How much does HVAC cost in Fort Lauderdale?
By Our research team · Last verified · Methodology
Most Fort Lauderdale homeowners pay $4,000–$9,000 to replace a central AC sized at 3 tons on ducts you already have. $6,200 is typical, and a single-zone 12,000 BTU mini-split is $2,500–$5,600.
How we get this data- Typical
- $6,200
- Low end
- $3,000
- High end
- $13,500
Want an exact price for your job?
Tell us the job. Casey checks it by text, then up to 2 local HVAC contractors send you a real quote. Free, no obligation.
Get my fair quote →The typical Fort Lauderdale price is $6,200, in line with the US typical of $6,200.
Fort Lauderdale's price band
Fort Lauderdale is pricier than 78% of the 195 US metros we price for HVAC work.
Expect $4,000–$9,000 for a new 3-ton central AC in Fort Lauderdale and $6,200 for a typical job. Homes without ducts usually go ductless: $4,500–$10,000 for two zones and $8,000–$18,000 for four.
Broward runs AC nearly all year, salt air near the coast is hard on outdoor coils, and Florida's code requires outdoor units to be secured against hurricane winds. Under the federal Southeast standard, a new split central AC under 45,000 BTU must be at least 14.3 SEER2.
Prices on this page are installed: equipment, labor, removal of the old unit and startup. A permit ($100–$250), a new line set ($200–$650) or duct repairs may be extra, so ask. Labor is usually 40–60% of the bill.
Comparing cities, or after the US-wide picture? See the national guide: HVAC cost in the USA.
$4,000–$9,000 to replace a 3-ton central AC on existing ducts in Fort Lauderdale, installed — $6,200 typical. A heat pump runs $5,500–$12,500, a gas furnace $2,800–$8,000, and AC + furnace together $6,500–$16,000. Verified November 2026. Get free Fort Lauderdale quotes →
- 3-ton central AC on existing ducts: $4,000–$9,000 ($6,200 typical)
- Heat pump, 3-ton: $5,500–$12,500; gas furnace: $2,800–$8,000
- AC + furnace together: $6,500–$16,000
- Mini-split: $2,500–$5,600 for one 12,000 BTU zone, $8,000–$18,000 for four
- Downtown, Flagler Village & FAT Village runs 5–10% above the city average; Hollywood & Pembroke Pines: standard pricing
Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 45+ American pricing sources · See methodology
Installed prices for the Fort Lauderdale metro, re-verified November 2026. Equipment-heavy jobs move less with local labor costs than service calls do.
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central AC replacement, 3-ton (existing ducts)installed | $4,000installed | $6,200 | $9,000 |
| Central AC + gas furnace, replaced togetherinstalled | $6,500installed | $9,800 | $16,000 |
| Heat pump replacement, 3-ton (existing ducts)installed | $5,500installed | $8,000 | $12,500 |
| Central heat pump, high-efficiency with zoning (3-ton)installed | $10,000installed | $14,500 | $21,000 |
| Gas furnace replacement (80–96% AFUE)installed | $2,800installed | $4,600 | $8,000 |
| Ductless mini-split, 1 zone, 9,000 BTUinstalled | $2,200installed | $3,300 | $4,800 |
| Ductless mini-split, 1 zone, 12,000 BTUinstalled | $2,500installed | $3,900 | $5,600 |
| Ductless mini-split, 1 zone, 18,000 BTUinstalled | $3,200installed | $5,000 | $7,200 |
| Ductless mini-split, 1 zone, 24,000 BTUinstalled | $3,800installed | $6,200 | $8,800 |
| Ductless mini-split, 1 zone, 30,000–36,000 BTUinstalled | $4,800installed | $7,800 | $11,500 |
| Multi-zone mini-split, 2 zonesinstalled | $4,500installed | $6,500 | $10,000 |
| Multi-zone mini-split, 4 zonesinstalled | $8,000installed | $12,000 | $18,000 |
| Like-for-like AC swap: same-size mini-split, existing line setinstalled | $2,300installed | $3,500 | $5,200 |
