What Does AC Replacement Cost in Brevard County? (2026 Guide)
Typical installed price ranges for Brevard County, based on typical Brevard County install pricing and Florida-specific climate factors. Updated mid-2026.
AC replacement costs vary more than most homeowners expect, and Florida makes it more complicated than the national averages suggest. Brevard County's climate is hot, humid, and coastal, which means systems run longer hours, cycle more aggressively, and are exposed to salt air that accelerates corrosion on outdoor units. A system sized or specified for inland Illinois isn't the same job as one installed on the Space Coast.
The price spread between the cheapest quote and a legitimate quote is usually $2,200-$4,400. Some of that difference is brand and efficiency. A lot of it is what's included, or quietly left out. Permit fees, old unit disposal, duct inspection, proper system startup, these are real costs that get cut when a contractor is trying to win on price.
Most homeowners collect three quotes and don't know what they're actually comparing. This guide is designed to fix that. The price ranges below reflect typical Brevard County install pricing. Below you'll find real Brevard County price ranges by tonnage and system type, common add-on costs, repair pricing, and the red flags to watch for before you sign anything.
What You'll Pay: Real Brevard County Price Ranges*
These ranges reflect typical Brevard County install pricing. Each range includes equipment, labor, permits, refrigerant line set replacement, and disposal of the old unit.
| System Size | Home Size | Standard Single-Stage | 2-Stage / Variable-Speed | Premium Inverter / Coastal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 ton | 800–1,200 sq ft | $7,200–$8,200 | $8,200–$9,400 | $9,400–$12,100 |
| 2.5 ton | 1,000–1,400 sq ft | $7,900–$8,700 | $8,700–$9,900 | $9,900–$11,600 |
| 3 ton | 1,200–1,800 sq ft | $8,000–$9,200 | $9,200–$11,300 | $11,300–$14,300 |
| 3.5 ton | 1,500–2,100 sq ft | $8,200–$9,400 | $9,400–$11,300 | $11,300–$12,700 |
| 4 ton | 1,800–2,400 sq ft | $9,400–$11,000 | $11,000–$12,700 | $12,100–$14,300 |
| 5 ton | 2,400–3,500 sq ft | $11,000–$12,700 | $12,700–$14,900 | $14,900–$21,400 |
What's included in these ranges: Equipment, labor, Brevard County permit, refrigerant line set replacement, old unit removal, and EPA-compliant refrigerant recovery. Ductwork modifications, electrical disconnect upgrades, coastal-coated coils, and indoor air quality add-ons are quoted separately and listed below.
* These prices are for standard residential cooling-only AC replacements. Other configurations we install, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, package units, commercial HVAC, and new construction installs, are priced differently. Call us with what you have or what you want and we'll quote your specific job.
About these ranges: Typical Brevard County install pricing in 2026, by tonnage and system type, for full system replacements. Most homes fall inside the standard or 2-stage column. The premium column is variable-speed inverter systems and barrier-island homes that need coastal-coated coils. If your situation allows for a partial replacement (condenser-only swap, coil-only replacement, or reusing an existing line set), there are options to reduce cost, ask us during the estimate. Call 321-599-6220 for a free written estimate specific to your home.
What's Included in a Full AC Replacement (Copper Lines, Ductwork, and Everything Else)
A legitimate full AC replacement is more than swapping the outdoor box. The number on the quote should include every part of the work below. If a quote you've received leaves any of these out, ask why before you sign.
- New outdoor condenser unit (the heat-pump or AC outside, sized to your home properly, not just matched to the old equipment by tonnage)
- New indoor air handler or coil matched to the condenser (mixing old and new mismatches the refrigerant metering and voids most warranties)
- Copper refrigerant line set (3/8" and 3/4" copper, properly sized for the tonnage and insulated). Most full installs get a new line set, but there are cases where the existing line set is clean, the correct size, and in good condition, so we reuse it and credit you for the difference. Not every HVAC company offers that option.
