How much does a new AC unit cost?

How much a new AC unit costs in 2026 ranges from 3,000 to 9,000 dollars installed including outdoor condenser, indoor evaporator coil, labor, refrigerant, and permit, depending on brand, size, and efficiency, with national average around 5,000 dollars for 3-ton 16 SEER two-stage model most popular. Cost breakdown by efficiency: entry level single stage 14 to 14.3 SEER2 minimum efficiency required by DOE in 2025, 3-ton size common for 1,500 to 2,000 sq ft, like Goodman GSX14, Amana ASX14, Rheem RA14, and York LX YCD costs 3,000 to 5,500 dollars installed, including outdoor unit at 1,200 to 2,000 dollars, indoor coil at 400 to 600 dollars, line set, R-410A or new R-454B refrigerant charge of 6 to 12 pounds, and labor of 1,000 to 1,800 dollars for crew of 2 for 4 to 8 hours, plus permit at 100 to 300 dollars. Mid-range average two-stage 16 to 17 SEER2 3-ton like Trane XR16, Carrier Performance 17, Lennox EL16XC1, Goodman GSXC16, and York YCD 16 SEER costs 4,500 to 7,500 dollars installed, offering two-stage compressor that runs low most time for better humidity control at 45 to 50 percent and quieter operation at 70 decibels. Premium variable speed 18 to 26 SEER2 3-ton like Trane XV20i 22 SEER, Carrier Infinity 21, Lennox XC25 26 SEER, and York YXV 20 SEER costs 6,500 to 11,000 dollars installed, with inverter variable speed that adjusts from 25 to 100 percent for ultimate comfort and quietest operation at 55 to 62 decibels. Prices vary by region: California and Northeast 15 to 20 percent higher.