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Free AC installation cost calculator for central air systems. Estimate equipment, labor, ductwork, and permits using typical contractor pricing bands adjusted for SEER efficiency, home size, and regional labor.
Last updated: April 19, 2026
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Used to estimate cooling tonnage (rule of thumb ~1 ton per 400–600 sq ft).
Est. install time
1 day
Cooling savings vs 10 SEER
$465/yr
Illustrative incentives (check utility & federal programs)
Up to $350
Notes
Typical scope
Matched system
Replacing both sides often preserves efficiency ratings and warranty coverage.
Efficiency
Lower operating cost
Higher upfront cost with potential utility and tax incentives.
Performance
Airflow & leakage
Poor ducts can mask high SEER equipment on paper—fix distribution first when needed.
Rough-in
Line set & electrical
New builds may differ from replacement bands; confirm with your builder.
Markets
Cost multipliers
Coastal and high-cost metros often run higher than national averages.
Note
Compare tools
For heat pumps or furnace combos, use our furnace and AC replacement calculator.
2,000 sq ft • 16 SEER • minor ductwork • moderate complexity • South:
Equipment
$5,381
Labor
$1,937
Ductwork
$1,283
Total
$8,777
The calculator estimates equipment cost from home size (tonnage proxy) and SEER tier, then applies multipliers for installation complexity and regional labor. Ductwork bands add common repair or replacement ranges. Labor is modeled as a fraction of equipment cost similar to typical HVAC contractor quotes.
Tonnage proxy ≈ home sq ft ÷ 500Equipment ≈ (base + tonnage factor) × SEER tier × complexity × regionTotal ≈ equipment + labor + ductwork + permitsUse results for budgeting and comparing SEER tiers—not as a substitute for Manual J sizing or a written bid.
Condenser, line set, evaporator coil, and duct connections
Replacing heating and cooling together? Use our furnace and AC replacement calculator or mini split sizing calculator.
Get a custom calculator for your platformTotal illustrative estimate: $8,777
Illustrative cooling savings vs 10 SEER: $465/yr • Incentives up to $350 (check programs)
Lower equipment cost, higher operating cost
Often lower installed total than 18–20 SEER
Select “full” ductwork in the calculator
Can add thousands beyond equipment swap
Share it with homeowners comparing central AC installation quotes
Suggested hashtags: #HVAC #AirConditioning #CentralAC #HomeImprovement #Calculator