- New condensate drain line with proper trap, slope, and safety switch (and a secondary pan with float switch for attic-mounted handlers per Florida code)
- Electrical disconnect and breaker inspection, with replacement if the existing disconnect is undersized or corroded
- Ductwork modifications where the existing duct system does not match the new equipment (Brevard tract homes typically need a return-air upsize and a plenum modification at minimum on a 3-ton-or-larger replacement)
- Brevard County permit pulled and inspection coordinated (required by Florida law on equipment replacement)
- Removal and proper disposal of the old unit, including EPA-compliant refrigerant recovery
- Smart or programmable thermostat installed and calibrated (or your existing compatible thermostat re-connected and tested)
- Vacuum and refrigerant charge with manifold gauges, evacuated to under 500 microns, charged to manufacturer specification
- Full system commissioning, runtime test, airflow at every register, temperature differential, static pressure measurements logged
- Manufacturer warranty registration filed for you within 60 days (most brands extend the warranty to 10 years on the compressor and parts when registered)
- 1-year labor warranty on the installation itself
Common add-ons that are NOT automatically included (we will quote separately if your home needs them, and we will tell you if it does):
- Duct system replacement (as opposed to modifications) if the existing duct is undersized, deteriorated, or sized for a previous smaller system
- Full duct sealing with mastic if the duct system is leaking more than 10 percent
- Attic insulation top-off if the existing R-value is below current Florida Energy Code spec for new construction
- Coastal-coated coils and stainless hardware for homes within a mile of the Atlantic or the lagoon
- Whole-home surge protector (cheap insurance; we recommend on every install)
- UV light at the evaporator coil for chronic biological growth on the coil or in the air handler
What this typically costs: See the price-range section above for the bands by tonnage and efficiency. Every quote we write breaks out the system, the line set, the drain, the electrical, the duct modifications, and the permit as separate line items so you can see exactly what you are paying for. No surprise charges at the end.
Note on manufacturer warranties: Most equipment carries a 5–10 year parts warranty. Some brands extend this to 10 years when registered within 60 days of installation. We handle registration for every system we install.
What Affects Your Final Price
Every home is different. These are the variables that move your cost up or down from the ranges above.
SEER2 Rating
Higher efficiency units cost more upfront but reduce monthly utility bills. The minimum in Florida is 15 SEER2. A 17–20 SEER2 system adds cost at purchase but typically pays back through FPL savings over 5–8 years.
Brand and System Type
We are factory-authorized dealers for ComfortMaker, RUUD, and Lennox. Each carries single-stage, 2-stage, and variable-speed inverter options. The brand matters less than the system type: a 3 ton single-stage ComfortMaker and a 3 ton single-stage Lennox sit within a few hundred dollars of each other. The bigger price jump comes from going single-stage to 2-stage (adds humidity control and quieter operation), or from 2-stage to variable-speed inverter (adds the most efficiency and best humidity removal).
Ductwork Condition
A new system won't perform correctly through leaking or collapsed ducts. If your duct system needs repair or partial replacement, expect to add $1,100–$3,300 depending on accessibility and scope. We always inspect before recommending.
Electrical Panel Capacity
Older homes, especially pre-1990 construction, may not have sufficient amperage at the panel for a modern system. A panel upgrade or new dedicated circuit can add $880–$2,800 to the project. This is non-optional for safety and code compliance.
Attic Access Difficulty
Air handlers in tight or poorly lit attic spaces take longer to work in safely. If access is difficult, labor costs increase. This is rarely a huge number, but it can add $220–$660 on a difficult job.
FPL Rebates
Florida Power & Light offers rebates for qualifying high-efficiency systems that can offset $110–$550 of your cost depending on the current program. We check eligibility as part of every estimate. See our FPL rebate guide.
Common Add-On Costs (Real Brevard County Pricing)
These are the line items we add to system replacement quotes when the home calls for them. Every number below reflects typical Brevard County install pricing in 2026.
Ductwork (when the existing system isn't right for the new equipment)
- Duct modification (resize plenum, add return, repair drops): $275–$2,600 depending on scope
- Complete duct seal with mastic on a system leaking more than 10 percent: $880–$1,200
- Partial duct replacement (one or two runs): $440–$3,900
- Full custom flex duct system replacement (8 to 13 supply drops + plenum): $5,700–$12,100
Coastal-coated coils (for homes within 1 mile of saltwater)
For barrier-island homes (Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Satellite Beach, Indialantic) and Indian River frontage, we install coastal-spec condensers with anti-corrosion coil coatings and corrosion-resistant hardware. This is built into the system price you see in the table above, not a surprise line item. Coastal homes typically land in the upper half of the relevant tonnage column.