| Install only: homeowner-supplied mini-split, 1 zonelabor only | $500labor only | $1,100 | $2,000 |
| Evaporative (swamp) cooler, roof-mountedinstalled | $1,300installed | $2,300 | $3,600 |
| Ductwork replacement, whole houseinstalled | $2,500installed | $5,500 | $9,500 |
| AC compressor replacement (out of warranty)per repair | $1,300per repair | $2,100 | $3,000 |
| AC repair, major: refrigerant leak fix + rechargeper repair | $600per repair | $1,300 | $2,500 |
| AC repair, minor: capacitor, contactor or drain lineper repair | $150per repair | $300 | $600 |
| AC tune-upper visit | $75per visit | $110 | $200 |
| Whole-system HVAC tune-up (AC + furnace)per year | $150per year | $230 | $450 |
| Duct cleaning, whole houseper home | $300per home | $450 | $700 |
| Smart thermostat, installedinstalled | $200installed | $300 | $450 |
| Old AC or furnace removal and disposalper unit | $100per unit | $250 | $500 |
Got it as a PDF or photo? Upload up to 3 quotes and compare →
Get free quotes from up to 2 local HVAC contractors in Fort Lauderdale
Free · No obligation · About a minute
- 1The job
- 2Budget
- 3Your details
What do you need a price on?
Tap one to start.
What's your rough budget?
A ballpark is fine. It helps the HVAC contractors who reply.
Where should they text you?
- Max 2 HVAC contractors. No call floods.
- 100% free. No obligation.
- 🔒 Only your matched HVAC contractors see your number.
By continuing, you agree to our Terms and to up to 2 HVAC contractors contacting you by phone or text.
Check your phone
Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 45+ American pricing sources · See methodology
Figures are for the Fort Lauderdale metro area in November 2026. Rural edges may add trip fees; Downtown, Flagler Village & FAT Village sits at the top of these ranges.
HVAC prices across Fort Lauderdale
Where you live changes the quote. Downtown, Flagler Village & FAT Village costs the most because of access and older buildings; Hollywood & Pembroke Pines usually comes in at or under the city typical.
Downtown, Flagler Village & FAT Village
- Installed
- $4,200–$9,900 installed
- Typical job
- $5,850–$7,850 / 3-ton AC swap
Older homes and mid-rise buildings. A like-for-like condenser swap is routine, but rooftop units and long line runs push quotes toward the top of the range.
Lauderhill & Lauderdale Lakes
- Installed
- $4,100–$9,450 installed
- Typical job
- $5,700–$7,500 / 3-ton AC swap
A mix of renovated older homes and newer builds. Ductless mini-splits are common where old houses never had ducts.
Hollywood & Pembroke Pines
- Installed
- $4,000–$9,000 installed
- Typical job
- $5,600–$7,150 / 3-ton AC swap
Established neighborhoods of single-family homes. Most jobs are a standard swap at the city's typical price.
Pompano, Coral Springs & Boca
- Installed
- $4,000–$9,550 installed
- Typical job
- $5,600–$7,550 / 3-ton AC swap
Larger homes on easy lots. The ton count drives the price more than access, and two-system homes are common.
Real-world HVAC costs in Fort Lauderdale
Here's what common HVAC jobs cost in Fort Lauderdale in 2026, a 3-ton central AC replacement on existing ducts, installed.
Swap a 3-ton AC on good ducts
Same spot, same size, matched indoor coil, old unit hauled away. Most Fort Lauderdale jobs land near $6,200; a 17+ SEER2 unit adds about $2,100.
Replace the AC and gas furnace together
The usual move when both are 15+ years old. One install, one warranty, a matched system. Typical is $9,800.
Switch from AC + furnace to a heat pump
A 3-ton heat pump on existing ducts, typically $8,000. Keeping the furnace as backup (dual-fuel) runs $7,100–$17,000.
