A new AC system cost in Texas runs from about $7,950 to $10,995 for a complete installed system in 2026, based on Texas Choice Heating And Air’s published pricing for 2 to 5 ton systems. That price covers the outdoor condenser, the indoor evaporator coil, a matching furnace or air handler, and standard installation labor. Homes that need new ductwork, electrical upgrades, or code-required changes land above that range. This guide breaks down what drives the number, what each system size costs, and how to pay less without cutting corners.
Last updated: October 2026. Prices reflect Texas Choice Heating And Air’s standard installation pricing for the Dallas-Fort Worth area and are subject to an on-site inspection.
New AC System Cost by Size (2026 Texas Pricing)
System size is measured in tons. One ton of cooling removes 12,000 BTU of heat per hour. Most DFW homes between 1,200 and 2,800 square feet need a 2.5 to 4 ton system, but the right size depends on insulation, window area, ceiling height, and duct design, not square footage alone. Here is Texas Choice Heating And Air’s current pricing for a complete system (condenser, coil, and furnace or air handler):
| System size | Typical home size* | Complete system installed |
|---|---|---|
| 2 ton | 900 to 1,300 sq ft | $7,950 |
| 2.5 ton | 1,300 to 1,600 sq ft | $8,250 |
| 3 ton | 1,600 to 1,900 sq ft | $9,850 |
| 3.5 ton | 1,900 to 2,200 sq ft | $9,950 |
| 4 ton | 2,200 to 2,600 sq ft | $10,495 |
| 5 ton | 2,600 to 3,200 sq ft | $10,995 |
*Approximate ranges for typical DFW construction. A load calculation confirms the correct size. See the full HVAC pricing list or get an instant system quote online.
What Is Included in a New AC System Cost?
A fair quote lists everything in the price. Texas Choice Heating And Air’s standard installation includes:
- Outdoor condensing unit (the AC itself)
- Indoor evaporator coil matched to the condenser
- Gas furnace or electric air handler
- New refrigerant line set flush or replacement where required
- Thermostat connection and system start-up
- Removal and haul-away of the old equipment
- Permit and inspection where the city requires it
- Industry-leading 10-year installation warranty, plus the manufacturer’s parts warranty
If a quote from any contractor is far below the range above, ask what was left out. Common omissions are the coil, the permit, the disposal, and the labor warranty.
6 Factors That Change the New AC System Cost
1. Efficiency rating (SEER2)
Since 2023, new systems are rated by SEER2. The minimum for Texas and the rest of the southern region is 14.3 SEER2 for most split systems. Stepping up to 16 to 18 SEER2 adds $1,000 to $3,000 but cuts cooling bills by roughly 15 to 25 percent, which matters when the AC runs six months a year.
2. System type
A standard single-stage AC with a gas furnace is the baseline. Two-stage and variable-speed systems cost more and run quieter with tighter humidity control. A heat pump replaces both AC and furnace with one outdoor unit and is a strong option for all-electric homes in North Texas.
3. Ductwork condition
Leaky, undersized, or crushed ducts waste a large share of the air you pay to cool. If the inspection finds duct problems, air duct sealing or ductwork replacement is quoted separately. Skipping it means the new system never performs at its rated efficiency.
4. Electrical and code upgrades
Older homes may need a new disconnect, breaker, or whip. Current code also requires a float switch on the drain pan and, in attics, a secondary drain line. These items add a few hundred dollars but prevent water damage and failed inspections.
5. Equipment location and access
Attic installations in Texas are common and take longer than closet or garage installs, especially in summer heat. Tight attic access, a crane lift for rooftop units, or a long line-set run all add labor.
6. Brand and warranty tier
Entry-level and premium brands using the same compressor family can differ by $1,500 or more. Extended labor warranties and maintenance plans also affect the final number. Texas Choice backs every install with a 10-year installation warranty and a 2-year repair warranty on service work.
Repair or Replace: When Does a New AC System Make Sense?
Use the 5,000 rule as a starting point: multiply the repair quote by the system’s age in years. If the result is above 5,000, replacement is usually the better investment. A $1,200 compressor repair on a 6-year-old unit (7,200) points to replacement, while a $225 capacitor on a 9-year-old unit (2,025) is worth repairing.
