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How Much Does Central AC Installation Cost in 2026? (Full Pricing Guide)

How Much Does Central AC Installation Cost in 2026? Central AC installation costs $3,500 to $7,600 for a replacement unit in 2026, with the national average at approximately $5,750 for a 3-ton system in a 2,000 sq ft home. New installations in homes without existing ductwork run $10,500-$15,000+. A full HVAC system (AC + furnace) replacement averages $11,600-$14,100. Higher SEER ratings increase upfront cost but reduce monthly energy bills. I have been involved in HVAC installations on construction projects for over a decade, and the single biggest cost factor most homeowners miss is not the unit itself -- it is the ductwork. Last summer, a homeowner in Montgomery County called for a simple AC replacement. When we opened up the plenum, the 25-year-old ductwork was crushed, disconnected, and uninsulated. The $4,500 AC replacement became a $9,200 project because the existing ducts could not deliver air efficiently to half the house....