How much does it cost to replace central air with existing ductwork?

Author: Hannah Stamm  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Average Costs for Installing an HVAC System with Ductwork 2-ton HVAC system: $8,000-$12,000, depending on the brand. 3-ton HVAC system: $9,500-$13,500, depending on the brand. 4-ton HVAC system: $11,500-$15,500, depending on the brand.

How much does it cost to install central AC with existing ductwork?

Central air costs about $5,000 to $12,000 on average.

Do you need to replace ductwork when replacing AC?

Yes, installing a new air conditioning system usually requires ductwork installation to distribute the cool air throughout your home efficiently. Hope this helps!

Can you use existing ductwork for central air?

The vast majority of the time, adding a heating unit to an existing system or ductwork isn't an issue at all. If any problems come up, your HVAC company can likely add any ducts needed if they do custom ductwork.

How much does it cost to put AC in a 2000 sq ft house?

However, figuring out estimated AC prices for a 2,000-square-foot home can be tricky. On average, a new AC unit for a house will cost around $5,000, but prices can vary quite a bit. Costs for air conditioning in a home that is 2,000 square feet can range from as little as $2,000 to as much as $15,000.

DIY Central Air Install for $3300 (Including Tools!)

How much is labor to install an AC unit?

HVAC Pro Cost

Most people pay $500 to $2,500 in labor for AC replacement.

How much does it cost to upgrade ductwork?

You can potentially upgrade to a small system for less than $2,000, but larger and more complex duct upgrades can cost more than $8,000–$10,000. According to data from the ENERGY STAR program, a ductwork system with air leakage issues can reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner and heating system by up to 20%.

How long does it take to install central air with existing ductwork?

An existing ductwork can save you a lot of money and time. Be it metal or synthetic, the duct provides a basic framework to install central air. According to our team of professionals, a house that is sized 2000 square feet may take up to two to three days for fully functioning Central air.

Is replacing ductwork messy?

The Mess Is Minimal

If you don't have ducts, the spots that will see the most change are the closets and the attic, where we'll be running the ductwork. We'll have to cut a few holes in your ceiling to install vents and returns, but that's a very minor thing to do to drywall.

Should 30 year old ductwork be replaced?

How long should ductwork last? You should replace your ductwork every 15 years because the materials deteriorate over time, impacting HVAC performance and indoor air quality.

How often should ductwork be cleaned?

Air ducts, like any other HVAC system, require regular cleaning to ensure maximum efficiency. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends air duct cleaning every three to five years.

Does replacing ductwork increase home value?

Yes, installing a new HVAC system can increase your home value by 5% to 7% with a return on investment (ROI) of about 30%. This projected increase is especially true if you replace your current setup with an energy-efficient system, providing additional benefits to future buyers in the long run.

What time of year is the cheapest to replace HVAC?

Better pricing: Since there's less demand for HVAC system replacement in spring and fall, your HVAC contractor might even offer their own savings incentives.

Does homeowners insurance cover HVAC?

Homeowners insurance covers HVAC systems when the damage is a result of a covered disaster or peril, including high winds, fallen trees, theft, hail or even a fire. So if lightning strikes your unit and damages its electrical components, your homeowners insurance policy would probably cover it.

Can you replace AC ductwork yourself?

Ductwork: Choose Your Installer Wisely

It is possible to install HVAC ductwork yourself, but it will require research and willingness to pay attention to detail. Be sure to educate yourself on the intricacies of the work so that you can be sure that you do not inhibit the airflow.

What is the $5000 rule for AC?

The $5,000 rule is a rule of thumb in the HVAC industry to help homeowners decide whether HVAC repair or HVAC replacement makes more sense in the long run. The $5,000 rule: Multiply the age of your equipment by the estimated repair cost. If the number is more than $5,000, then you should consider replacing your unit.

How much does it cost to add central air with existing ductwork?

Average Costs for Installing an HVAC System with Ductwork

2-ton HVAC system: $8,000-$12,000, depending on the brand. 3-ton HVAC system: $9,500-$13,500, depending on the brand. 4-ton HVAC system: $11,500-$15,500, depending on the brand.

Can you use existing ducts for air conditioning?

Homes with HVAC systems can use their existing ductwork when it's time to replace their heating or cooling systems. In general, newer homes built or refurbished within the last 20 years have a higher chance of using the current ductwork for a new HVAC system.

How do I know if my ductwork needs to be replaced?

10 Tell-Tale Signs Your Home Needs New Air Ducts
  1. Old Age. Just like any other equipment, the ductwork system also gets old. ...
  2. Strange Noises. ...
  3. Increased Utility Bills. ...
  4. Poor Air Quality. ...
  5. Hot and Cold Spots. ...
  6. Dirty Ducts. ...
  7. Poor Performance of a New HVAC Unit. ...
  8. Punctures and Dents.

How to estimate ductwork cost?

The cost calculation is based on covering an average area of around 100 square feet, with ductwork materials priced at approximately $10.00 per square foot. The labor cost is an estimation of around 20 hours of work at $35.00 per hour, a rate that varies by region and contractor expertise.

How much is a HVAC system for a 2000 sq ft house?

How much does a new HVAC system cost for a 2,000 sq. ft. home? The costs range from $6,224 to $11,434, depending on the system type and installation requirements. Key factors include system size, type, efficiency, and local labor rates.

How much should a 3.5 ton AC unit cost installed?

3.5 Tons (42,000 BTUs): Suitable for homes ranging from 2,100 to 2,400 square feet. Installation cost ranges from $3,800 to $5,500. 4 Tons (48,000 BTUs): Suitable for homes ranging from 2,400 to 2,700 square feet. Installation cost ranges from $4,000 to $6,000.

What seer rating do I need?

For most homeowners: Hot Climates (Texas): A 17-18 SEER unit with a variable-speed compressor provides a great balance of comfort, efficiency, and cost. Milder Climates: A 14-16 SEER unit is often sufficient.

Will a bigger AC unit cool my house better?

However, the truth is an oversized system will not do a better job of cooling the house or provide any extra comfort over a properly sized unit. Air conditioner size is calculated in BTU (British Thermal Units) and tons, and measures how much heat the system can remove from the home in one hour.

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