Other signs it is time for a new AC system:
- The system is 12 to 15 years old or older
- It uses R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer produced and is expensive to recharge
- Repairs in the last two years total more than $1,500
- Rooms never reach the thermostat setting on 100-degree days
- Summer electric bills have climbed with no change in usage
Before you decide, a repair diagnostic costs $89 at Texas Choice and is waived if you proceed with the repair.
How to Lower Your New AC System Cost in Texas
Financing
Spreading the cost over 36 to 120 months turns a $9,850 system into a monthly payment that is often lower than the energy savings plus the avoided repair bills. Texas Choice offers financing for new AC systems through established lenders with fast approval.
Utility rebates
Oncor and other Texas utilities periodically offer rebates for high-efficiency equipment installed by participating contractors. Rebate programs change each year, so ask during the quote which ones are open.
Federal tax credits
The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) covered up to $600 for qualifying central AC and up to $2,000 for heat pumps, but it ended for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025. Check the IRS 25C page and your tax professional for the current status before counting on a credit.
Replace in the off-season
Spring and fall installs are easier to schedule and sometimes carry promotional pricing. Waiting for a July failure means a rushed decision with fewer options.
Right-size, do not over-size
A bigger system is not better. Oversized units short-cycle, leave humidity in the air, and wear out faster. A proper load calculation often lets you buy a smaller, cheaper system than the one you are replacing, especially if attic insulation has been added since the original install.
What to Expect on Installation Day
A standard changeout takes one day. The crew arrives in the morning, recovers the old refrigerant, removes the old condenser, coil, and furnace, sets the new equipment, connects the line set, drain, gas, and electrical, pressure-tests and vacuums the refrigerant lines, charges the system, and runs it through a full cycle. You get a walkthrough of the thermostat and the maintenance schedule before the crew leaves. Texas Choice Heating And Air’s installers are weekly-trained crews, and every installation is performed under Texas license TACLB00063725E, which you can verify with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Protect the Investment
A new system should last 15 years or more in Texas if it is maintained. Annual tune-ups keep the manufacturer’s warranty valid and catch small problems early. Texas Choice’s seasonal tune-up is $89, and the maintenance agreement is $99 for the first year and includes 15% off any repair. The ENERGY STAR maintenance checklist is a good reference for what a tune-up should cover.
New AC System Cost: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new AC system cost in Texas?
A complete installed system from Texas Choice Heating And Air costs $7,950 for a 2 ton system up to $10,995 for a 5 ton system in 2026. The price includes the condenser, coil, furnace or air handler, labor, haul-away, and a 10-year installation warranty.
How much does it cost to replace just the outdoor AC unit?
Replacing only the condenser is possible if the indoor coil is compatible and in good condition, but mismatched equipment voids most manufacturer warranties and loses efficiency. For systems over 10 years old, a full system replacement is almost always the better value.
What size AC do I need for a 2,000 square foot house in Texas?
Most 2,000 square foot DFW homes use a 3.5 or 4 ton system, but the exact size depends on insulation, windows, and ductwork. A load calculation during the quote confirms it.
Can I finance a new AC system?
Yes. Texas Choice offers financing with fast approval, and many homeowners find the monthly payment is offset by lower electric bills and the end of repair costs.
How long does a new AC system last in Texas?
With annual maintenance, 15 to 20 years. Without it, heavy Texas cooling loads can shorten that to 10 to 12 years.
Is a heat pump cheaper than an AC and furnace?
Equipment cost is similar. A heat pump replaces the furnace, so homes without gas service or with high gas bills often save money overall. In DFW’s mild winters, a heat pump handles heating efficiently most of the season.
Get a Transparent New AC System Quote in Arlington and DFW
Texas Choice Heating And Air has installed air conditioning systems across Arlington, Pantego, Fort Worth, Rockwall, and the rest of Dallas-Fort Worth since 2005. Every quote is itemized, every installation carries a 10-year warranty, and financing is available. Get an instant system quote online in under 30 seconds, call (469) 213-7527, or request a free in-home estimate.