AC Installation in Orlando, FL
A new central air conditioner or heat pump in Orlando typically costs about $5,000 to $8,200 installed for common 2 to 4 ton systems. In a climate this humid, getting the size right matters even more than getting the biggest unit, because an oversized system cools fast and never dries the air.
We size the system for your home, handle the permit, and give you the options and prices before you commit. Emergency service is available 24/7.
The price in plain numbers
Average installed prices in Orlando from our pricing guide are about $5,000 for a 2 ton system, $6,500 for a 3 ton and $8,200 for a 4 ton. The size table and brand comparison are in our AC installation pricing guide.
Heat pump systems cost a little more, as shown in our heat pump installation guide.
| System size | Typical home size | Orlando average installed |
|---|---|---|
| 2 ton | 1,000 to 1,400 sq ft | $5,000 |
| 3 ton | 1,800 to 2,200 sq ft | $6,500 |
| 4 ton | 2,600 to 3,200 sq ft | $8,200 |
Examples of our work
Signs it is time to replace
Replacement is worth pricing when several of these apply:
- The system is 10 to 15 years old or older.
- It has needed more than one repair recently.
- A large repair, like a compressor or coil, is on the table for an older system.
- Your summer electric bills keep rising.
- The house always feels clammy, even when it is cool.
- Rooms cool unevenly, or the system runs all day.
- It uses R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer produced.
No single item decides it. We weigh age, what failed, repair history, efficiency and comfort together and show you the repair price next to the replacement price.
Why bigger is not better in Florida
A common mistake is replacing a system with a bigger one, on the theory that more cooling is safer. In a humid climate it backfires.
An oversized system drops the temperature quickly and shuts off before it has run long enough to remove much moisture. The thermostat is satisfied, but the air is still damp, so the house feels cold and clammy, mold has a better chance and the equipment starts and stops far more than it should.
The right size comes from your home: floor area, layout, insulation, windows and orientation, shade and the duct system. It does not come from the old unit's label. If a quote does not say how the size was chosen, ask.
Variable speed and humidity control
Variable speed (inverter) systems adjust their output to the load, so they can run longer at lower speeds. In Florida that means steadier temperature and better moisture removal.
They cost more than single stage systems, and two stage models sit in the middle. We show the options with prices, and we tell you honestly when a simpler system is enough for your home.
Ducts, the attic and the drain
A new system is only as good as the ducts it connects to. Florida attics are hot and humid, and leaky or poorly insulated ducts lose cooling and can sweat, which adds moisture where you do not want it.
We look at your ducts during the estimate and tell you if sealing, insulation or a return upgrade would help.
We also look at the condensate system. A properly sloped drain, a cleanout you can reach and a safety float switch or secondary pan protect your ceilings.
For attic installations, the code generally requires that kind of protection. Outdoor equipment also needs to be anchored to meet Florida's wind requirements, which is part of a proper install.
How an Orlando AC replacement works
- We look at your home and the existing equipment. Ducts, attic access, electrical panel, drain and where the units sit.
- We size the system and choose equipment. Capacity from the home, not the old unit, with efficiency and humidity options explained.
- You get options and prices. Including any duct or electrical work, before work begins.
- We handle the permit. From the City of Orlando or Orange County, depending on where you live.
- We install and start up the system. Equipment, lines, electrical, drain and anchoring, then airflow and refrigerant charge are checked.
- We walk you through it. The thermostat, filter changes, drain care and what to do if something seems off.
AC or heat pump?
In Orlando, a heat pump is often the better choice. It cools exactly like an AC and also provides heat on the few cold nights, so it replaces both an air conditioner and an electric furnace or heat strips.
If your home has resistance heat strips as its only heat, a heat pump can lower the heating cost noticeably. See heat pump installation in Orlando.
One more reason: if you are an OUC customer, the utility's rebate is for heat pump A/C systems, so a straight AC may not qualify. Details are below.
Rebates and incentives
Look at your electric bill to see whether OUC or Duke Energy Florida serves you.
OUC's Heat Pump A/C rebate pays $45 to $1,150 for heat pump A/C systems rated 15.2 SEER2 or higher, based on size and rating, as a credit on your bill, with the AHRI certificate or reference number that matches your invoice.
Duke Energy Florida has offered rebates and a free Home Energy Check. Confirm current amounts and rules with your utility before you buy.
There is no federal tax credit for equipment installed in 2026. Section 25C ended after December 31, 2025. Ask about financing options when you request a quote.
Where we install air conditioners in Orlando
We serve homes across Orlando and Central Florida, including Downtown, Thornton Park, Baldwin Park, College Park, Dr. Phillips, Lake Nona, Windermere, Isleworth, Bay Hill, Winter Park and Conway.
See AC repair in Orlando if you are deciding between repair and replacement, and HVAC in Orlando for the full picture.
Brands we service
We repair and install all major brands. Each brand page lists the models we install, the problems we see most and what the warranty typically covers. See how we match a technician to your brand.
Orlando, FL on the map
Common questions
How much does a new AC cost in Orlando?
Average installed prices in our guide are about $5,000 for a 2 ton, $6,500 for a 3 ton and $8,200 for a 4 ton. Efficiency, ducts and electrical needs change the total.
What size AC does an Orlando home need?
It depends on layout, insulation, windows and shade, not only square footage. An oversized system leaves the house clammy, so we size it carefully.
Should I get a heat pump instead of an AC?
Often yes in Orlando. It cools the same way and heats on cold nights. If OUC serves you, the rebate applies to heat pump A/C systems.
How long does a replacement take?
Many take about a day, depending on the system, the ducts and the permit. We give you an expected schedule with the quote.
Do I need a permit?
Yes, in most cases. We handle it.
Is there a federal tax credit for a new AC?
No. The federal 25C credit ended for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025.
Do you offer financing?
Ask us about financing when you request a quote.
Talk to a person
Call any hour for emergency service, or reach us during business hours for a visit or a quote.