Short answer: AC replacement in Las Vegas costs between $5,200 and $17,000+ depending on system size, brand, and efficiency tier. A typical 3-ton central air conditioner installed in a standard Las Vegas home runs $7,500–$11,000 all-in. Lennox systems run 15–25% more than Goodman or Rheem at equivalent efficiency levels. Before you sign anything, stack your NV Energy rebate (up to $2,000), federal 25C tax credit (up to $2,000), and any manufacturer promotions — the right combination can cut $3,000–$4,000 off your out-of-pocket cost. Las Vegas homes run their AC 2,500–3,500 hours per year, so overpaying for quality is almost always the right call. The quality of your installation — proper load calculation, correct refrigerant charge, sealed ductwork — determines whether your system delivers its rated efficiency or wastes thousands over its lifetime.
Call (702) 567-0707 for a free in-home assessment and quote, or visit our AC replacement page for more information.
Few questions generate more anxiety among Las Vegas homeowners than "how much is this going to cost?" And for good reason — AC replacement is one of the largest unplanned expenses a household faces, often happening in July when your unit dies in 115-degree heat and you have zero leverage to slow down and shop. Contractors know this. Some quote fairly. Others exploit the urgency.
This guide gives you every number you need to walk into any contractor conversation as an informed buyer. We cover pricing by system size, brand, efficiency tier, and home size. We cover what drives Las Vegas labor rates up relative to national averages. We cover permit costs, ductwork modification costs, rebates, tax credits, and financing options. And we cover the one thing most guides skip: when replacement actually costs less than repair over a five-year horizon.
Our pricing data comes from our own installation quotes, supplier pricing, and over a decade of replacing AC systems across the Las Vegas Valley. These are 2026 numbers, accounting for current equipment costs and labor rates. If a quote you receive falls dramatically outside these ranges — in either direction — that is a signal worth investigating.
Key Takeaways
- Las Vegas replacement costs run 10–20% above national averages due to high cooling demand, longer operating seasons, and a competitive labor market for licensed HVAC technicians.
- System size is the single biggest cost driver. A 2-ton system runs $5,200–$8,500 installed while a 5-ton system runs $9,800–$17,000+. Oversizing wastes money upfront and costs more in energy bills over time.
- Brand premiums are real but often justified. Lennox XC25 vs. Goodman GSX16: the Lennox costs $2,000–$3,500 more upfront but delivers meaningfully better efficiency, a longer warranty, and a stronger parts network in Las Vegas.
- Stack every available incentive before signing. NV Energy rebates ($500–$2,000) plus federal 25C tax credits (up to $2,000) plus manufacturer promotions can reduce net cost by $3,000–$4,000 on a qualifying system.
- The 5,000-rule applies in Las Vegas. If the repair quote exceeds $5,000 or equals more than half the system's replacement cost, replace. In Las Vegas heat, a compromised system does not run half-efficiently — it fails completely.
- Seasonal pricing is real. Replacement in spring (March–May) or fall (September–October) typically saves $500–$1,500 versus emergency replacement in peak summer, when contractors are at maximum demand and scheduling pressure reduces attention to installation quality.
Las Vegas AC Replacement Cost by System Size
System size — measured in tons of cooling capacity — is the primary driver of replacement cost. One ton equals 12,000 BTUs per hour of cooling capacity. Las Vegas homes require more cooling capacity per square foot than most U.S. markets because of the extreme heat load: 115°F outdoor design temperature versus the 95°F used in national sizing guides. Getting the size right requires a proper Manual J load calculation from a licensed contractor. Never accept a sizing recommendation based solely on square footage.
