Replacing a 5-ton air conditioner and a compatible furnace typically costs between $8,000 and $18,000 depending on equipment, installation complexity, and region; this page shows the cost breakdown and main drivers. The cost to replace a 5 ton AC unit and furnace is presented as low-average-high ranges with per-unit and per-hour assumptions to help plan a budget.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Replace: 5-ton AC + Furnace | $8,000 | $12,500 | $18,000 | Assumptions: single-family home, 3-4 ton equivalent ducting, mid-efficiency units, typical access. |
| 5-ton AC Condenser Only | $3,500 | $5,500 | $8,000 | Includes condenser, basic refrigerant lines, minimal coil work. |
| Furnace Only (mid-efficiency) | $2,000 | $4,000 | $7,000 | Includes furnace and standard gas hookup; excludes major ductwork. |
| Duct Modifications | $500 | $2,000 | $6,000 | Depends on sealing, rework, and added boots. |
Total Price Buyers Pay For A 5-Ton AC And Matched Furnace Replacement
Most full-system replacements for a 5-ton condenser matched with an appropriate furnace run $8,000-$18,000 total when installed by a licensed HVAC contractor. Typical national average is about $12,500 for mid-efficiency equipment and standard installation.
Assumptions: 5-ton (60,000 BTU) AC condenser, 80,000–100,000 BTU furnace where required, 2–4 tons equivalent duct sizing adjustments, common suburban access.
Per-unit and labor examples: equipment cost $5,000-$10,000 combined; labor & installation $2,500-$5,000; permits & disposal $200-$800.
Price Breakdown By Materials, Labor, Equipment, Permits, And Disposal
The table below shows how a typical quote splits across main cost categories for this replacement scenario. Labor is often 20%-40% of the total on straightforward installs.
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,500-$9,000 (units, coils, thermostats) | $2,000-$5,000 () | $200-$800 (lift, vacuum pump rental) | $50-$500 (local) | $100-$800 (old unit haul & refrigerant recovery) |
How SEER Rating, AFUE, And Duct Condition Change The Final Quote
SEER and AFUE are primary equipment specs that shift price: a 14 SEER 5-ton system vs a 16–20 SEER system increases equipment cost by about $1,500-$4,000. Upgrading from 80% AFUE to 95% AFUE furnace typically adds $800-$2,000 in equipment cost.
Duct condition thresholds: minor sealing or balancing is $500-$2,000; partial duct replacement (several runs) is $1,500-$4,000; full duct replacement can be $5,000-$12,000 depending on home size and access.
Site And Installation Variables That Often Raise The Price
Tight access, multi-story installs, long refrigerant line sets over 50 ft, and high static-pressure duct systems increase labor and material charges. Expect $300-$1,200 extra for rooftop or crane-assisted installs and $200-$600 for runs over 50 linear feet.
Gas line upgrades, electrical service upgrades (200A panel work), and zone controls each add $400-$2,500 depending on scope and code requirements.
Practical Ways To Lower The Replacement Price For A 5-Ton System
Control scope: keep duct runs and condenser location the same to avoid extra runs and line set length. Choosing a mid-efficiency 14–16 SEER condenser and reusing a serviceable coil can save $1,000-$3,000.
Schedule work off-peak (spring or fall) to avoid rush seasonal rates, get 3 written bids with identical equipment specs, and handle minor prep work like clearing attic access to reduce labor hours.
Regional Price Differences And What To Budget By Market
Prices vary roughly ±15%-30% by region: urban Northeast/West Coast typically +15%-30% over national average, Midwest and South often -5%-15%. A $12,500 average national job might be $10,500 in parts of the Midwest and $14,500 in coastal metro areas.
Rural installers may add travel minimums $75-$250; metropolitan permits and inspection fees tend to be higher by $100-$400.
Typical Job Duration, Crew Size, And Common Add-Ons Impacting Final Price
Average replacement time for a matched 5-ton condenser and furnace: 8-16 hours of labor, usually with a 2–3 person crew. Expect contractor minimums of 4-8 labor hours and weekend or emergency service to cost 1.5× normal hourly rates ($75-$125 per hour typical).
| Task | Typical Time | Typical Crew | Extra Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full replace (AC + furnace) | 8-16 hours | 2–3 techs | Emergency/rush: $200-$800 |
| Duct sealing/repair | 2-8 hours | 1–2 techs | Access complications: $150-$600 |
| Permits/inspection | Varies (0.5-2 hrs admin) | Contractor admin | Permit fees $50-$500 |
Common Add-Ons, Repairs, And When To Repair Instead Of Replace
Common add-ons include line-set replacement ($300-$1,200), TXV or coil replacement ($300-$1,000), smart thermostat ($150-$350 installed), and refrigerant recharge ($200-$600 if leak-free). Repair is often cheaper only when the existing system is under 10 years old and repairs are isolated; widespread compressor or heat exchanger failure typically requires replacement.
Request itemized quotes showing equipment model numbers, labor hours, and allowances for unforeseen duct or electrical work to compare offerings transparently.