When it’s time to replace or install a 4-ton air conditioner, the first thing most homeowners ask is:
👉 “How much is this going to cost me?”
Here’s the truth: the condenser’s sticker price is only part of the story. A complete installation includes equipment, labor, line sets, electrical work, permits, and ongoing energy costs.
I’m Mike Sanders, and I’ve helped more than a few neighbors make sense of HVAC quotes. Some thought they were getting a $5,000 system, only to find the final bill closer to $12,000 once everything was factored in. This guide will help you avoid surprises by breaking down all the costs that go into a 4-ton AC in 2025.
By the end, you’ll know:
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The equipment cost ranges for Goodman, Trane, and Carrier.
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What installation and labor really add up to.
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How energy efficiency (SEER2) affects your bills over time.
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What the true 10-year cost of ownership looks like.
🏷️ Step 1: Equipment Costs
The first number you’ll see on a product page or quote is for the equipment itself. A 4-ton system usually includes:
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Outdoor condenser unit (sits outside your home).
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Indoor coil or air handler (pairs with your furnace or works standalone).
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Thermostat (basic or smart, depending on the package).
📊 Typical Equipment Pricing (2025):
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Goodman 4-Ton R-32 Condenser: $3,500–$4,500
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Trane 4-Ton: $4,500–$6,000
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Carrier 4-Ton: $5,000–$7,000
👉 If you’re replacing just the condenser, your costs will be lower. But if your indoor unit is older or incompatible with R-32 refrigerant, you’ll need a matched coil or air handler. Add $2,000–$3,500 for that.
📖 Verified source: HVAC.com – How Much Does a New AC Cost?.
🛠️ Step 2: Installation & Labor Costs
Here’s where homeowners get sticker shock. Labor and installation can equal—or even exceed—the cost of the equipment.
🧾 Why Installation Costs So Much
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Permits & inspections: Local codes require city permits.
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Labor hours: Two techs may work 1–2 full days for a swap.
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Old system removal: Hauling off the old R-22 or R-410A unit.
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Line set replacement: If your existing lines aren’t R-32 compatible, they must be swapped.
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Electrical work: Upgrading breakers, wiring, or disconnects.
📊 Typical Installation Costs (2025):
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Standard install (straight swap, minimal extras): $3,000–$4,500
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Complex install (ductwork, electrical upgrades, older homes): $5,000–$7,000
👉 Pro tip: Always ask your contractor if the quoted price includes permits, removal of old equipment, and electrical upgrades. Some bids leave those out.
⚡ Step 3: Electrical & Accessory Costs
Even if your breaker panel can handle it, you’ll likely need some accessory upgrades.
⚡ Electrical Work
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New breaker & wiring: $300–$800
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Disconnect box (required by code): $150–$300
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Grounding and bonding upgrades: $100–$250
🔧 Refrigerant Line Sets
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R-32 compatible line set (7/8" suction, 3/8" liquid line): $300–$800
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Insulation wrap: $50–$150
🪨 Pad & Mounting
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Composite pad: $100–$200
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Concrete pad: $150–$300
🌡️ Thermostat
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Standard digital thermostat: $100–$250
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Smart thermostat (Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell): $200–$400
📖 Verified source: This Old House – How Much Does HVAC Cost?.
🌬️ Step 4: Energy Use & SEER2 Efficiency
Once your system is installed, your monthly electric bill becomes the real cost driver. That’s where SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) ratings matter.
⚖️ SEER2 Ratings and Efficiency
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Goodman GLXS4BA4810 → 14.4 SEER2
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Trane Mid-Range 4 Ton → 16–18 SEER2
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Carrier Infinity Series 4 Ton → 18–20+ SEER2
📊 Annual Energy Costs (based on 1,600 hours/year at $0.14/kWh):
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14.4 SEER2 (Goodman): ~$1,000/year
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16 SEER2 (Trane): ~$900/year
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20 SEER2 (Carrier Infinity): ~$750/year
👉 Over 10 years, the Carrier saves about $2,500 in energy costs compared to a Goodman. But remember—you’ll pay more upfront.
📖 Verified source: Energy.gov – Understanding SEER2.
📊 Step 5: Total Installed Cost in 2025
Now let’s put it all together.
| Category | Goodman 4 Ton | Trane 4 Ton | Carrier 4 Ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment (condenser + coil) | $5,500–$7,500 | $7,000–$9,500 | $8,000–$10,500 |
| Installation | $3,000–$4,500 | $3,500–$5,500 | $4,000–$6,000 |
| Accessories & Electrical | $800–$2,000 | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Total Installed | $9,500–$14,000 | $11,500–$17,500 | $13,200–$19,000 |
📖 Verified source: Forbes – Central AC Costs.
🧾 Step 6: 10-Year Cost of Ownership
Here’s the part most folks forget: the 10-year cost to own and operate a system.
Goodman (14.4 SEER2, R-32)
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Upfront: $10,500
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Energy (10 yrs): $10,000
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Maintenance & repairs: $2,000
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Total = $22,500
Trane (16 SEER2, R-410A or R-32)
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Upfront: $13,000
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Energy (10 yrs): $9,000
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Maintenance & repairs: $2,500
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Total = $24,500
Carrier (20 SEER2, R-32)
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Upfront: $16,000
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Energy (10 yrs): $7,500
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Maintenance & repairs: $3,000
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Total = $26,500
👉 Goodman wins on upfront + long-term affordability. Carrier wins on energy savings and comfort features. Trane sits in the middle with durability.
📖 Verified source: Modernize – AC Lifespan & Costs.
📝 Mike’s Advice
Here’s what I tell every homeowner weighing AC costs in 2025:
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Budget for the whole job. If you only look at equipment, you’ll be shocked by install costs.
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Check your electrical panel. Older homes may need a $1,000+ upgrade.
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Plan for ductwork. If your ducts are leaky or undersized, your AC won’t perform.
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Factor in energy costs. Spending $2,000 more upfront for efficiency can save you $2,500 in bills.
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Don’t ignore refrigerant type. R-410A is being phased out. Buy R-32 if you want to future-proof.
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Ask about rebates. Local utility companies and federal tax credits can save hundreds if you pick an ENERGY STAR-certified unit.
📖 Verified source: ENERGY STAR – Rebates & Incentives.
✅ Homeowner Checklist Before Buying a 4-Ton AC
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Have I priced equipment + install + accessories?
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Do I know my home’s electrical panel capacity?
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Have I checked ductwork condition?
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Am I buying an R-32 model for future-proofing?
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Have I calculated 10-year operating costs?
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Did I look up rebates and tax credits?
