The largest residential HVACs generally available are 5-ton units (ton here refers to cooling capacity, not the actual weight of the unit). If your house is so large that it would need six tons or more to effectively cool it, then you'll need to install two or more units.
Residential central air conditioners range in size from 1.5 to 5 tons (or 18,000 to 60,000 BTUs). There are many variables that must be taken into consideration when determining the correct size AC for a home.
4 tons: 2101-2400 sq. ft. 5 tons: 2401-3000 sq. ft.
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.
The square footage covered by a 3 ton AC unit depends on multiple variable but accounting for a quick estimate, roughly 1500-1800 square feet.
Homes measuring 1,000-1,500 square feet: You'll need a 2-ton unit, which corresponds to a cooling capacity of 24,000 BTUs per hour. Homes measuring 1,500-2,000 square feet: You'll require a 3-ton unit, equivalent to 36,000 BTUs per hour. Homes measuring 2,000-2,500 square feet: A 4-ton unit is necessary.
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.
An oversized conditioner will be overly efficient in that it will reach the desired room temperatures too fast, which results in shortened cooling cycles. The stop-start operation caused by these short cycles can put increased strain on the air conditioner, much like what happens when it is undersized.
HVAC Pro Cost
Most people pay $500 to $2,500 in labor for AC replacement.
Most times, we believe that a mini-split system is worth the cost. Not only can it be an affordable and versatile alternative to a traditional HVAC system, but they can also save money in the long run with how efficient they are.
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. Can you negotiate HVAC Installation costs with contractors?
The Basic Rule of Thumb: 1-Ton AC Coverage Area
The concept is simple; if you know the square footage of the area you want to cool, you can quickly estimate the AC unit size in tons. For example, if you have a 1,200-square-foot home, the rule suggests that a 2-ton AC unit would be adequate.
The national average cost to install a 5-ton AC unit is $7,000 to $12,000, with most homeowners spending around $10,000 on a 5-ton split system installation with a SEER rating of 16 and a new concrete pad.
In general you should consider upgrading to a higher SEER if you live in a very hot climate and/or if you have a large home. The best way to see how much a higher SEER unit can save you is by checking an online SEER calculator.
What products are eligible? Effective January 1, 2025, split system central air conditioners must meet SEER2 ≥ 17.0 and EER2 ≥12.0 to be eligible. Packaged central air conditioners must meet SEER2 ≥16.0 and EER2 ≥11.5 to be eligible.
According to the Kobie SEER Energy Savings Calculator, a 16 SEER unit uses about 13% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as a 14 SEER unit of the same size. That means that for every $100 you'd pay to run your 14 SEER unit, you could save $13 by upgrading to a 16 SEER unit.
Neither oversizing nor undersizing your AC unit is ideal. Both scenarios can lead to issues with efficiency, comfort, and longevity of the system.
The average cost of installing a new central air conditioner in 2024, including equipment and labor costs, is $5,750 for a 3-ton unit in a 2,000-square-foot home. On average, a new AC unit cost will fall between $3,300 and $7,800.
While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.
Goodman® is one of the biggest names in home cooling, heating and energy-efficient home comfort. That's because Goodman lives up to its name in a big way, with time-tested energy-efficient technology, highly durable materials and spot-on manufacturing.
The cost of a 4-ton AC unit typically ranges between $4,000 to $5,500. However, this price can vary depending on factors such as the brand, model, energy efficiency rating (SEER), and additional features like advanced filtration systems or smart thermostats.
As a general rule of thumb, a 3-ton AC unit is typically capable of cooling approximately 1,200 to 1,500 square feet. However, it is always recommended to consult with a professional HVAC technician to determine the appropriate size of the AC unit for your specific needs.