If you are searching for AC unit price, AC replacement cost, or what size AC your house needs, the honest answer is that the equipment is only part of the price.
A good AC estimate looks at the whole house: square footage, insulation, windows, ductwork, electrical, line-set length, airflow, and how much afternoon sun the home takes on during Portland-area heat waves.
That is why bigger is not automatically better. An oversized AC can short-cycle, leave humidity behind, run louder, and wear out early. A right-sized system cools steadily and protects the compressor.
Pricing guide
AC replacement price ranges homeowners can actually use
$5,000-$8,000
Standard AC replacement
Common when the ductwork, electrical, pad, and line set are in good shape and the home needs a straightforward outdoor condenser and indoor coil replacement.
$8,000-$11,000
High-efficiency AC upgrade
More likely when the homeowner wants higher SEER2 equipment, quieter operation, better humidity control, or a more involved installation.
Quoted after inspection
Complex install or system redesign
Needed when ductwork, electrical, tight access, long refrigerant lines, or airflow problems have to be corrected before the new AC can run properly.
Sizing by square feet
Square footage helps, but it should not pick the AC by itself
- Under 1,000 sq ft1.5-2 tonsOlder windows, poor attic insulation, vaulted ceilings, or heavy west-facing sun can push the load higher.
- 1,001-1,400 sq ft2-2.5 tonsCommon for smaller ranch homes, condos, and tight older homes with decent ductwork.
- 1,401-1,800 sq ft2.5-3 tonsDuct sizing, return-air capacity, and upstairs heat gain matter more than square footage alone.
- 1,801-2,200 sq ft3-3.5 tonsTwo-story layouts, sun exposure, and bonus rooms can change the answer quickly.
- 2,201-2,800 sq ft3.5-4 tonsLarge homes often need duct corrections or zoning conversations before picking equipment.
- 2,801+ sq ft4-5 tons or multiple systemsLarge or spread-out homes may cool better with multiple zones, a heat pump, or ductless support in problem rooms.
Before you compare bids
What to know before pricing a new AC
Know the age of the current AC
If the system is 12-18 years old and facing a major repair, replacement pricing is worth comparing before putting more money into it.
Look at comfort problems
Hot upstairs rooms, weak airflow, short cycling, or one room that never cools can point to duct or sizing issues, not just old equipment.
Check the ductwork condition
Leaky, undersized, or poorly balanced ductwork can make a new AC perform like an old one.
Decide if a heat pump should be compared
In Oregon, many homes should compare AC-only replacement against a heat pump option because rebates and heating savings can change the math.
Our sizing process
How Oregon Climate Tech sizes AC systems
Manual J-style sizing
We do not pick AC size from square footage alone. We look at insulation, windows, ceiling height, orientation, ductwork, and local climate load.
Airflow and return-air check
The best condenser still needs enough indoor airflow. Return ducts, filter grilles, and blower setup can limit capacity.
Refrigerant line and charge
Line-set length, line size, evacuation, and refrigerant charge by weight matter for efficiency and compressor life.
Electrical and permit review
Panel capacity, disconnects, breakers, pad placement, and required mechanical permits are reviewed before the final quote.
Replacement timing
When AC replacement pricing is worth getting
- Your AC is over 12 years old and repair costs are climbing.
- The home cools unevenly even after maintenance.
- You want AC replacement pricing and a heat pump comparison side by side.
- You are unsure what size AC your home actually needs.
Next step