| System Size | Typical Home Size (LV) | Equipment Cost | Labor + Permit | Total Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5-ton | Under 800 sq ft | $2,100–$3,700 | $2,100–$2,900 | $4,200–$6,500 |
| 2-ton | 800–1,100 sq ft | $2,500–$4,500 | $2,300–$3,200 | $5,200–$8,500 |
| 2.5-ton | 1,100–1,400 sq ft | $3,000–$5,200 | $2,300–$3,200 | $5,400–$9,000 |
| 3-ton | 1,400–1,900 sq ft | $3,700–$6,200 | $2,500–$3,200 | $6,500–$10,500 |
| 3.5-ton | 1,900–2,300 sq ft | $4,200–$7,200 | $2,500–$3,500 | $7,200–$12,000 |
| 4-ton | 2,300–2,800 sq ft | $5,000–$8,500 | $2,800–$3,800 | $8,200–$14,000+ |
| 5-ton | 2,800–3,500+ sq ft | $6,200–$10,500 | $3,200–$4,200 | $9,800–$17,000+ |
These ranges reflect the full installed cost including: the outdoor condenser unit, the indoor air handler or evaporator coil, the refrigerant line set, the electrical disconnect and wiring, the thermostat, the permit, and labor. They do not include ductwork modifications, which we cover separately. The wide ranges within each size category reflect the difference between entry-level and premium efficiency equipment.
Why Las Vegas Sizing Runs Larger Than National Charts Suggest
Standard residential sizing rules suggest roughly 400–600 square feet per ton. In Las Vegas, expect 300–450 square feet per ton for most homes. Three factors push Las Vegas sizing higher than national norms:
First, the outdoor design temperature. ACCA load calculations for Las Vegas use 115°F as the outdoor design temperature. At this temperature, the heat gain through a home's envelope is dramatically higher than at 95°F, meaning more cooling capacity is required to maintain 75°F indoors.
Second, attic conditions. Las Vegas homes frequently have attic temperatures of 140–160°F in summer. Poorly insulated or poorly ventilated attics transfer enormous heat loads into living spaces, particularly through the ceiling. Homes with R-19 or lower ceiling insulation (common in pre-2000 construction) need more AC capacity than their square footage would suggest.
Third, duct leakage. A 2,000-square-foot Las Vegas home with 20% duct leakage into an attic at 150°F is, from a cooling standpoint, effectively a larger home. Duct sealing can shift a sizing recommendation down by half a ton in severe cases. This is another reason a proper Manual J calculation — not a rule-of-thumb — is essential.
AC Replacement Cost by Brand
Brand choice affects upfront cost, long-term reliability, warranty value, and parts availability in the Las Vegas market. Here is our assessment of the major brands across the full cost spectrum for a standard 3-ton system installed in Las Vegas.
| Brand | 3-ton Entry Tier (Installed) | 3-ton Mid Tier (Installed) | 3-ton Premium Tier (Installed) | Top SEER2 Available | Warranty (Parts/Comp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lennox | $6,500–$8,000 | $8,500–$11,000 | $11,000–$14,500 | 28.0 SEER2 | 10 yr / 10 yr |
| Carrier | $6,000–$7,500 | $8,000–$10,500 | $10,500–$13,500 | 26.0 SEER2 | 10 yr / 10 yr |
| Trane | $6,200–$7,800 | $8,200–$10,800 | $10,800–$14,000 | 22.0 SEER2 | 10 yr / 10 yr |
| American Standard | $5,800–$7,500 | $7,800–$10,200 | $10,200–$13,000 | 22.0 SEER2 | 10 yr / 10 yr |
| Daikin | $5,500–$7,000 | $7,500–$9,800 | $9,800–$13,000 | 24.5 SEER2 | 12 yr / 12 yr |
| Rheem / Ruud | $5,000–$6,500 | $6,800–$9,000 | $9,000–$12,000 | 20.5 SEER2 | 10 yr / 10 yr |
| Goodman / Amana | $5,000–$6,500 | $5,800–$7,800 | $7,800–$10,500 | 20.0 SEER2 | 10 yr / Lifetime comp |
| Bryant / Heil | $5,200–$6,500 | $7,000–$9,000 | $9,000–$11,500 | 20.0 SEER2 | 10 yr / 10 yr |
The Lennox Premium: Is It Worth It?
Lennox systems carry a 15–25% premium over mid-market brands at equivalent tonnage. As a Lennox Premier Dealer — the highest tier in the Lennox dealer program — we have an obvious interest in recommending Lennox, so we will be direct about where the premium is and is not justified.