Cool one room with a mini-split
A 12,000 BTU single-zone mini-split for a bedroom, office or addition, typically $3,900. A 9,000 BTU unit for a small room is $2,200–$4,800.
Cool a whole home with no ducts
A 4-zone ductless system, typically $12,000. Adding ducts for central AC instead costs $2,500–$9,500 before the equipment.
How much does HVAC cost in Fort Lauderdale?
Between $4,000 and $9,000 for a 3-ton central AC on existing ducts, and most Fort Lauderdale homeowners pay close to $6,200. Size, efficiency and access set the number: a basic 14.3 SEER2 swap in an easy spot sits at the bottom, and a 20+ SEER2 variable-speed system with an attic air handler sits at the top.
Heating changes the math. A gas furnace alone runs $2,800–$8,000, a 3-ton heat pump $5,500–$12,500, and replacing the AC and furnace together $6,500–$16,000. For Fort Lauderdale's climate, a heat pump or central AC is the usual fit.
Central AC, heat pump and furnace prices in Fort Lauderdale (2026)
A 3-ton central AC runs $4,000–$9,000, a 3-ton heat pump $5,500–$12,500, and a gas furnace $2,800–$8,000, all installed.
| Line on the quote | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central AC replacement, 3-ton (existing ducts) | $4,000 | $6,200 | $9,000 |
| Heat pump, 3-ton (existing ducts) | $5,500 | $8,000 | $12,500 |
| Gas furnace (80–96% AFUE) | $2,800 | $4,600 | $8,000 |
| Central AC + gas furnace together | $6,500 | $9,800 | $16,000 |
| Mini-split, 1 zone, 12,000 BTU | $2,500 | $3,900 | $5,600 |
| Mini-split, 2 zones | $4,500 | $6,500 | $10,000 |
| Mini-split, 4 zones | $8,000 | $12,000 | $18,000 |
| Ductwork replacement, whole house | $2,500 | $5,500 | $9,500 |
AC or heat pump in Fort Lauderdale? A heat pump costs about $1,800 more than a 3-ton AC at the typical price, but it also replaces your heating. If your furnace is old, compare a heat pump with the $9,800 AC + furnace swap, not with the AC alone.
What moves an HVAC quote in Fort Lauderdale:
- Size: a 2-ton system runs about $5,200 and a 5-ton about $8,700 at the typical price. Ask for a Manual J load calculation.
- Efficiency: the minimum here is 14.3 SEER2; a 17+ SEER2 two-stage unit adds about $2,100.
- Access: attic air handlers, rooftop condensers and tight closets add labor, most often in Downtown, Flagler Village & FAT Village.
- Line set and coil: a new line set runs $200–$650, and the indoor coil has to match the new refrigerant.
- Season: spring and fall bring the best prices; a breakdown during a summer heat wave brings the worst.
Ask every Fort Lauderdale contractor for the same things: tonnage, SEER2 rating, model numbers for both the outdoor and indoor units, and whether the permit and line set are included. Compare those, not just the total. Get a quote for your heating and cooling work →
HVAC cost in Fort Lauderdale by home size
About $5,600 for a 2.5-ton AC (1,000–1,600 sq ft), $6,200 for 3 tons (1,600–2,000 sq ft), and $7,650–$8,700 for 4–5 tons in homes over 2,500 sq ft, typical Fort Lauderdale prices on existing ducts.
Worked example: a 2,000 sq ft Fort Lauderdale home with a 16-year-old AC and furnace. Replacing both runs about $9,800; switching to a 3-ton heat pump on the same ducts runs about $8,000; replacing only the AC is $6,200 but leaves an old furnace in place.
Homes over 2,500 sq ft or with two floors often have two systems or zoning. A high-efficiency zoned heat pump runs $10,000–$21,000, and adding zoning to an existing system $1,700–$4,500.
