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Get up to $2000 tax credit on select AC systems! Call now to learn more.

The Cost To Replace Your Central Air Conditioner In Florida


May 05, 2016

In general, the cost of a new central AC ranges from $4,500 to $8,800 for an average-sized home in Florida. But it can cost much more or less than that.

The price depends on many different factors. The best way to get an exact price for your home, is to schedule a free in-home quote with us.

Until then, here are a few of the biggest factors that affect the cost of a central AC replacement.

Cost factor 1: Air conditioner size

The size of an air conditioner is measured in tons. Most homes in Florida need an AC from 3 to 5 tons. While bigger air conditioners provide more cooling, they’re also more expensive.

And when it comes to your AC’s size, bigger does not mean better. You’ll want an air conditioner that’s perfectly sized for your home. And that’s only something a professional can do for you.

Read more about AC sizing:

Cost factor 2: Energy efficiency (SEER)

Air conditioners’ energy efficiency is measured in SEER. Think of it as MPG for your car: the higher it is the more energy efficient it will be.

Higher SEER air conditioners are usually more expensive. But they’ll also cost less to run.

Cost factor 3: Single vs. variable-speed cooling

Your old air conditioner is likely just a single-speed, which means it’s either on or off. These types of air conditioners are called single-stage ACs. And you can still get this technology in low-end models.

But you can now get air conditioners that can adjust their speeds using variable-speed compressors. These compressors let them run at low speeds when you don’t need much cooling and still have a higher speed for really hot days.

Of course, these air conditioners are more expensive, but they also produce:

  • Lower energy bills
  • Better dehumidification
  • More even temperatures in your home

Learn more: The Difference Between Single-Stage and Variable-Speed ACs

Cost factor 4: Straight cool vs. heat pump

All air conditioners can cool your home. But some can also reverse their process in the winter to heat your home. These air conditioners are called heat pumps.

While more expensive to install initially, heat pumps are more energy efficient because they move heat instead of creating it like other forms of electric heat.

How is that possible? Find out in our article What is a Heat Pump?

Cost factor 5: The AC installer you hire

Different air conditioning companies may charge different amounts, even when installing the same air conditioner.

Why? Well one reason is that training installers properly is costly. So, some companies don’t do it and are able to charge less.

Others (like us at Cool Today) value doing great work and getting things right the first time. So, we spend a lot hiring, keeping and training great installers. And that comes at a cost, which makes us more expensive than some.

So, when looking for an AC installer, don’t make price your only determining factor. (After all, you often get what you pay for.) You should also look for a company that has:

  • Guarantees—They stand behind their work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a warranty on their AC installations
  • A long track record— A company that has been around for a long time is more likely to be there in the future if a problem comes up. And a guarantee is only as good as the company backing it.
  • Licenses and insurance—These are signs that the installer is in it for the long haul and not just to make a quick buck or two.

Get a free AC replacement quote in Florida

Live in our service area and need a price on a new AC? Get a free in-home quote from Cool Today.

Cool Today provides award-winning air conditioning service to Sarasota, Tampa Bay, Naples, Orlando and more.

Contact or Schedule a Repair Online!

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