2026 prices
How Much Does Central Air Installation Cost?
Updated 24 March 2026
Central AC system prices by tonnage and SEER rating. New install vs replacement costs.
| Type | Equipment | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-ton (1,000 sq ft) | $2,500-4,000 | $1,500-3,000 | $4,000-7,000 |
| 3-ton (1,500 sq ft) | $3,000-5,000 | $2,000-4,000 | $5,000-9,000 |
| 4-ton (2,000 sq ft) | $3,500-6,000 | $2,500-5,000 | $6,000-11,000 |
| 5-ton (2,500 sq ft) | $4,000-7,000 | $3,000-6,000 | $7,000-13,000 |
| High-efficiency 20+ SEER | add $1,000-3,000 | same | add $1,000-3,000 |
| New ductwork (if needed) | n/a | $2,000-6,000 | add $2,000-6,000 |
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Prices vary 30-50% between contractors.