Cost Guide · May 2026
AC Installation Cost in 2026:
What Homeowners Actually Pay
Central AC costs $4,000–$8,000 installed, according to Angi data published by This Old House. New installs with ductwork go higher. Here's what drives the price, and how to get an honest quote.
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AC Installation Cost at a Glance
A central air conditioner costs $4,000 to $8,000 installed, not counting ductwork, according to This Old House (Angi contractor estimates, updated June 12, 2026). That covers the most common scenario: replacing an existing outdoor condenser and indoor coil in a home that already has working ductwork.
A brand-new installation, where ductwork needs to be designed and run through the home, costs more. The same source puts a new duct system at about $1,000–$2,700 for a 1,000-square-foot home, on top of the equipment, with larger and more complex homes costing more. For homes without ducts, a ductless mini-split system is usually the more practical choice.
What Drives the Cost Up or Down
1. System Size (Tonnage)
AC systems are sized in tons of cooling capacity — 1 ton equals 12,000 BTU/hr. Most homes need 2–5 tons. A 2-ton unit costs less than a 4-ton, both in equipment and refrigerant. Proper sizing requires a Manual J load calculation — a contractor who quotes without measuring your home is guessing.
2. Efficiency Rating (SEER2)
SEER2 measures seasonal cooling efficiency. The federal minimum for new split-system equipment is 13.4 SEER2 in the northern region and 14.3 SEER2 in the southeastern and southwestern regions (for units under 45,000 BTU/h). High-efficiency units (18–26 SEER2) cost more upfront but reduce monthly energy bills; how fast the difference pays back depends on your climate and electricity rates, so ask each contractor to quote both tiers. Some utilities offer rebates on high-efficiency units. Our guide to SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 shows how to compare two ratings in kWh.
3. Ductwork Condition
Leaky, undersized, or short ducts add repair cost to the project. In homes without existing ductwork, a new duct system adds about $1,000–$2,700 for a 1,000-square-foot home, according to This Old House, and more in larger homes. At that point a ductless mini-split system often makes more economic sense.
4. Equipment Brand
Brand choice affects price, but not as dramatically as sizing or efficiency tier. Carrier, Trane, Lennox, and Rheem occupy similar price ranges at equivalent SEER2 ratings. The installer's labor quality and warranty support matter more than the brand nameplate.
5. Local Labor Rates
Labor varies significantly by region — installation in San Francisco or New York runs higher than in smaller Midwest or Southern markets. Permits (required in most jurisdictions) typically add a few hundred dollars, according to This Old House.
Cost by System Type
Installed cost, according to This Old House (Angi contractor estimates, updated June 12, 2026):
- Central air conditioner (excluding ductwork): $4,000–$8,000 (Angi via This Old House)
- New duct system, 1,000 sq ft home: about $1,000–$2,700 (This Old House)
- Ductless mini-split air conditioner: $1,500–$4,000 (Angi via This Old House)
- Ductless mini-split heat pump: $1,300–$8,000 (Angi via This Old House)
- Air-source heat pump (heating + cooling): $4,500–$8,000 (Angi via This Old House)
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Price is only half the decision: sizing, SEER2 efficiency and the new R-454B and R-32 refrigerants are covered in our AC installation guide. Any quote given without a site visit is an estimate, not a price. A proper AC installation quote should include:
- Equipment model number and SEER2 rating
- Labor — hours estimated and rate
- Permit fees
- Any ductwork modifications or repairs
- Refrigerant type and charge
- Warranty — manufacturer parts and contractor labor separately
Ask every contractor for an itemized written quote like this, and compare them line by line. You can submit a free quote request below; there is no obligation to hire.