Should you repair or replace your AC? Common AC repairs run about $150 to $650, while major fixes (compressor, evaporator coil, refrigerant leak) can reach $1,200 to $2,500. A full central-AC replacement typically runs $4,675 – $6,325 installed. The calculator below estimates replacement cost so you can weigh it against a repair quote.
💵 What Will a New HVAC System Cost?
Estimate the installed replacement cost of a new central AC, heat pump, gas furnace, full system, or mini-split in the US. Adjust for size, efficiency, add-ons (ductwork, removal, permits) and your region to get a realistic price range — before you call a contractor.
🛠️1. System Type
Pick the system you are replacing. "AC + Furnace" is a full split-system swap (both units at once).
📏2. System Size
Range: 1.5 – 5 Tons (cooling). A typical home is 2–3.5 tons.
⚡3. Efficiency Tier
Higher efficiency (SEER2 / AFUE) costs more up front but lowers running bills. Premium tiers are usually variable-speed / inverter.
📍4. Region
Labor rates vary a lot by metro. This scales the estimate to your area; pick National for a baseline.
➕Add-ons & extras (ductwork, removal, permits) — optional
Repair vs Replace — Rough Costs
| Scenario | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Minor repair (capacitor, contactor, fan motor) | $150 – $650 |
| Major repair (compressor, coil, leak) | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Full central AC replacement (3 ton) | $4,675 – $6,325 |
When to Repair vs Replace
A common rule: if the repair costs more than a third to half of a new system and the unit is 10+ years old, replacement is usually the smarter spend — a new system is more efficient, under warranty, and won’t need repeat fixes. Repair makes sense for a newer unit or a cheap, one-off fault. Use the calculator above to estimate replacement, then compare it to your repair quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old AC? Often not, if the repair is major (compressor or coil). At 10+ years, a fix over about a third of replacement cost usually favors a new, more efficient system that’s back under warranty.
How much do AC repairs usually cost? Minor repairs run about $150 to $650; major repairs like a compressor or coil can reach $1,200 to $2,500. Compare that to $4,675 to $6,325 for a full replacement.
What’s the repair-vs-replace rule of thumb? Multiply the unit’s age by the repair cost; if that exceeds roughly $5,000, or the repair is over half the price of a new system, replacement is usually the better value.
Worth diagnosing first — see our guide to common system faults and their causes.
Estimates vary by contractor. Compare free quotes from licensed local pros before you commit. Request a quote →
High-efficiency systems may qualify for utility rebates and federal or state incentives. Find current programs at ENERGY STAR & DSIRE.
Figures are reviewed by the Refcon HVAC engineering team using U.S. DOE, ENERGY STAR & ACCA Manual J data. Estimates only — confirm with a licensed pro.