TL;DR: Replacing your AC in Northwest Arkansas typically runs $7k–$15k depending on size, efficiency, and ductwork. Franklin offers free in-home replacement quotes — no pressure, no commission games — and we install the brands and tiers we'd put in our own homes.
Air conditioning replacement & installation in NWA
In Northwest Arkansas and need a new AC? Franklin can help. Replacement quotes are free, the process is fast, and we'll lay out every option clearly so you can make the call that's right for your home and budget.
Tips for saving money
Replacing an AC unit is a huge and oftentimes scary investment for most people. Like many investments though, you can save a lot of money on it if you do it right. The following are steps we'd recommend everybody take if considering replacement of an aging or broken AC unit.
1. Get all the utility rebates you can. Local utilities like SWEPCO and Black Hills offer thousands of dollars in rebates for buying energy efficient AC systems. The rebates are especially large if you decide to buy a heat pump (an extremely efficient type of air conditioner). Give our rebate calculator a spin to see how much you may be eligible for. You can also check out our page here for a complete list of local rebates.
2. Think hard on repair vs replacement. A lot of people get stuck in the predicament of having to choose between an expensive repair for an aging system vs just getting a new system. A couple things need to be considered:
- Age of your system. The average AC unit in the United States lasts 18 years with heat pumps lasting a bit less at 15 years. If you're close to that, you may strongly consider replacement. If not, repairing your current unit may be the way to go. Keep in mind that if your system is “builder grade” (was installed with the house), it may only last 10–12 years.
- Type of refrigerant in your system. If your system uses R-22 refrigerant and the issue is refrigerant related, it's unlikely you'll be able to get it repaired. R-22 was banned from manufacturing on January 1, 2020 and is no longer available at area supply houses.
3. Get multiple quotes. “Duh,” I know, but you'd be surprised how many people just get one quote for an AC replacement. Always play it safe and get two or three quotes to make sure no one is trying to take you for a ride. You can also read our post here on how much it costs to replace an AC system in Northwest Arkansas. It has real quotes, utility bills pre and post change-out, and more.
What is a heat pump?
Heat pumps are basically air conditioners that are able to work in reverse. A normal AC takes heat from the inside of your home and puts it outside. A heat pump does the opposite — it takes heat from the outside and puts it inside your home, making it much more efficient than a normal HVAC system. For a great visual explainer on how heat pumps work, see this video here.