The Lennox SL28XCV, their flagship variable-speed system at 28.0 SEER2, genuinely outperforms equivalent-tonnage systems from other brands in Las Vegas conditions. The inverter-driven compressor modulates continuously rather than cycling on and off, which means less on/off stress in extreme heat, better dehumidification (which matters in monsoon season), and meaningfully lower electricity bills for homeowners who run their system 10+ hours per day all summer. At a $12,000–$14,000 installed cost for a 3-ton system versus $8,500–$10,000 for a comparable Carrier Infinity, you are looking at a $3,000–$5,000 upfront delta. At current NV Energy rates, a homeowner running 3,500 hours per year who upgrades from a 16 SEER to a 28 SEER system saves $600–$900 per year in electricity. The premium pays back in 4–7 years, after which you are pocketing the savings for the next decade of system life.
For entry-tier systems, the Lennox premium is harder to justify. The Lennox XC13 at $6,500–$8,000 installed delivers similar real-world performance to a Carrier 24ACC at $6,000–$7,500 or a Trane XR13 at $6,200–$7,800. In that tier, buying the best installation matters more than the brand on the cabinet.
Goodman and Budget Brands: The Real Story
Goodman (which shares engineering and manufacturing with Amana) is the most commonly installed budget brand in Las Vegas. At $5,000–$7,800 for a 3-ton system, it undercuts Lennox and Carrier by $2,000–$4,000. Goodman's lifetime compressor warranty is genuinely attractive.
Our honest assessment: Goodman equipment performs acceptably in moderate climates. In Las Vegas, where a system runs 2,500–3,500 hours per year in ambient temperatures that regularly exceed 110°F, the quality gap becomes more apparent. We see more compressor failures, more capacitor replacements, and more refrigerant leak callbacks on budget systems than on Lennox, Carrier, or Trane. The warranty covers the compressor, but not the labor to replace it — which in Las Vegas in July runs $500–$1,200. Over a 15-year system life, the total cost of ownership often converges or favors the premium brand.
AC Replacement Cost by Efficiency Tier
The SEER2 rating — Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio version 2 — is the primary efficiency metric used to compare AC systems. Higher SEER2 means lower operating costs but higher upfront cost. The Southwest federal minimum as of 2026 is 14.3 SEER2. Here is how efficiency tiers affect both upfront cost and long-term savings for a typical 3-ton Las Vegas system running 3,000 hours per year.
| Efficiency Tier | SEER2 Range | Added Cost vs. Base (3-ton) | Annual Energy Cost (est.) | Annual Savings vs. Base | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Minimum | 14.3–15.9 SEER2 | Baseline | $1,450–$1,650 | — | — |
| Mid-Efficiency | 16.0–19.9 SEER2 | +$800–$1,500 | $1,200–$1,400 | $250–$450 | 3–5 years |
| High Efficiency | 20.0–23.9 SEER2 | +$1,500–$3,000 | $1,000–$1,200 | $450–$650 | 4–6 years |
| Ultra-High Efficiency | 24.0+ SEER2 | +$3,000–$6,000 | $800–$1,000 | $650–$850 | 5–8 years |
Energy cost estimates assume a 3-ton system, 3,000 annual cooling hours, and NV Energy residential rates averaging $0.12–$0.14 per kWh with tiered summer rates. Actual savings vary significantly based on home insulation, thermostat setpoints, and occupancy patterns.
One critical point: SEER2 is measured at 82°F outdoor temperature for the "full load" test point, not 115°F. In Las Vegas, the more relevant metric is EER2 (Energy Efficiency Ratio version 2), which measures efficiency at a single high-load operating point. When comparing systems for Las Vegas, always ask for EER2 data alongside SEER2. A system with an impressive SEER2 rating but a low EER2 number was engineered to score well on the test rather than perform in the desert.
Labor Costs and What Drives Them in Las Vegas
Labor accounts for $2,000–$4,000 of a typical Las Vegas AC replacement quote. This is 10–20% higher than national averages, driven by several factors specific to the Las Vegas market.
Why Las Vegas Labor Rates Are Higher
The Las Vegas HVAC labor market is extremely tight. Nevada requires an NV C-21 Air Conditioning Contractor License, which demands four years of documented field experience and passing a state exam. The combination of licensing requirements and the 3,000+ hours per year of AC demand creates year-round full employment for qualified technicians. During peak summer, licensed HVAC technicians in Las Vegas can earn $35–$55 per hour, and many contractors pay overtime premiums from May through September.
