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Air Conditioner Replacement Cost Calculator

Price a central AC replacement by tonnage, SEER2 efficiency and whether the old system comes out.

Model reviewed August 2026

Select a state to re-price the estimate with local labor and material costs.

Estimated installed cost

$7,836 – $11,131

Equipment, labor, removal and permit

Equipment and labor
$8,280
Cost per ton
$2,760
Removal and disposal
$450
Permit
$175

Estimates only. Local pricing, site conditions and code requirements change the real number.

Price this job in your state

This page uses the national average. Pick your state for the same tool re-priced with local labor, material and permit-fee indexes.

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The formula

Cost = tons x cost per ton x efficiency multiplier + removal + permit

Installed pricing scales with tonnage, but efficiency drives more of the spread than size does. A 16 SEER2 variable-speed system routinely costs 50–70% more than a builder-grade 14 SEER2 unit of the same capacity.

Worked example

A 3-ton 15 SEER2 replacement with old-equipment removal runs roughly $7,600 to $10,800 installed in most markets.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace a 3-ton AC unit?

Most 3-ton central AC replacements land between $6,500 and $11,500 installed in 2026, depending on efficiency tier and whether ductwork or the air handler is replaced at the same time.

Do I need a permit to replace an air conditioner?

Almost always yes. Mechanical permits for like-for-like equipment swaps are usually $75 to $300 and are pulled by the licensed contractor.

Is a higher SEER2 worth it?

In hot climates with long cooling seasons, stepping from 14 to 16–17 SEER2 usually pays back in 6 to 10 years. In mild climates it often does not.

Sources

Sources & verification

Model vintage August 2026. The links above are the issuing agencies' own pages — we publish them so you can confirm the current rule yourself, not as evidence that each fact on this page was re-checked with them today. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing, not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.