AC Replacement Quote Calculator
Get a ballpark installed cost with line items and see energy savings, payback, NPV, and IRR based on SEER upgrade.
Sizing & Efficiency
Quote line items & finance
Quote
Estimated size
3 tons
Installed cost (typical)
$12,091
Range (low–high)
$10,882 – $13,905
Energy
Old usage (kWh/yr)
4,320
New usage (kWh/yr)
2,700
Annual savings
$421
Economics
Payback year
—
NPV
$-9,566
IRR
-14.98%
Narrative & cash flow
Cumulative cash flow
See how savings stack up against your upfront investment over time.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Equipment (condenser + coil) | $6,600 |
| Labor (install) | $2,700 |
| Pad & misc materials | $450 |
| Electrical allowance | $300 |
| Permit fees | $250 |
| Thermostat upgrade | $200 |
| Ductwork allowance | $800 |
| Contingency | $791 |
| Installed cost (typical) | $12,091 |
source: calestimator.com/ac-replacement-calculator
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Receive a printable breakdown (PDF) to revisit your calculations later.
How to use the AC Replacement Calculator
Gather a ballpark budget by entering the tonnage, preferred efficiency rating, and any ductwork or installation extras you expect to tackle alongside the equipment swap.
- Confirm the size of your existing system or the load calculation recommended by your HVAC contractor.
- Enter the SEER rating you are considering and add-on services such as permits, thermostat upgrades, or air quality equipment.
- Tweak the labor quality or contingency slider to reflect the contractor tier you are evaluating.
- Compare the estimated range to quotes you receive so you can negotiate with confidence.
AC Replacement Calculator key terms
Knowing how each field influences the results keeps the math grounded in reality.
System tonnage
Cooling capacity measured in tons. Upsizing or downsizing directly changes equipment cost and installation complexity.
SEER rating
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Higher SEER numbers cost more up front but reduce monthly utility bills.
Scope extras
Line item costs for duct repairs, electrical work, condensate pumps, or permit fees that stack onto the base installation.
AC Replacement Calculator planning ideas
Try running a few “what if” scenarios to translate the numbers into real-world decisions.
Stay within a starter budget
Model the lowest-tonnage, builder-grade unit with minimal extras to understand the absolute floor price before incentives.
Balance comfort and efficiency
Compare mid-tier and high-efficiency equipment to see when energy savings justify the higher capital expense.
Bundle whole-home upgrades
Add duct sealing, smart thermostats, or air purification to estimate the true project cost rather than pricing them piecemeal later.
Frequently asked questions
Why do AC replacement quotes vary so widely?
Differences in equipment brands, warranty coverage, ductwork condition, and labor rates can swing bids by thousands of dollars. Use the calculator ranges to sanity-check outliers.
Always verify whether a quote includes permits, haul-away fees, refrigerant disposal, and startup testing so you are comparing equal scopes.
How often should I revisit my AC budget?
Pricing for HVAC equipment and labor shifts seasonally. Re-run the calculator whenever you collect new quotes, negotiate rebates, or change the efficiency level you want.