Central air conditioner replacement cost in Washington, DC
Installed, 3 ton (outdoor unit + matching coil)
A typical central AC (3 ton (outdoor unit + matching coil)) costs about $4,850 installed in the Washington area, 4% above the national figure, because HVAC technicians here earn a median $35 an hour against $29 nationally.
Prices by size in Washington
| Size | Low | Typical | High | National typical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 ton (outdoor unit + matching coil) | $3,250 | $3,600 | $4,750 | $3,500 |
| 3 ton (outdoor unit + matching coil) | $4,250 | $4,850 | $6,400 | $4,650 |
| 4 ton (outdoor unit + matching coil) | $5,650 | $6,250 | $8,150 | $6,000 |
| 5 ton (outdoor unit + matching coil) | $6,950 | $7,800 | $9,500 | $7,400 |
Local labor: what HVAC technicians earn here
| Hourly wage | Washington metro | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $28 | $23 |
| Median | $35 | $29 |
| 75th percentile | $43 | $37 |
The Washington market
In the District, the Department of Buildings (DOB) says new and replacement gas appliances and new and replacement HVAC equipment need a permit. Only DC contractors licensed in the specific trade may apply, and a Mechanical Instant Permit, which covers installing one new air conditioning unit up to 10 tons, can only be issued to licensed contractors. You schedule a DOB inspection once the work is done, and a permit goes invalid if it has no approved inspection within 12 months. The fee schedule lists $36 for the first furnace, $65 for the first residential central AC system up to 5 tons and a $20 minimum plus 10%. Row houses with boilers and radiators are common: EIA found boilers provide main heat in 22% of DC homes and heat pumps in 14%. Arlington, Alexandria and the Maryland suburbs follow their own county rules.
Central air runs in 68% of DC homes. Tight row-house lots often place the condenser on a roof or rear deck, which can add crane or rigging work. Ask whether that cost is in the quote and how the unit will be secured. Ask for a matched coil and a load calculation, and whether the line set will be reused. Get the tonnage in writing.
Permits in Washington
| Permit for this job | Yes (source) |
|---|---|
| Fee | Itemized: furnace or unit heater $36 first, $16 each additional; central AC up to 5 tons (residential) $65 first; plumbing fixture $26 first, $20 each additional; minimum permit fee $20 (+10% = $22). Instant permit fees 'average $36.30'. |
| Who can pull it | Licensed DC trade contractor only for plumbing/mechanical trade permits |
| Inspection | Yes |
Rebates in District of Columbia
HEAR: open with limits. HOMES: status unclear. Source: DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE), checked October 13, 2026.
- DC Sustainable Energy Utility residential rebates: Heat pump, HPWH and HVAC rebates at any income ('up to $5,000 off electric equipment' enhanced rebates)
What these programs cover, and other states
Other systems in Washington
- Gas tank water heater
- Gas tankless water heater
- Gas furnace
- Heat pump (ducted, outdoor unit + air handler)
Central air conditioner cost in other metros
Sources
- DC DOB: What projects require a permit
- DC DOB: Mechanical Instant Permits
- DC DOB permit fee schedule
- DC Sustainable Energy Utility: residential rebates
- DCSEU: Affordable Home Electrification Program
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for space heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for water heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for air conditioning in U.S. homes by state
- BLS OEWS May 2025, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV (49-9021 HVAC mechanics and installers)
- DOE Residential CAC & Heat Pumps Direct Final Rule TSD (Dec 2016), Table 8.2.30, split AC coil-only (2015$; 4-ton interpolated)