AC and Ductwork Replacement Cost in Tampa (2026)

Replacing an AC system and all of the ductwork together in a Tampa Bay home typically costs about $19,000. Across 360 written quotes our techs gave Tampa Bay homeowners from June 2025 to September 2026, the middle half landed between $16,300 and $23,000. A Goodman system with new flex duct usually comes in between $16,000 and $21,500. A Daikin Elite variable-speed system with new ductwork usually runs $19,500 to $29,500. Every quote starts with a FREE estimate and FREE diagnosis, and you approve a written price before any work begins.

Price by system tier

Price by system size

Square footage is only a starting point. We size the system with a load calculation, because insulation, windows, sun exposure, and ceiling height change the answer.

Why online estimates say $12,000 to $20,000

If you asked an AI assistant or a cost website what this job costs in Tampa, you probably saw $12,000 to $20,000. That range covers a lot of real jobs, and our typical quote of about $19,000 sits near the top of it. What moves a quote above that range:

• System size. Many cost sites assume a 2 or 3 ton system. Many Tampa homes need 4 or 5 tons, or two systems for two stories.
• Efficiency tier. A Daikin Elite inverter system costs thousands more than an entry-level system, and it uses less power and runs quieter.
• Duct material and design. Flex duct costs far less than sheet metal. Adding returns or a zoning system adds cost.
• Moving the air handler. Relocating it from a closet to the attic, or the other way, means new platforms, drain lines, and electrical. The relocation jobs we quoted in this period ranged from about $22,000 to $44,000.
• Everything around the equipment. A new line set, a condenser pad or roof stand, electrical upgrades, drywall and ceiling repair, and the permit.

If your quote is well above $27,000, ask which of these is driving it. If a quote for a new system plus a full re-duct is far below $14,000, ask what is missing.

What is included in our AC and ductwork quotes

• The new Goodman or Daikin system: outdoor unit and air handler, or heat pump. We use A2L refrigerant equipment (R-32 or R-454B, depending on the brand), the current standard for new systems.
• New duct runs, supply plenum, and return box as listed on your quote.
• Installation labor, the mechanical permit and inspection, and removal of the old equipment and old ductwork. We haul it all away.
• R-6 insulated flex duct as standard at $599 per drop, which meets the Florida Energy Code and passes county inspection. R-8 is available as an upgrade.
• Hurricane tie-downs for the outdoor unit.
• A written quote with every line item, so you can compare it with other quotes.

Should you replace the AC and the ductwork at the same time?

Do both when the ducts fail inspection. Pairing a new system with leaking, crushed, or undersized ducts wastes part of what you paid for, because the new system cannot move the air it was sized for. Doing both at once also means one permit, one project, and ducts sized to the new system.

Keep your ducts when they pass. If your ducts are in good shape, sealed, and sized right for the new system, you do not need to replace them. We check before we quote, and we will tell you if the ducts can stay. In that case, see AC replacement cost.

How to compare AC and ductwork quotes

Ask every company, including us, for these in writing:

1. System size and how it was chosen. A load calculation, not a guess from the old unit.
2. Brand, model, and SEER2 rating. The minimum for a new system in Florida is 14.3 SEER2.
3. Duct scope. How many runs, which material, and whether the plenum and returns are included.
4. Duct insulation. R-6 or R-8, and whether the ducts will be permitted and inspected.
5. Line set. New or reused.
6. Permit and inspection. Included or extra.
7. Warranty. Equipment years and labor years, in writing.
8. License. A Florida HVAC contractor license you can look up on myfloridalicense.com. Ours is CAC1819196.

Paying for it

We offer financing with $0 down for qualifying customers. The federal 25C tax credit for heat pumps ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025, so it does not apply to a 2026 install. Some Tampa Bay utilities still offer rebates on qualifying systems; see our 2026 HVAC rebates guide.

AC and ductwork cost questions

How much does it cost to replace an AC and ductwork in Tampa?

Replacing the AC system and all of the ductwork in a Tampa Bay home typically costs about $19,000. The middle half of the 360 written quotes we gave Tampa homeowners in 2025 and 2026 landed between $16,300 and $23,000. Large homes, Daikin Elite systems, sheet metal duct, and air handler relocations run higher.

Is it cheaper to replace the AC and ducts at the same time?

Usually, yes, compared with doing them as two separate projects, because it is one permit, one crew, and one trip into the attic. It also lets us size the new ducts to the new system. If your ducts are sound, though, keeping them is cheaper still.

How much is a new AC system in Tampa if I keep my ductwork?

A new system alone typically costs about $8,500 in Tampa Bay. A Goodman Value system typically runs about $8,100, Goodman Premium about $9,200, and Daikin Elite about $14,700, depending on size.

How much does it cost to replace just the ductwork?

A whole-house flex duct replacement in Tampa Bay typically costs about $9,000, with most quotes between $7,200 and $11,700. Our most common duct price is $599 per drop for R-6 flex, and the typical home we re-duct has 15 drops. See ductwork installation in Tampa.

Why did I get a quote for $40,000?

Quotes at that level almost always include a large Daikin Elite system or two systems, sheet metal ductwork, moving the air handler, or major attic and ceiling work. Ask for the line items. A legitimate quote will show exactly where the money goes.

How long does it take to replace an AC and all the ductwork?

One day for most homes. We send more than one crew, so the old system and ductwork come out and the new system and ducts go in the same day, including startup and testing. The permit inspection is scheduled afterward.

Is there a federal tax credit for a new AC or heat pump in 2026?

No. The Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit ended for equipment installed after December 31, 2025, under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Utility rebates from providers like TECO and Duke Energy may still apply to qualifying systems.

Is the estimate free?

Yes. Home Therapist gives FREE estimates and FREE diagnosis. A licensed tech checks your system and your ducts, and you get a written quote before any work begins.