Emergency and weekend labor carries additional premiums. After-hours emergency service in Las Vegas typically adds $150–$350 to a repair or replacement call. This is a legitimate cost — your contractor is either paying overtime to dispatched technicians or maintaining a standby crew — but it is avoidable if you plan your replacement before a failure occurs.
What a Quality Installation Includes
A properly executed AC replacement in Las Vegas includes more labor hours than many homeowners realize. Beyond physically swapping the equipment, a quality installation includes: pulling the required Clark County mechanical permit, performing a Manual J load calculation or verifying the existing one, evacuating and recovering the old refrigerant (required by EPA Section 608), commissioning the new system with verified airflow, verified refrigerant charge using a manifold gauge set, and verifying thermostat operation. Inspecting and sealing accessible duct connections is standard on a quality installation. Total on-site time for a straightforward replacement runs 6–10 hours for a two-person crew.
Red flags in a low-ball quote: no permit listed, no commissioning mentioned, extremely short installation time estimates. A quote that is $1,500–$2,000 below comparable quotes almost always cuts corners on one of these items.
Permit Costs and Why Pulling a Permit Matters
Mechanical permits in Clark County (Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas) for AC replacement run $150–$350 for a residential system. Some contractors skip the permit to reduce their quote and speed up scheduling. This is a mistake that falls on the homeowner, not the contractor.
Unpermitted HVAC work creates several problems. First, your homeowner's insurance may deny a claim related to the unpermitted system. Second, if you sell your home, unpermitted work must be disclosed, can kill the sale, or require after-the-fact permitting at significant expense. Third, a permitted installation is inspected by a licensed county inspector who catches mistakes — wrong refrigerant charge, improper electrical connections, code-violating installations — before they become failures. In Las Vegas heat, HVAC failures have real safety consequences. Always confirm your contractor will pull a permit. It is required by law for a reason.
Ductwork Costs: When Replacement Requires More Than the Unit
Approximately 30–40% of Las Vegas AC replacements involve some ductwork work. Older homes with leaking, undersized, or deteriorated ductwork cannot realize the full benefit of a new high-efficiency system if conditioned air is leaking into the attic before it reaches the living space. Common ductwork issues in Las Vegas include flexible duct that has collapsed, disconnected sections, and R-6 insulation that has degraded in attic temperatures of 150°F+.
| Ductwork Service | Cost Range | When Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Duct sealing (mastic or foil tape, accessible sections) | $350–$800 | Almost always beneficial in homes 15+ years old |
| Duct sealing (full system, aeroseal or complete mastic) | $1,200–$2,500 | When blower door test shows duct leakage above 15% |
| Flex duct section replacement (per section) | $300–$600 | Collapsed, disconnected, or kinked flexible duct |
| Partial duct replacement (major trunk lines) | $1,500–$4,000 | Severely undersized or deteriorated main ducts |
| Full duct replacement (complete system) | $3,500–$8,000 | Systems 25+ years old or severely leaking |
| Return air modification (undersized return) | $500–$1,500 | Single return serving multiple zones; short-cycling issues |
| Supply register adjustment / balancing | $200–$600 | Hot/cold spots; rooms that won't cool adequately |
Our recommendation: any Las Vegas home with ductwork older than 15 years should have duct leakage tested before finalizing the replacement quote. The national average home loses 20–30% of conditioned air to duct leakage. In Las Vegas, where that leaking air is going into a 150°F attic, the energy waste is severe. Sealing ducts at the time of replacement adds cost but reduces it over the life of the system through energy savings and reduced cooling loads.
