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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. The single biggest cost factor most homeowners miss is not the unit itself -- it is the ductwork. A common scenario: a homeowner in Montgomery County calls for a simple AC replacement, and once the plenum is opened up, 25-year-old ductwork turns out crushed, disconnected, and uninsulated. A $4,500 AC replacement becomes a $9,200 project because the existing ducts cannot deliver air efficiently to half the house. Before pricing a new AC, have someone look at your ducts. Use our AC...