AC Installation Cost in Illinois
Across Illinois, homeowners pay $4,100 to $9,300 for new AC installation. Climate, labor rates and housing age all move the price. In Illinois's cities, the median home dates to about 1969.
AC Installation Prices in Illinois Cities
| City | Estimate | Heating / cooling degree days |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $4,000 to $9,000 | 6,017 / 861 |
| Aurora | $4,100 to $9,200 | 6,255 / 910 |
| Naperville | $5,400 to $12,200 | 5,975 / 938 |
| Joliet | $4,000 to $9,100 | 6,171 / 872 |
| Rockford | $3,300 to $7,500 | 6,496 / 838 |
| Elgin | $4,000 to $9,000 | 6,591 / 807 |
| Springfield | $3,600 to $8,200 | 5,455 / 1,094 |
| Peoria | $3,500 to $8,000 | 5,613 / 1,157 |
| Champaign | $3,600 to $8,100 | 5,656 / 1,072 |
| Waukegan | $3,600 to $8,100 | 6,702 / 683 |
| Cicero | $3,800 to $8,600 | 5,752 / 1,111 |
| Bloomington | $3,800 to $8,600 | 6,022 / 977 |
| Schaumburg | $4,200 to $9,500 | 6,462 / 879 |
| Evanston | $4,500 to $10,200 | 6,365 / 805 |
| Arlington Heights | $4,700 to $10,700 | 6,085 / 933 |
| Bolingbrook | $4,400 to $9,900 | 6,062 / 947 |
| Decatur | $3,400 to $7,700 | 5,443 / 1,115 |
| Palatine | $4,200 to $9,500 | 6,816 / 652 |
| Skokie | $4,300 to $9,700 | 6,365 / 805 |
| Des Plaines | $4,300 to $9,700 | 5,974 / 1,003 |
| Orland Park | $4,500 to $10,100 | 6,040 / 1,119 |
| Oak Lawn | $4,100 to $9,300 | 5,698 / 1,161 |
| Mount Prospect | $4,500 to $10,200 | 6,085 / 933 |
| Berwyn | $4,000 to $9,100 | 5,752 / 1,111 |
| Tinley Park | $4,300 to $9,700 | 6,349 / 858 |
| Wheaton | $4,800 to $11,000 | 5,975 / 938 |
| Normal | $3,700 to $8,300 | 6,022 / 977 |
| Oak Park | $4,800 to $10,800 | 5,752 / 1,111 |
| Hoffman Estates | $4,500 to $10,100 | 6,462 / 879 |
| Downers Grove | $4,800 to $10,900 | 5,975 / 938 |
From 2020 through 2025, NOAA recorded 746 winter storm and ice events, 783 heat events, 440 extreme cold events and 1,773 hail reports in Illinois. Those are the days when emergency HVAC calls pile up.
When It Makes Sense
- The AC is 12 to 15 years old or more
- It still runs on R-22 refrigerant
- It has had more than one refrigerant leak
- The house can't reach the thermostat setting on hot afternoons
- Summer electric bills keep going up
What Moves the Price
- Tonnage, based on house size and local climate
- SEER2 rating and whether the compressor is single-stage or variable-speed
- Whether the coil and line set also need replacing
- Electrical work such as a new disconnect, breaker or wiring
- The pad, permit and refrigerant (R-410A or the newer R-454B)
Common Questions
What size AC do I need?
It depends on square footage, insulation, windows and climate. The rough rule is a ton for every 450 to 650 sq ft, but only a Manual J calculation gives you a real number.
How long does a new AC last?
With yearly maintenance, 12 to 17 years. Salt air and extreme heat shorten that.
Other HVAC Prices in Illinois
- Furnace Replacement in Illinois
- Furnace Repair in Illinois
- AC Repair in Illinois
- Heat Pump Installation in Illinois
- Heat Pump Repair in Illinois
- HVAC System Replacement in Illinois
- Ductless Mini-Split Installation in Illinois
- Emergency HVAC Repair in Illinois
- HVAC Tune-Up & Maintenance in Illinois
- Boiler Replacement in Illinois
- Air Duct Cleaning in Illinois
Get Free AC Installation Quotes
Tell us where you are and up to three licensed local pros will get in touch. You don't have to hire any of them.