HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator
Florida HVAC replacement runs $4,500 to $18,000 depending on system type, tonnage, and SEER rating. Most FL homeowners end up around $6,500–$10,000 for a like-for-like 3-ton, 16-SEER central AC swap. This calculator applies real 2026 FL contractor pricing — including the FL-specific tonnage rule of thumb (1 ton per ~600–800 sqft) and SEER-tier equipment costs.
HVAC replacement cost calculator
Florida-tuned sizing rules + 2026 contractor rates. Updates as you type.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your conditioned home square footage. The calculator suggests a tonnage based on the FL rule of thumb; it's a starting point but a Manual J load calculation from your contractor is the right way to size precisely.
- Pick a system type — central AC for cooling-only (with a separate furnace or electric strip heat for the rare FL cold day); heat pump for combined heating + cooling (efficient in FL); mini-split for additions, rooms without ducts, or zoned cooling.
- Set the tonnage. 3 tons is the FL average; 4 tons for larger homes; 2 tons for compact homes or zoned systems.
- Choose a SEER tier — 16 is the FL code default; 18+ for serious energy savings; 14 only for direct replacement on legacy systems where panel and refrigerant lines are limiting factors.
- Toggle air handler and ductwork separately. Most replacements include a new air handler (the indoor unit). Ductwork only gets replaced if it's badly leaking, undersized, or asbestos-era.
Calculator FAQs
Why is the SEER 20 system so much more expensive than SEER 16?
Premium-SEER systems use variable-speed compressors, ECM blower motors, and more sophisticated electronics — all of which add hardware cost. The energy savings are real (roughly 15–25% lower cooling bills vs SEER 16 in FL), but the payback period is typically 8–12 years on the price premium. For most FL homes, SEER 16 is the right balance of upfront cost and operating efficiency.
Do I really need new ductwork?
Usually not. Most FL ductwork is fine to reuse if it's R-6 insulated, mostly sealed (you'd be surprised how leaky old duct work is — but that's repair, not replacement), and properly sized. Replace ductwork only if you're upsizing system tonnage by more than 1 ton, the existing ducts are visibly damaged, or they're R-4.2 or older insulated (pre-2010 Florida construction).
Want a real quote from a vetted FL contractor? Request a quote — no obligation.