NV Energy Rebates: Up to $2,000 Back
NV Energy's Home Energy Efficiency rebate program offers cash rebates on qualifying HVAC equipment. These are available to NV Energy residential customers — the vast majority of Las Vegas homes. Rebate amounts as of 2026:
| Equipment Type | Minimum Efficiency | Rebate Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Central Air Conditioner | 17.0 SEER2 or higher | $300–$700 |
| Central Air Conditioner (ultra-high) | 21.0 SEER2 or higher | $700–$1,200 |
| Heat Pump (ducted) | 17.0 SEER2 / 9.0 HSPF2 | $500–$1,000 |
| Heat Pump (high efficiency) | 20.0+ SEER2 / 9.5+ HSPF2 | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Smart Thermostat | ENERGY STAR certified | $75–$100 |
NV Energy rebates are applied after installation. Your contractor submits the rebate application on your behalf or provides you with the documentation to submit it yourself. Rebates typically arrive within 6–10 weeks of a complete application. Confirm with your contractor before installation that the specific model you are purchasing qualifies — not all units at a given SEER2 rating are on NV Energy's qualified product list.
Federal Tax Credits: Up to $2,000 Under Section 25C
The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C of the IRS code) provides a tax credit — not a deduction, but a direct reduction in your tax bill — for qualifying HVAC upgrades. Unlike a deduction, a tax credit reduces your tax liability dollar for dollar.
For 2026, the 25C credit covers:
- Central air conditioners: 30% of cost up to $600 maximum credit (must meet or exceed CEE Tier 1 efficiency levels: 16.0 SEER2 / 12.0 EER2 / 12.0 CEER2 for split systems)
- Heat pumps: 30% of cost up to $2,000 maximum credit (must meet CEE Advanced Tier: 20.0+ SEER2 / 10.0+ EER2 / 10.5+ HSPF2 for split systems)
- Air handlers: 30% of cost up to $600 (must be certified by AHRI with qualifying outdoor unit)
The heat pump 25C credit is particularly valuable — up to $2,000 off your federal taxes. This is separate from the NV Energy rebate and can be stacked with it. Claim the credit on IRS Form 5695. Keep the AHRI certificate, manufacturer's certification statement, and your paid receipt. Your contractor should provide these documents. If they do not offer them, ask explicitly.
ROI Calculations: When a New System Pays for Itself
The total cost of an AC replacement is not just the installation quote — it is the installation quote minus the rebates and tax credits, plus the energy cost difference between your old and new system over the system's life, minus any avoided repair costs on the old system.
Scenario 1: Replacing a 15-Year-Old 14 SEER System with a New 20 SEER2
Installation cost: $8,500 (3-ton, mid-efficiency tier)
NV Energy rebate: -$700
Federal 25C credit: -$600
Net cost: $7,200
Annual energy savings: 14 SEER to 20 SEER2 on a 3-ton system running 3,000 hours/year at $0.13/kWh = approximately $450/year
Simple payback: 7,200 / 450 = 16 years
System life remaining: 15–18 years
Conclusion: Marginal on pure energy savings alone, but the old 14 SEER system at 15 years old is approaching the end of its service life and likely has deferred maintenance costs. The replacement eliminates future repair risk and the certainty of a mid-summer failure.
Scenario 2: Replacing a 12-Year-Old 16 SEER System with a New 26 SEER2 Heat Pump
Installation cost: $11,500 (3-ton heat pump, premium tier)
NV Energy rebate: -$1,500
Federal 25C heat pump credit: -$2,000
Net cost: $8,000
Annual energy savings: 16 SEER to 26 SEER2 plus elimination of gas heating costs = approximately $700–$900/year combined
Simple payback: 8,000 / 800 = 10 years
System life remaining: 15–18 years
Conclusion: The heat pump upgrade with stacked incentives delivers compelling economics, particularly if your home currently heats with gas and you want to transition. See our Best Heat Pumps for Las Vegas 2026 guide for a full heat pump comparison.
When Replacement Costs Less Than Repair
The most common question we hear from homeowners facing an unexpected repair bill is whether to repair or replace. We use a structured framework rather than a gut-feel answer, because the right answer genuinely depends on the specific situation.
The 5,000-Rule for Las Vegas
Multiply the system's age (in years) by the repair cost. If the result exceeds $5,000, replacement is almost always the better choice. Example: a 10-year-old system with a $600 repair quote = $6,000 — replace. An 8-year-old system with a $400 compressor capacitor replacement = $3,200 — repair. This rule is more aggressive than the commonly cited rule for milder climates because Las Vegas systems age faster and fail more completely in extreme heat.