Fort Lauderdale HVAC costs by system type
| System type | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Central AC, 3-ton (existing ducts) | $4,000–$9,000 installed | Homes with sound ducts and a furnace or air handler to pair with |
| Ductless mini-split, single zone (9,000–18,000 BTU) | $2,200–$7,200 installed | One room, an addition, or a home with no ducts |
| Multi-zone ductless mini-split (2–4 zones) | $4,500–$18,000 installed | Whole homes with no ducts, room-by-room control |
| Heat pump, 3-ton ducted (heats and cools) | $5,500–$12,500 installed | Mild and hot climates; replacing an AC and electric heat |
| Gas furnace + AC, replaced together | $6,500–$16,000 installed | Cold climates with natural gas and old equipment on both sides |
| Gas furnace only (80–96% AFUE) | $2,800–$8,000 installed | When the AC is newer than the furnace |
| Dual-fuel: heat pump + gas furnace | $7,100–$17,000 installed | Cold climates: electric heat most days, gas on the coldest |
| Cold-climate heat pump, 3-ton ducted | $9,500–$24,000 installed | Northern homes leaving gas, oil or propane |
| Central heat pump, high-efficiency with zoning | $10,000–$21,000 installed | Big or two-story homes with hot and cold rooms |
| Evaporative (swamp) cooler, roof-mounted | $1,300–$3,600 installed | Dry Western climates only |
| Geothermal heat pump (ground loop) | $15,000–$35,000 installed | Large lots and long stays in one home |
| Window or through-the-wall AC | $210–$1,200 installed | Single rooms and renters; cheapest way to cool |
Equipment vs installation: the Fort Lauderdale AC bill
On a typical $6,200 3-ton swap in Fort Lauderdale, the condenser and matched coil are roughly $2,500–$3,700 and the rest is labor, materials, the permit and overhead. Labor usually makes up 40–60% of an AC replacement.
Buying the unit yourself rarely saves much: many contractors won't install customer-supplied equipment, and the ones who do charge $500–$2,000 or more for a mini-split and won't cover the parts. Brand warranties often require a licensed installer.
What's included in a Fort Lauderdale AC replacement (and what costs extra)
A standard replacement quote covers the outdoor unit, a matched indoor coil, refrigerant, connection to your existing ducts and wiring, removal of the old unit, and startup. Common extras:
- Permit and inspection: $100–$250, often built into the quote
- New refrigerant line set: $200–$650 if the old one can't be reused
- New condenser pad: $40–$250
- Electrical panel upgrade: $850–$4,000, mostly when adding a heat pump or more capacity
Ask for the AHRI certificate showing the matched rating of your outdoor and indoor units. It proves the system you paid for is the one that was installed.
Fort Lauderdale's climate
Broward runs AC nearly all year, salt air near the coast is hard on outdoor coils, and Florida's code requires outdoor units to be secured against hurricane winds. Under the federal Southeast standard, a new split central AC under 45,000 BTU must be at least 14.3 SEER2.
System size
Each ton adds equipment cost: about $5,200 for 2 tons and $7,650 for 4 tons at the typical Fort Lauderdale price. A Manual J load calculation often shows a smaller system will do.
Efficiency rating
The federal minimum for a new split AC here is 14.3 SEER2 for units under about 3.75 tons, and 13.8 SEER2 for bigger units. Higher ratings cost more upfront and pay back fastest where AC runs most of the year.
New refrigerants
New systems use A2L refrigerants (R-454B or R-32), so the indoor coil must match the outdoor unit. That's why condenser-only swaps are rare now, and why older R-410A systems cost more to service.
Ducts and access
Leaky or undersized ducts, attic air handlers and rooftop condensers add hours. Whole-house duct replacement runs $2,500–$9,500.
Location: Downtown, Flagler Village & FAT Village vs Hollywood & Pembroke Pines
Downtown, Flagler Village & FAT Village jobs cost more because of access, parking and older buildings. Hollywood & Pembroke Pines quotes usually sit at or a little under the city typical.
