AC Replacement Austin

What AC replacement costs in Austin

Cost guides give you published price ranges for AC and HVAC replacement, including Austin-specific figures where sources have them. Each figure has its source and date, and your price comes from a visit and a load calculation that works out your home’s cooling and heating needs.

Updated October 2026

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Two new outdoor AC condensers on a concrete pad beside a limestone and stucco home

AC replacement cost in Austin

Angi’s Austin page (updated August 2026) reports an average of $5,966 for AC replacement in Austin and a published normal range of $4,135 to $7,811. Angi’s Austin HVAC page (updated April 2026) reports an average of $7,358 for HVAC replacement in Austin and says most homeowners spend within its published range of $4,905 to $12,263. Angi’s Austin HVAC page (updated April 2026) also gives a published range of $12,000 to $25,000 for a complete replacement with new ductwork in Austin.

National ranges by system

The table lists each cost guide’s published national range by system type, with the source and page date in each row. The guides measure different things, so compare each range with the scope written beside it.

SystemPublished rangeSource and dateWhat it covers
Central AC$5,000–$8,300HomeGuide, July 2025Standard-efficiency unit installed, 2,000 sq ft home, no ductwork
Central AC$5,000–$12,000 (average $6,000)Fixr, January 20263-ton central AC, materials and labor
Central AC$1,400–$12,500 (average $5,978)Angi, July 2026AC replacement
Outdoor unit only$1,200–$4,200HomeGuide, August 2025Condenser out of warranty
Outdoor unit only$1,300–$6,100 (average $2,900)Angi, July 2026Condenser replacement
AC and furnace$5,000–$11,000HomeGuide, August 2025New furnace and AC
Heat pump$4,237–$7,942 for most (average $6,088)Angi, August 2026Heat pump installed
Heat pump$5,000–$15,000 (average $8,350)Fixr, January 2026Heat pump installation
Gas furnace$2,800–$7,500 (average $4,800)Fixr, January 2026Furnace replacement, materials and labor
Mini-split$2,000–$5,000 (average $3,000)Angi, April 2026Professional installation
Ductwork$1,400–$5,600HomeGuide, December 2025Duct replacement by home size
Evaporator coil$550–$2,250 (average $1,350)Angi, July 2026Coil replacement
Air handler$1,500–$3,400HomeGuide, October 2025Unit plus replacement labor

HomeGuide’s AC range (July 2025) covers installed cost for a 2,000-square-foot home. That range leaves out ductwork. Fixr’s central air page (August 2025) gives an average of $8,750 for a 3-ton system with new ductwork in a 2,000-square-foot home and a low end of $3,750 for a 3-ton change-out on existing ducts.

Cost by system size

Cooling size is measured in tons, and one ton equals 12,000 Btu per hour. The table shows HomeGuide’s installed prices by tonnage (July 2025).

System sizeCooling capacityInstalled price
2 tons24,000 Btu/h$5,000–$6,800
3 tons36,000 Btu/h$5,800–$7,800
4 tons48,000 Btu/h$6,500–$8,800
5 tons60,000 Btu/h$7,000–$9,500+

What moves the price

Six things move a replacement quote most:

  • Size comes from a load calculation, which sets the tonnage, and larger systems cost more.
  • Efficiency affects the upfront cost because equipment with a higher SEER2 cooling-efficiency rating costs more.
  • Replacing the indoor coil, air handler, or furnace along with the outdoor unit adds to the price and keeps the system matched.
  • Rheem’s R-454B instructions recommend replacing an old refrigerant line set, which adds labor and copper.
  • Angi’s Austin page (April 2026) puts duct installation at $6,000 to $12,000 for a typical 2,000-square-foot home.
  • Equipment in a tight attic takes longer to work on than equipment in a hall closet.

Rebates that lower the cost

Austin Energy’s rebate page, reviewed February 2026, lists published ranges of $600 to $800 for a qualifying central AC and $650 to $950 for a qualifying heat pump for its electric customers through a participating contractor. The IRS says the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit isn’t allowed for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Texas Gas Service’s rebate program has expired. Our rebates guide covers who qualifies and the larger Home Energy Savings rebates.

How we price a replacement

We price a replacement after we’ve seen the house, including the equipment, ducts, attic, and electrical. We run a Manual J load calculation to set the system size. You’ll get a written quote, usually with more than one option, and each option shows a matched outdoor and indoor pair, its SEER2 cooling-efficiency rating, and its price. We don’t give a firm price over the phone because we don’t know the size or scope yet.

Comparing quotes

Check five things when you compare quotes:

  • The AHRI reference number for each option. AHRI assigns each certified indoor and outdoor pairing its own number, and Austin Energy asks for the AHRI certificate with a rebate.
  • Whether the quote includes the indoor coil, air handler, or furnace, or only the outdoor unit.
  • Whether the refrigerant lines will be replaced or reused.
  • Whether the quote includes the city permit and a load calculation.
  • The contractor’s state license, which you can look up through the TDLR license search.

Sources