How Much Does AC Replacement Cost in Tampa?
Real numbers, not a national average. Below is what Tampa Bay homeowners actually paid on 55 central AC and heat pump replacements we completed from May 2025 to October 2026.
The short answer
The median Protek AC replacement was about $13,800. Half of all jobs fell between $11,200 and $16,700.
Jobs that reused the existing ductwork came in lower (median about $12,900). Jobs with new ductwork came in higher (median about $16,700). Your price depends on your home, which is why every quote starts with a free visit and a load calculation.
AC replacement cost by system type
| System type | Jobs | Median price | Middle half of jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central AC (split system with electric heat) | 27 | $14,700 | $13,600 – $17,100 |
| Heat pump (split system) | 28 | $11,200 | $9,300 – $15,600 |
| All central system replacements | 55 | $13,800 | $11,200 – $16,700 |
With and without new ductwork
| Ductwork | Jobs | Median price | Middle half of jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existing ductwork reused | 39 | $12,900 | $10,700 – $14,700 |
| New ductwork included | 16 | $16,700 | $15,100 – $19,000 |
By system size
| Size | Jobs | Median price | Middle half of jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 ton | 10 | $11,200 | $10,200 – $13,300 |
| 3 ton | 16 | $13,200 | $11,100 – $17,600 |
How we measured: final invoice totals for full system replacements of $3,000 or more, May 2025 to October 2026, including equipment, labor, permit and any other work on the same invoice, such as new ductwork. Repairs, maintenance and duct-only jobs are excluded. A few jobs replaced two systems and count as one job. “Middle half” is the range between the 25th and 75th percentile job. Sizes other than 2.5 and 3 ton, package units and ductless mini-splits are left out because we replaced too few of them in this period to give a reliable median; see ductless mini-splits for that work.
What moves the price up or down
System size
Bigger homes need more tonnage, and bigger equipment costs more. On our jobs the 3 ton median ran about $2,000 above the 2.5 ton median. We size every system with a Manual J load calculation instead of copying the old unit.
Ductwork
Reusing healthy ducts keeps the price down. Jobs that included new ductwork had a median about $3,800 higher than jobs that kept the existing ducts.
Efficiency tier
Florida's minimum for a new central AC is 14.3 SEER2. Two-stage and variable-speed systems cost more up front and cost less to run.
Where the air handler sits
A closet changeout is the simplest. Horizontal attic installs need an emergency drain pan and more labor.
Line set and electrical
Some homes need a new copper line set, a new disconnect or a new electrical whip to the condenser. Each one is listed on your written quote.
Heat
Straight AC systems in Tampa usually include an electric heat strip in the air handler. A heat pump heats and cools with the same equipment.
Ways to lower what you pay
- Ask whether your ducts can stay. Reusing healthy ductwork was the biggest single difference in our job data.
- Spread the cost out. HVAC financing lets you replace the system now and pay monthly.
- Already have a quote? Get a free second opinion before you sign.
- Protect the new system. The AC Tune-Up Club ($299 a year per system) includes two tune-ups a year and 15% off repairs.
Not sure it is time to replace? Read when replacement beats another repair.
AC cost questions
How much does AC replacement cost in Tampa in 2026?↓
Is a heat pump more expensive than a central AC?↓
How much does new ductwork add?↓
What about mini-splits and package units?↓
Can I finance a new AC?↓
Is the quote really free?↓
Get your exact price
A free visit and written, itemized quote tells you what your system needs, what it does not, and what it will cost. Licensed (FL License #CAC1820411), serving the greater Tampa Bay area.
Call 813-358-4610