Specific Situations Favoring Replacement
- Compressor failure on systems 10+ years old. A compressor replacement runs $1,800–$3,500 installed. On a system with 5 years of life remaining, you are paying most of a new system's cost for 5 years of continued use with the same reliability risk. Replace.
- R-22 systems needing refrigerant. R-22 was phased out in 2020 and now costs $50–$150 per pound from recovered stock. An R-22 system needing more than 2 pounds of refrigerant ($200–$300 in refrigerant alone, plus $400–$800 leak repair) is a strong replacement candidate regardless of age.
- Any system over 15 years old needing any repair over $500. The system is in its final years. Investing in it rarely returns the value of the investment.
- Systems with multiple component failures in the past 24 months. The capacitor, the contactor, the fan motor, the circuit board — when multiple components are failing, it indicates the system as a whole is at end of life. The next failure is always imminent.
Specific Situations Favoring Repair
- Systems under 8 years old with minor failures. Capacitors ($150–$300), contactors ($200–$350), and thermostat issues ($200–$500) on young systems are worth repairing. These are normal wear items.
- Systems with recent major investments. If you replaced the compressor 3 years ago and the condenser fan motor fails today, repair. You effectively have a partially rebuilt system.
- Off-season failures. A furnace failure in October or a refrigerant leak discovered in February is worth repairing if the system is otherwise in good shape. You have time to shop and the repair extends a system that has plenty of life.
Seasonal Pricing: When to Replace for the Lowest Cost
Las Vegas HVAC replacement pricing follows a clear seasonal pattern driven by contractor demand.
| Season | Typical Pricing vs. Average | Scheduling Availability | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (June–August) | +10% to +20% | Limited — 2-5 day wait minimum | Emergency only; negotiate hard |
| Spring (March–May) | At or slightly below average | Good — next-day to 3 days | Best time for planned replacement |
| Fall (September–October) | At or slightly below average | Good — next-day to 2 days | Excellent for planned replacement |
| Winter (November–February) | -5% to -10% | Excellent — often next-day | Best pricing; plan if possible |
If your system is showing signs of impending failure — short-cycling, reduced airflow, refrigerant issues, unusual noises — the single best financial decision you can make is scheduling a replacement consultation in spring or fall rather than waiting for a failure in July. The difference in quote pricing combined with the difference in installation quality (an unhurried installation is a better installation) often totals $1,000–$2,000 in value.
Financing Options for AC Replacement
Most Las Vegas homeowners finance AC replacement. The full cost of $7,500–$14,000 is a significant outlay, and most households have competing demands on their savings. For a complete breakdown of financing options, rates, and total cost of ownership calculations, see our HVAC Financing Guide 2026. A summary of key options:
- Contractor financing: Many HVAC contractors, including us, offer 0% financing for 18–24 months on qualifying systems through third-party lenders (GreenSky, Synchrony, Service Finance). After the promotional period, rates jump to 17–26.99% APR. Pay off the balance before the promotional period ends.
- Personal loans: Available at 7–15% APR for borrowers with good credit (700+ FICO) in 2026. Rates from LightStream, SoFi, and Marcus are competitive for this purpose.
- Home equity: HELOC or home equity loan rates run 7–9% APR in 2026. The interest may be tax-deductible if used for home improvement. Best option for homeowners with significant equity who want a longer repayment term.
- PACE financing: Property Assessed Clean Energy programs allow financing of energy-efficient upgrades repaid through property taxes. Available in Nevada; confirm with Clark County assessor. Be aware that PACE liens have super-priority status that can complicate refinancing.
Getting Accurate Quotes: What to Require
An accurate replacement quote for a Las Vegas home must include: the specific model numbers of all equipment (outdoor unit, indoor air handler or coil, thermostat), the system's SEER2 and EER2 ratings, whether the quote includes a permit, the disposal fee for the old unit, the refrigerant charge specification (weight or superheat/subcooling target), any ductwork work included, the workmanship warranty period, and the estimated install date. If a quote does not include model numbers, it is not a quote — it is an estimate.
