A central AC-only replacement runs $3,500–$8,000. Heat pumps average $4,500–$12,000. Geothermal systems run $15,000–$35,000 but offer the lowest operating costs.

What is the cost of central air installation?

Central air installation costs $3,500–$8,000 for a standard replacement in an existing home with ductwork. New construction or homes without existing ductwork add $2,000–$6,000 for ductwork installation. Labor typically represents 40–50% of the total project cost.

Is a heat pump cheaper than central air?

Heat pumps cost $4,500–$12,000 installed, compared to $3,500–$8,000 for central AC alone. However, a heat pump replaces both your AC and furnace, so the comparison should be against a full HVAC system ($6,000–$15,000). In mild climates, heat pumps are generally more cost-effective and energy-efficient than separate AC and furnace units.

How long does an HVAC system last?

Central air conditioners and heat pumps typically last 15–20 years. Furnaces last 20–30 years. Mini-split systems last 15–20 years. Geothermal systems last 25–50 years for the ground loop. Regular maintenance can extend system life by 3–5 years.

HVAC Replacement Cost Estimator 2026 | New AC Unit Cost Calculator

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💡 SEER Tip: Upgrading from 14 SEER to 20 SEER can reduce cooling costs by up to 30%. In hot climates where you run AC 6+ months a year, the payback period is often 5–8 years — then you're saving money every year after.

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Based on 2026 market pricing. Actual quotes may vary ±15–20%.

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Frequently Asked Questions

HVAC Replacement Cost FAQ

A new central AC unit costs $3,500–$8,000 installed in 2026 for a typical home. This includes equipment (the condenser, air handler, and refrigerant lines) plus labor and permits. For a 2,000 sq ft home with mid-range equipment, expect $5,000–$6,500. High-efficiency systems (20+ SEER) run $6,500–$10,000 but deliver 25–35% lower cooling bills.

The average total HVAC replacement cost in 2026 (central AC + furnace) is $8,000–$12,000 for a 1,500–2,500 sq ft home with standard efficiency equipment. Central AC-only replacement averages $4,500–$6,500. Heat pumps average $6,000–$9,500. Geothermal systems are the most expensive upfront ($15,000–$35,000) but have the lowest operating costs and can last 25+ years.

A heat pump costs $4,500–$12,000 installed — more than central AC alone ($3,500–$8,000) but less than a separate AC + furnace combo ($6,000–$15,000). The key advantage: a heat pump handles both heating and cooling. In mild climates (Southeast, Mountain West), heat pumps are usually the most cost-effective choice. In very cold climates (Midwest, Northeast), you may still need a backup gas furnace for extreme temps, which adds cost.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures how efficiently your AC converts electricity into cooling. Higher SEER = lower electricity bills. The federal minimum as of 2023 is 14–15 SEER depending on region. Mid-range units are 16–18 SEER; high-efficiency units reach 20–26 SEER. Going from 14 to 20 SEER can cut your cooling costs by up to 30%. In hotter regions where you run AC 5+ months a year, the payback on a high-efficiency upgrade is typically 6–9 years.

Ductwork replacement costs $2,000–$6,000 for a typical home, depending on home size, accessibility, and how much needs to be replaced. Partial duct repairs run $500–$2,000. Installing new ductwork in a home without it runs $3,000–$8,000+. Leaky ducts can waste 20–30% of your conditioned air — resealing or replacing ducts often improves system efficiency more than upgrading the equipment.

The industry rule of thumb: if your system is over 10 years old and repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost, replace it. At 15+ years, systems lose efficiency rapidly and R-22 refrigerant (used in older units) is now very expensive. At 20+ years, reliability drops sharply. Also factor in: systems over 15 SEER2 are now required in many states — an old system can't be made compliant; it must be replaced.