What is the average cost to replace a central AC unit?
Key Facts
- The national average cost to replace a central AC unit is $5,750, according to HVAC.com.
- AC replacements for 2,000–2,500 sq ft homes average $13,430, including furnace or heat pump.
- Upgrading from 14 to 18 SEER efficiency adds 15–30% to the upfront cost of a new system.
- Ductwork repairs or replacements can add $1,000 to $5,000—often overlooked until too late.
- Premium brands like Carrier, Lennox, and Trane push AC replacement costs to $10,000–$14,000.
- Labor alone accounts for $1,500–$3,000, depending on system complexity and regional rates.
- In high-cost urban areas, large home AC replacements can exceed $20,000.
The Real Cost of Replacing Your Central AC Unit
The Real Cost of Replacing Your Central AC Unit
Replacing a central AC unit isn’t just about cooling—it’s a major home investment. With average costs ranging from $4,200 to $14,100, understanding the true price is critical. The national average total cost sits at $5,750, but your final bill depends on size, brand, efficiency, and hidden upgrades.
Key cost drivers include:
- System size: 2-ton units (800–1,200 sq ft) cost $3,800–$6,500; 5-ton units (2,500+ sq ft) range from $5,800 to $10,500
- Brand tier: Economy brands ($5,000–$6,000), mid-grade ($5,500–$7,000), premium (Carrier, Lennox, Trane: $10,000–$14,000)
- SEER efficiency: Upgrading from 14 to 18 SEER adds 15–30% to the cost
- Labor: $1,500–$3,000, depending on complexity
- Ductwork: $1,000–$5,000 if repairs or replacement are needed
Note: Modernize.com reports higher averages—$11,590–$14,100—likely due to inclusion of combined HVAC systems (AC + furnace), not AC alone.
A homeowner in a 2,000–2,500 sq ft home may face a total replacement cost of $13,430, including furnace or heat pump. In high-cost urban areas, costs can exceed $20,000 for large homes, while low-labor regions may start at $5,000.
Despite these high-value opportunities, 62% of small business calls go unanswered, and 85% of callers never return—especially after-hours. This creates a critical revenue leak for HVAC contractors.
This is where Answrr’s AI receptionist turns inquiry calls into booked jobs—24/7.
- Semantic memory remembers past callers, personalizing each interaction
- Triple calendar integration (Cal.com, Calendly, GoHighLevel) enables instant booking
- 24/7 lead capture ensures no high-intent inquiry is missed
A single missed call could mean losing a $10,000+ job. With Answrr, every call becomes a booked appointment—without delay, without error.
Answrr’s AI doesn’t just answer calls—it converts them into revenue, even when you’re asleep.
Next: How smart lead capture systems turn cold calls into confirmed jobs—without hiring more staff.
Why HVAC Businesses Miss High-Value Leads
Why HVAC Businesses Miss High-Value Leads
Every unanswered call is a lost opportunity—especially in HVAC, where replacement projects average $5,750 to $14,100. With 62% of small business calls going unanswered and 85% of callers never returning, contractors are silently hemorrhaging revenue. A single missed inquiry can mean losing a $10,000+ job—especially when homeowners are actively researching replacements.
- 62% of small business calls go unanswered
- 85% of callers never return after reaching voicemail
- HVAC replacements average $5,750–$14,100 (HVAC.com, Modernize.com)
- Premium brands like Carrier or Lennox can push costs above $10,000
- Ductwork repairs add $1,000–$5,000—often overlooked until too late
The financial toll is real: A homeowner calling at 8 p.m. on a Friday night isn’t just browsing—they’re likely frustrated, researching options, and ready to act. If your phone rings and no one answers, they’ll turn to the next contractor who does pick up.
Consider this: A homeowner in a 2,500 sq ft home needs a new 5-ton unit with a high-efficiency (18 SEER) system. The total cost? $10,500–$14,000, including ductwork and labor. That’s a high-value lead—but only if you capture it.
According to Fourth’s industry research, businesses that miss after-hours calls lose up to 40% of potential conversions. For HVAC, where seasonal demand spikes and urgency drives decisions, that’s a critical gap.
Answrr’s AI receptionist turns this weakness into strength—capturing every inquiry, 24/7, with no missed calls.
How AI Catches the Leads You’re Losing
When a homeowner calls at 9 p.m. on a Saturday, your phone rings—silent. But Answrr’s AI answers instantly, using semantic memory to recall past interactions and personalize the conversation. It doesn’t just take a message. It qualifies the lead in real time.
- Ask qualifying questions: “Is your AC over 12 years old?” or “Are you replacing due to frequent repairs?”
- Use semantic memory to remember prior callers and tailor responses
- Instantly book appointments via triple calendar integration (Cal.com, Calendly, GoHighLevel)
- Answer cost questions using RAG-powered knowledge base (e.g., “How much does a 16 SEER unit cost?”)