When comparing quotes, always compare the same manufacturer system tier, not just price. A $2,000 difference between Quote A (Lennox SL28XCV) and Quote B (Lennox XC21) is not the same as a $2,000 difference between two quotes for the identical Lennox XC21 — the first comparison reflects different equipment, the second reflects different contractor margins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost to replace an AC in Las Vegas in 2026?
The average AC replacement cost for a Las Vegas home in 2026 is $7,500–$14,000 fully installed, including equipment, labor, permit, and refrigerant. This is higher than the national average of $5,500–$10,500 due to higher labor costs, longer operating seasons, and the larger system sizes Las Vegas homes require. Smaller homes (under 1,200 sq ft) can get quality replacements for $5,200–$8,500. Larger homes (2,500+ sq ft) with premium equipment can exceed $17,000.
Does AC replacement cost more in summer in Las Vegas?
Yes. Summer emergency replacements in Las Vegas typically run 10–20% higher than spring or fall installations, reflecting both higher contractor demand and the pricing power that comes with a homeowner in a 115°F heat emergency. Beyond the price premium, rushed summer installations are more likely to have commissioning shortcuts. If your system is showing warning signs, schedule a replacement consultation now rather than waiting for a failure.
How much can I save with NV Energy rebates and federal tax credits?
Combining NV Energy rebates ($300–$2,000 depending on system type and efficiency) with the federal Section 25C tax credit (up to $600 for central AC, up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pumps) can reduce your net replacement cost by $900–$4,000. To maximize incentives, choose a system that qualifies for both — typically a high-efficiency heat pump at 20.0+ SEER2 and 10.5+ HSPF2. Confirm specific model qualification before purchase, as not all units at a given efficiency level are on both NV Energy's and CEE's qualified product lists.
Is it worth replacing my AC before it fails completely?
In Las Vegas, almost always yes. Planned replacement allows you to: schedule in spring or fall (lower prices and better installation quality), choose equipment rather than accepting whatever is in stock during a July emergency, maximize rebates and tax credits, and avoid the health and safety risks of being without AC in extreme desert heat. If your system is 12+ years old and showing any symptoms — reduced cooling, frequent cycling, refrigerant loss — get a replacement assessment now.
What size AC do I need for a 2,000-square-foot Las Vegas home?
A 2,000-square-foot Las Vegas home typically requires a 3.5-ton to 4-ton system, compared to 3-ton that the same home might use in a milder climate. The exact size depends on insulation levels, window area and orientation, attic conditions, ceiling height, and occupancy. A proper Manual J load calculation at 115°F design temperature is required for accurate sizing. Never accept a sizing recommendation based solely on square footage.
How long does AC replacement take in Las Vegas?
A standard residential AC replacement — swapping an existing split system for a new one using the existing duct system — takes 6–10 hours for a two-person crew. This includes equipment removal, installation, electrical connections, refrigerant charging, and system commissioning. Adding new ductwork extends the timeline by 4–16 hours depending on scope. Most Las Vegas contractors schedule replacement jobs as full-day installations.
What permits are required for AC replacement in Las Vegas?
A Clark County mechanical permit is required for all AC replacements in Las Vegas and unincorporated Clark County. Henderson and North Las Vegas have their own permitting offices with similar requirements. Permits run $150–$350 for residential systems. Your licensed HVAC contractor should pull the permit on your behalf — it is a red flag if a contractor suggests skipping the permit to save money. Uninspected HVAC work can affect your homeowner's insurance coverage and creates problems at sale.
Need AC Replacement Service in Las Vegas?
We have been replacing air conditioners in the Las Vegas Valley since 2011. As a Lennox Premier Dealer with 740+ Google reviews and a 4.9/5 rating, we provide transparent, itemized quotes and stand behind our installations with a workmanship warranty. We pull permits, perform proper load calculations, commission every system, and handle all rebate paperwork.
Call (702) 567-0707 for a free in-home assessment and detailed quote. Or explore our related resources:
- AC Replacement Services
- New AC Installation
- HVAC Financing Options
- Complete Guide to Replacing Your Air Conditioner in 2026
- Best Air Conditioners for Extreme Heat — Las Vegas 2026
- Top 25 Air Conditioning Brands of 2026
- HVAC Financing Guide 2026