How much does it cost to replace a central AC unit? (2026)
The middle of the range, about $6,750, is a fair starting point for a standard job; simple jobs land near the low end, complicated ones near the top.
What changes the price
- The size of the unit (tons or BTUs) and its efficiency rating.
- Changes to ductwork, the thermostat or the electrical supply.
- Brand and warranty length.
- Season: peak summer and winter weeks are busiest and dearest.
- Removal and disposal of the old unit and refrigerant.
How to get a fair price
- Get 2 or 3 written quotes for the same job, then compare them with the quote checker.
- Ask what is included: parts, permits, clean-up and warranty.
- Pay a deposit, not the full price, before the work starts.
- Check reviews, a real address and phone number, and a license where your state requires one. Look up a business.
AC replacement cost by state
| State | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $4,050 to $8,100 |
| Alaska | $4,580 to $9,150 |
| Arizona | $4,550 to $9,100 |
| Arkansas | $3,890 to $7,790 |
| California | $5,070 to $10,130 |
| Colorado | $4,560 to $9,130 |
| Connecticut | $4,670 to $9,330 |
| Delaware | $4,470 to $8,940 |
| District of Columbia | $4,990 to $9,970 |
| Florida | $4,660 to $9,320 |
| Georgia | $4,350 to $8,700 |
| Hawaii | $4,890 to $9,770 |
| Idaho | $4,110 to $8,230 |
| Illinois | $4,450 to $8,900 |
| Indiana | $4,150 to $8,300 |
| Iowa | $4,000 to $7,990 |
| Kansas | $4,050 to $8,100 |
| Kentucky | $4,070 to $8,150 |
| Louisiana | $3,970 to $7,950 |
| Maine | $4,370 to $8,740 |
| Maryland | $4,680 to $9,360 |
| Massachusetts | $4,870 to $9,740 |
| Michigan | $4,240 to $8,480 |
| Minnesota | $4,430 to $8,860 |
| Mississippi | $3,930 to $7,860 |
| Missouri | $4,130 to $8,260 |
| Montana | $4,060 to $8,120 |
| Nebraska | $4,070 to $8,140 |
| Nevada | $4,370 to $8,730 |
| New Hampshire | $4,740 to $9,480 |
| New Jersey | $4,900 to $9,800 |
| New Mexico | $4,070 to $8,140 |
| New York | $4,840 to $9,680 |
| North Carolina | $4,230 to $8,470 |
| North Dakota | $3,990 to $7,970 |
| Ohio | $4,130 to $8,260 |
| Oklahoma | $3,970 to $7,950 |
| Oregon | $4,710 to $9,420 |
| Pennsylvania | $4,390 to $8,780 |
| Rhode Island | $4,560 to $9,130 |
| South Carolina | $4,190 to $8,390 |
| South Dakota | $3,960 to $7,930 |
| Tennessee | $4,160 to $8,330 |
| Texas | $4,370 to $8,750 |
| Utah | $4,280 to $8,550 |
| Vermont | $4,350 to $8,690 |
| Virginia | $4,530 to $9,060 |
| Washington | $4,890 to $9,770 |
| West Virginia | $4,040 to $8,080 |
| Wisconsin | $4,190 to $8,380 |
| Wyoming | $4,090 to $8,170 |
Related cost guides
Questions
How much does it cost to replace a central AC unit?
In the US, expect about $4,500 to $9,000 for the job. Prices vary with the job, the home and how soon you need it.
What makes the price go up or down?
The size of the unit (tons or BTUs) and its efficiency rating. Changes to ductwork, the thermostat or the electrical supply. Brand and warranty length.
How can I save money?
Get 2 or 3 written quotes, ask what is included (parts, permits, clean-up, warranty), avoid emergency call-outs when the job can wait, and book in the quieter season.
Typical prices, not quotes. Sources: FixItReal cost guides (2026) and the LocalPross 2026 Home Repair Cost Index, adjusted with the BEA Regional Price Parities for your state. Updated November 2026.