This isn’t automation—it’s intelligent engagement. A caller gets a human-like experience, with real-time scheduling, no delays, and no drop-offs.
For example: A homeowner in a high-cost area calls after a system failure. The AI asks: “Is your home over 2,000 sq ft?” and “Are you replacing due to age or repair frequency?” Based on the answers, it identifies a high-intent, high-value lead and books a technician within minutes—before the caller switches to a competitor.
The result? Turn inquiry calls into booked jobs—without missing a single lead.
The Bottom Line: 24/7 Capture, Instant Booking, Real Revenue
With HVAC projects averaging over $11,000 and 85% of callers never returning after a missed call, the cost of inaction is clear. Answrr’s AI receptionist isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
- Capture every call, anytime, anywhere
- Qualify leads with precision using real-time questions
- Book appointments instantly—no follow-up needed
- Leverage semantic memory to build trust and loyalty
Turn every inquiry into a booked job.
Because in HVAC, the next high-value lead is just one unanswered call away.
How AI Can Turn Every Call Into a Booked Appointment
How AI Can Turn Every Call Into a Booked Appointment
Every inquiry call is a high-value opportunity—especially in HVAC, where replacement projects average $5,750 to $14,100. Yet, 62% of small business calls go unanswered, and 85% of callers never return. That’s not just missed revenue—it’s a systemic leak in your lead pipeline.
Enter Answrr’s AI receptionist, engineered to capture, qualify, and book HVAC leads 24/7—no matter the time, day, or caller intent.
- Capture every call, even after hours
- Qualify leads in real time using semantic memory
- Book appointments instantly via triple calendar integration
- Personalize conversations with past caller history
- Eliminate “I’ll call you back” delays
A homeowner in Phoenix calls at 9 p.m. after a system failure. They’re frustrated, unsure of their unit size or SEER needs. Answrr’s AI answers instantly, remembers their previous inquiry (from a website chat), and asks, “Are you replacing due to age or frequent repairs?” Based on their response, it qualifies the lead as high-intent and offers a same-day appointment—booked in under 90 seconds.
This isn’t hypothetical. Answrr’s platform has demonstrated a 99% call answer rate—a direct result of 24/7 AI availability. When leads are captured instantly, conversion rates spike. According to Fourth’s industry research, businesses using AI for lead capture see a 30% increase in booked appointments.
The AI doesn’t just answer—it understands. Using semantic memory, it recalls past interactions, home size, and even ductwork concerns. If a caller mentions “my system’s been breaking down all summer,” the AI can respond with, “Based on your home size (2,200 sq ft), we recommend a 3.5-ton unit with a 18 SEER rating for optimal efficiency.”
This level of personalization builds trust—and trust drives bookings.
With triple calendar integration (Cal.com, Calendly, GoHighLevel), the AI doesn’t just take a message. It books the appointment live, syncing with your team’s schedule in real time. No follow-up emails. No lost leads.
And because HVAC decisions are often influenced by SEER ratings, ductwork, and brand tier, Answrr’s RAG-powered knowledge base can instantly reference cost drivers—like how upgrading to 18 SEER adds 15–30% to upfront cost—so the AI can educate callers on the value of their choices.
This is more than automation. It’s intelligent lead conversion—turning every inquiry into a booked job, every call into a customer.
Next: How to use AI to qualify high-value HVAC leads before they hang up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it actually cost to replace a central AC unit in a typical 2,000-square-foot home?
Is a 16 SEER or 18 SEER AC unit worth the extra cost?
Why do so many HVAC leads go unanswered, and what happens if I miss a call?
What’s the biggest hidden cost when replacing an AC unit?
Can I really book an AC replacement appointment right after calling, even at night?
How does an AI receptionist know what to say during a call about AC costs and upgrades?
Turn Every Call Into a Booked Job—24/7
Replacing a central AC unit is a significant investment, with costs typically ranging from $4,200 to $14,100—averaging $5,750—driven by system size, brand, efficiency, labor, and ductwork needs. In larger homes or high-cost areas, total expenses can exceed $20,000, especially when including furnace or heat pump upgrades. Yet, despite these high-value opportunities, HVAC contractors face a critical challenge: 62% of small business calls go unanswered, and 85% of callers never return—especially after-hours. This creates a costly revenue leak, where a single missed call could mean losing a $10,000+ job. That’s where Answrr’s AI receptionist steps in. With semantic memory to personalize interactions and triple calendar integration (Cal.com, Calendly, GoHighLevel), it captures every high-intent inquiry, qualifies leads instantly, and books appointments—24/7, without error. No more missed opportunities. Every call becomes a booked job, ensuring your business captures the full value of every service request. Don’t let a quiet phone line cost you your next big job. Turn every inquiry into a booked appointment—start with Answrr today.