How much does a new AC system cost in Orlando by size and SEER2?
Full installed-price table below — equipment, labor, permit, and haul-away included. These are real Orlando market ranges for July 2026, not teaser prices that double once the tech shows up.
| System Size | Home Size (approx.) | 14.3 SEER2 (base) | 16 SEER2 (mid) | 18+ SEER2 (high) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 ton | Up to 900 sq ft | $6,500–$7,500 | $7,500–$8,800 | $9,000–$10,500 |
| 2 ton | 900–1,200 sq ft | $6,500–$8,000 | $7,800–$9,200 | $9,500–$11,000 |
| 2.5 ton | 1,200–1,500 sq ft | $7,000–$8,500 | $8,200–$9,800 | $10,000–$11,800 |
| 3 ton | 1,500–1,800 sq ft | $7,500–$9,000 | $8,500–$10,500 | $10,500–$12,500 |
| 3.5 ton | 1,800–2,100 sq ft | $8,000–$9,500 | $9,200–$11,000 | $11,000–$13,000 |
| 4 ton | 2,100–2,400 sq ft | $8,500–$10,000 | $9,800–$11,800 | $11,500–$13,500 |
| 5 ton | 2,400–3,000 sq ft | $9,000–$11,000 | $10,500–$12,500 | $12,000–$14,000 |
Every Smart Home Air & Heat install quote is itemized — equipment model numbers, labor, permit, and any ductwork or electrical line items shown separately. No "installed price" surprises on install day. See our AC installation process for what's included.
What actually drives the price of a new AC install in Orlando?
Beyond size and SEER2, three things move your quote the most: ductwork condition, electrical capacity, and permits/code upgrades. Together they can swing a quote $1,500–$5,000.
- Ductwork condition — leaky, crushed, or undersized ducts strangle a new system. Sealing runs $500–$2,500; sections $200–$800; full replacement $2,500–$8,000. Details: duct repair cost in Orlando.
- Electrical work — older Orlando homes often need a new disconnect, whip, or breaker ($150–$600); a panel upgrade for a larger system can run $1,500–$3,000.
- Permits and code — Orange County permits, hurricane straps, float switches, and pad/stand requirements add $250–$600. A company that skips the permit is a red flag, not a discount.
- Line set and location — attic air handlers, long line-set runs, and second-story condensers add labor hours.
The federal refrigerant transition that began in 2025 made every new system more expensive to build. Waiting for prices to drop hasn't worked since 2020 — equipment costs have risen every single year.
Is a higher SEER2 rating worth the extra money in Florida?
Usually yes. Orlando systems run 9+ months a year, so efficiency pays back faster here than almost anywhere in the country.
Stepping from 14.3 to 16 SEER2 typically adds $1,000–$2,000 upfront and cuts cooling costs roughly 10–12% — about $150–$250 per year on a typical Orlando electric bill. Over a 12-year system life, that's $1,800–$3,000 back. The jump to 18+ SEER2 (often variable-speed) adds comfort and humidity control on top of savings, which matters in Florida more than raw efficiency numbers suggest.
Full explainer: SEER2 efficiency, answered. Considering a heat pump instead? Compare at heat pump cost in Orlando — qualifying models get a federal tax credit up to $2,000.
How do Orlando homeowners pay for a $9,000 AC system?
Most don't pay cash. GreenSky financing with $0-down options turns a new system into a monthly payment — often less than what a dying system wastes in electricity.
Smart Home Air & Heat offers GreenSky financing with $0 down and promotional terms. Approval takes minutes by phone. An old 10 SEER system limping along can cost $60–$120 more per month in electricity than a new 16 SEER2 — meaning the payment on a new system partially funds itself. Ask about current promotional terms when you call, and see AC financing options explained and what the warranty actually covers.
New AC cost questions, answered
How much does a new AC unit cost in Orlando?
$6,500–$14,000 installed in 2026. A 2-ton base system starts around $6,500; a 5-ton high-efficiency system tops out near $14,000. Size, SEER2, ductwork, and electrical work set your exact number.
What size AC unit does my home need?
Roughly 1 ton per 500–600 sq ft in Central Florida — but insist on a Manual J load calculation. Oversized units short-cycle and leave your home humid.
Why are new AC prices going up in 2026?
The R-454B refrigerant transition raised equipment costs 10–20% starting in 2025, and remaining R-410A inventory is limited. Waiting rarely lowers the price.
Can I finance with $0 down?
Yes — GreenSky financing with $0-down options. Approval takes minutes at (407) 465-7777.
Is 16 SEER2 worth it over 14.3 SEER2?
Usually, yes. It adds $1,000–$2,000 upfront but saves roughly $150–$250 a year in Orlando, where AC runs most of the year. More: SEER2 explained.
Get a Real Installed Price — Itemized, In Writing
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Call (407) 465-7777Smart Home Air & Heat — 10226 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32825 — [email protected]