Season and urgency
Replacing on your schedule in spring or fall is cheaper than an emergency swap in a heat wave. After-hours repair labor runs $160–$250 an hour.
- Get three quotes for the same system.Same tonnage, same SEER2 rating, model numbers on every quote. Fort Lauderdale quotes for the same 3-ton swap run anywhere from $4,000 to $9,000.
- Replace before it fails.If your system is 12–15+ years old, replace it in spring or fall. Emergency replacements in peak season leave no room to shop around.
- Right-size the system.Ask for a Manual J load calculation. An oversized AC costs more, cycles on and off, and leaves the house clammy.
- Check your utility for rebates.There is no federal tax credit for systems installed in 2026, but many utilities still pay rebates on efficient heat pumps and AC. Check before you sign; most require pre-approval or a listed contractor.
- Do the AC and furnace together if both are old.One install of both runs $6,500–$16,000, less than two separate jobs.
- Keep up with tune-ups.A yearly tune-up at $75–$200 catches weak capacitors and low refrigerant before they kill a compressor ($1,300–$3,000).
Before you pay a deposit to a Fort Lauderdale HVAC contractor, get these in writing:
- Tonnage and how it was sized (a Manual J load calculation)
- Model numbers for the outdoor unit and the indoor coil or air handler
- The matched SEER2 (and HSPF2 for a heat pump) rating
- Whether the line set is new, flushed or reused
- Permit, inspection and removal of the old unit
- Thermostat, pad, disconnect and any electrical work
- Parts and labor warranty terms, and who registers the equipment
- Total price, deposit, and start and finish dates
How much does it cost to replace a central AC in Fort Lauderdale?
$4,000–$9,000 for a 3-ton system on existing ducts, installed, with $6,200 typical in Fort Lauderdale. Higher-efficiency units, attic or rooftop installs and new line sets push it up.
How much does a heat pump cost in Fort Lauderdale?
$5,500–$12,500 for a 3-ton heat pump on existing ducts, about $8,000 typical. A high-efficiency zoned system runs $10,000–$21,000.
How much is a new furnace in Fort Lauderdale?
$2,800–$8,000 for a gas furnace installed, about $4,600 typical. With a new AC at the same time, $6,500–$16,000.
How much does a mini-split cost in Fort Lauderdale?
$2,500–$5,600 for a 12,000 BTU single zone, $4,500–$10,000 for two zones and $8,000–$18,000 for four.
How much is an AC tune-up in Fort Lauderdale?
$75–$200 per visit. A yearly plan for AC and furnace runs $150–$450.
How much does AC repair cost in Fort Lauderdale?
$150–$600 for common fixes like a capacitor or contactor. A refrigerant leak repair with recharge runs $600–$2,500, and a compressor $1,300–$3,000.
What size AC does a Fort Lauderdale home need?
As a rough guide, 2.5 tons covers about 1,000–1,600 sq ft and 3 tons about 1,600–2,000 sq ft, but insulation, windows and climate change that. Ask for a Manual J load calculation instead of matching the old unit.
Is there a tax credit for a new AC or heat pump in Fort Lauderdale?
No federal one for 2026: the 25C credit covered improvements made through December 31, 2025. Utility and state rebates may still apply, so check before you buy.
Do I need a permit to replace an AC in Fort Lauderdale?
Usually, yes. Most US cities and counties require a mechanical permit for an AC or furnace replacement, typically $100–$250, and a licensed contractor normally pulls it.
How much does it cost to add ducts in Fort Lauderdale?
$2,500–$9,500 for whole-house ductwork, before the AC or heat pump. In many older homes a multi-zone mini-split ($8,000–$18,000 for four zones) costs less.
Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 45+ American pricing sources · See methodology
Prices for the Fort Lauderdale metro area, November 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Get a fair HVAC quote in Fort Lauderdale
Local HVAC contractors · Free quotes · No obligation, no spam.