New AC and ductwork cost typically ranges from $8,000 to $30,000, with many standard projects landing near $15,500. The home’s size, air-conditioner capacity, duct layout, regional labor rates, and removal of old equipment drive the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New central AC and ducts | $8,000 | $15,500 | $30,000 | Installed, typical single-family home |
| AC equipment and installation | $5,000 | $9,000 | $18,000 | About 2-5 tons; equipment tier affects price |
| Duct installation or replacement | $3,000 | $6,500 | $12,000 | Varies with access and duct length |
| Combined installed rate | $5-$8 | $8-$13 | $14-$20 | Approximate per conditioned square foot |
What a New AC and Ductwork Installation Usually Costs
A complete project for a 1,500- to 2,500-square-foot home often totals $10,000-$22,000. A lower-priced job may use a basic 2- to 3-ton, single-stage system and straightforward attic or basement duct runs. A high-cost project may require a 4- to 5-ton system, extensive duct replacement, difficult access, or higher-efficiency equipment.
For a typical home with standard access, budgeting about $12,000-$19,000 is a practical starting point. Quotes should state the AC size, efficiency rating, duct scope, controls, removal, and warranty. A price per square foot is only a rough comparison because insulation, climate, ceiling height, and duct design affect required capacity.
Assumptions: U.S. national pricing, standard residential equipment, ordinary access, and no major electrical or structural work.
How Equipment, Duct Materials, and Labor Shape the Quote
Ask contractors to separate the main charges. Ductwork prices depend on whether the project involves accessible flex duct, sheet metal, or insulated trunk lines, as well as how many supply and return branches are needed.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | Common scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC equipment and controls | $3,500 | $6,500 | $12,000 | Condenser, indoor coil, thermostat |
| Duct materials | $1,500 | $3,500 | $7,000 | Flex or sheet-metal runs and plenums |
| Installation labor | $2,000 | $4,000 | $7,000 | Set equipment, connect and seal ducts |
| Removal, disposal, permits | $300 | $900 | $2,000 | Old unit haul-away and local fees |
| Electrical or condensate changes | $300 | $1,000 | $3,000 | Only when existing connections need work |
Labor is often the largest variable after equipment and duct materials. Installation labor commonly works out to $75-$150 per worker-hour, although most homeowners receive a fixed project quote rather than an hourly bill.
How Tonnage, Duct Length, and Access Change the Price
Capacity should be based on a load calculation, not a rule of thumb alone. A 2-ton system may suit a smaller, well-insulated home, while a larger or hotter-climate house may need 3-5 tons. Moving up a capacity class can add roughly $1,000-$3,000, and an incorrectly oversized unit can cycle inefficiently and leave humidity problems.
Duct scope can change the budget just as sharply. Replacing 800-1,200 square feet of accessible ductwork may cost about $3,000-$7,000; runs hidden behind finished ceilings or in a tight crawlspace can add $1,500-$5,000. Adding returns, correcting undersized trunks, or sealing a long run over 25 feet may also require extra labor and materials.
Capacity, measured airflow, and access conditions should be documented before comparing bids. A quote that specifies only tonnage may overlook duct sizing, static pressure, or room-by-room airflow adjustments.
Which Scope Choices Can Lower the Installed Price?
Keeping sound, correctly sized ducts can reduce a full-project bill by several thousand dollars. Request an inspection and leakage assessment before agreeing to replacement; damaged sections can sometimes be repaired or sealed for $300-$1,500, while a complete duct replacement is more appropriate when insulation is failing, ducts are contaminated, or the layout is fundamentally inadequate.
Limit the job to needed work, not optional upgrades that do not solve a measured problem. Compare standard and higher-efficiency equipment using the installed-price difference and expected utility savings. Also check whether the quote includes a new thermostat, condensate line, electrical disconnect, and haul-away so a low bid does not lead to add-on charges.
How Long AC and Duct Crews Need on Site
A straightforward AC changeout may take one workday with a two- or three-person crew. New ductwork commonly adds one to three days, so a full system and duct installation often takes two to four days. A multi-story home, restricted attic, or extensive register changes can stretch work to a week.
Scheduling can affect the fee. Emergency or peak-heat service may carry a $200-$800 premium, while planned installation during a contractor’s slower period can make scheduling easier. Confirm the crew size, expected workdays, and whether the home will be without cooling overnight.
Three Home Scenarios That Show Installed Price Differences
A 1,200-square-foot home with accessible existing ducts and a 2-ton basic AC might pay $8,000-$12,000. A representative quote could include $6,500 for equipment and AC labor, $1,800 for duct repairs, and $700 for removal and permits.
A 1,800-square-foot, two-story home needing a 3-ton system and 900 square feet of new flex duct may total $13,000-$20,000. For example, 28 crew-hours at a blended $110 per hour equals $3,080 in labor, with equipment, duct materials, and disposal bringing the project near $16,000.
A 2,600-square-foot home with difficult attic access, a 5-ton higher-efficiency system, and sheet-metal trunk upgrades may reach $22,000-$30,000. These examples illustrate how house size and duct scope affect totals; they are not bids for a specific address.
Why AC and Duct Prices Differ Across U.S. Regions
Labor markets and cooling demand create regional variation. A comparable installation in a high-cost coastal metro can run about 10%-25% above a national middle-range estimate. Rural markets may be 5%-15% lower when access is easy, but travel charges or limited contractor availability can erase that difference.
Hot, humid regions often need longer cooling seasons and may favor equipment or humidity controls that raise upfront cost. Local permit fees, code requirements, and electrical upgrades also vary. Compare at least two itemized local quotes with the same capacity, efficiency, and duct scope. A price difference is meaningful only when each contractor is pricing the same work.