Indoor air quality add-ons
- UV light kit, single 24V (mounted at the evaporator coil): $375–$880
- REME HALO Whole-Home Air Purification System: $935–$1,900
- Duct sanitize and antimicrobial fogging (add-on with IAQ install): $110–$220
- Whole-home surge protector: $285–$315 (cheap insurance against lightning damage on the new equipment)
Electrical and access
- Service disconnect box replacement (when the existing one is corroded or undersized): $225–$315
- Low-voltage wire repair (thermostat run, control wiring): $68–$110
- Electrical panel upgrade (when amperage is insufficient for the new equipment): typically $880–$2,800, varies by panel and electrician
- Attic access difficulty: usually folded into labor, but unusually tight or unlit attics can add $220–$660 in install time
How we quote add-ons: Every add-on is a separate line item on your written estimate. If we recommend something, we tell you exactly why (the duct is leaking, the disconnect is rusted out, the home is within reach of the lagoon, etc.). You can accept, decline, or defer any of them. Nothing gets added to the invoice after the fact.
Real Repair Pricing in Brevard County
Most homeowners get a repair quote and have no idea whether it's fair. These are typical Brevard County prices on the most common HVAC repairs. If a competing quote is multiples above these numbers, ask why.
| Repair | Typical Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Run capacitor, single 45/5 | $135–$200 | Most common AC repair in Brevard. Caused by heat cycles. |
| Run capacitor, over 45/5 | $165–$250 | Larger capacitor for higher-tonnage systems. |
| Dual capacitor | $110–$195 | Combined start-and-run capacitor on some compressors. |
| Contactor, 1.5 or 2 pole | $120–$275 | Electrical switch that energizes the compressor. |
| Drain line clear (Level 1) | $68–$195 | Algae and debris clog. Most common summer service call. |
| Blower wheel pull and clean | $180–$355 | Removes baked-on dust restricting airflow. |
| R-410A refrigerant (per lb) | $75–$105 | Standard refrigerant for systems installed 2010 and later. |
| Refrigerant leak search | $68–$155 | Electronic leak detection on an accessible system. |
| Refrigerant leak repair (accessible) | $375–$385 | Cap off and repair accessible leaks. Compressor-side leaks are higher. |
| New overhead refrigerant line set (3/8" + 3/4") | $1,800–$2,800 | Full line set replacement, typically with system replacement. |
Service call: Diagnostic fee is waived when you approve the repair. After-hours diagnostics run slightly higher; we tell you the rate when you call so there's no surprise on the invoice. See our current specials for the active offer.
Red Flags When Getting Quotes
Most homeowners can't tell a good quote from a bad one on sight. Here's what to watch for before you sign anything.
In Florida, a permit is legally required for HVAC equipment replacement. If a contractor doesn't mention it, they're either planning to skip it (which can affect your homeowner's insurance and cause issues at resale) or they haven't accounted for it in the price.
Old unit removal and refrigerant recovery are regulated. A quote that doesn't include disposal is either incomplete or the old unit gets left for you to handle. Ask specifically.
A legitimate quote names the brand, model number, and SEER2 rating of the system being installed. "14 SEER 2-ton system" isn't enough. If they can't tell you exactly what you're buying, that's a problem.
Equipment warranty and labor warranty are separate. Ask what each covers and for how long. Get it in writing. Verbal guarantees mean nothing when something goes wrong 18 months later.
A quote that's $2,200–$3,300 below market and immediately pivots to monthly payment options is a pattern. The real cost often surfaces in higher financing rates, add-ons, or a cheaper unit than discussed. Get the total installed cost on paper first.
FPL Rebates Can Offset Your Cost
New high-efficiency systems may qualify for FPL energy rebates, typically $110–$550 for qualifying central AC systems and potentially more for heat pumps. We check eligibility as part of your free estimate so you don't leave money on the table.
FPL programs change throughout the year, so the best time to ask is before installation, some require pre-approval. See our full FPL Rebate Guide for Brevard County homeowners for details on how the process works and what documentation you'll need.
Read the FPL Rebate GuideGet a Free, Itemized Estimate
No pressure. We'll give you a written quote with the brand, model, SEER2 rating, warranty, and everything that's included, so you can compare it clearly against any other bid.
We serve all of Brevard County, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Cocoa, Titusville, and surrounding areas.