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AfterAC Replacement in Alpharetta, GA
A full AC replacement in Alpharetta typically runs $6,500 to $14,500 depending on system size, efficiency rating, and ductwork condition. Most replacements take one full day, sometimes two if we’re reworking duct or repositioning the air handler. If your system is over 12 years old and the compressor has failed, Compressor Repair may not be worth it and replacement usually makes more sense. You can reach Dalton Heating & Air Alpharetta at (229) 537-2086 to get a written quote before any work starts.
We replace systems every week in Alpharetta, from Windward and Crabapple to downtown and the neighborhoods off Old Milton Parkway. The heat and humidity here don’t give a struggling AC much room to limp along. When a system hits the point where the repair bill climbs past half the cost of a new unit, or the refrigerant is R-22 and getting scarce, we lay out the numbers straight. Our full AC Repair & Installation in Alpharetta service covers diagnosis first, so you’re never paying for a replacement when a repair would hold.
When You Need AC Replacement
Replacement isn’t the first answer. It’s the right answer when the math and the system’s condition point that way. Here’s what pushes a unit toward replacement in Alpharetta:
- Compressor failure on a system 12-plus years old. A compressor swap on an aging unit can cost $2,000 to $3,500, and you’re still left with an old evaporator coil and outdoor cabinet. In Crabapple and Windward, where homes run larger and systems work harder, we see this decision all summer.
- R-22 refrigerant leaks. If your system still runs on R-22, refrigerant is now priced per pound like a controlled substance. A leak repair plus recharge can top $1,000, and the next leak is a matter of time, not if. Replacement to a 410A or R-454B system ends that cycle.
- Repair costs over half of replacement cost. Our rule is simple: if a single repair estimate crosses 50% of what a new system costs, we show you both numbers in writing and let you decide. We don’t push, we present.
- Uneven cooling or constant short-cycling. Rooms that never cool, a system that kicks on and off every few minutes, or a house that can’t hold 74 degrees in July often points to a unit that’s undersized or dying. That’s common in older Alpharetta homes where the original system was sized for different insulation or window conditions.
- Energy bills climbing year over year. A 15-year-old 10 SEER unit costs substantially more to run than a 16 SEER or higher replacement. Georgia Power rate increases make that gap wider every summer.
- Frequent repairs in the last two years. If you’ve had three service calls in 24 months and the unit keeps failing, the pattern is the diagnosis. Throwing another $400 at it won’t change the underlying failure.
Our AC Replacement Process
We start with diagnosis, not a sales pitch. Here’s exactly how a replacement goes with us:
- Site visit and load calculation. A technician arrives inside the stated window, uniformed and background-checked. We measure the house, check duct condition, inspect the existing electrical, and run a Manual J load calculation. This tells us the exact tonnage your home needs, not what the last installer guessed at.
- Written quote with three options. We give you a written price for the system we recommend, plus a higher-efficiency option and a lower-cost option. Each line item is spelled out: equipment, labor, refrigerant, electrical, permits, and haul-away. The price on that paper is the price you pay. No add-ons at the door.
- Brand and sizing conversation. We’re factory-trained on Lennox, Goodman, Rheem, and York, among others. We explain the trade-offs between single-stage, two-stage, and variable-speed systems in plain language: a two-stage unit runs at a lower setting on mild days, which means less cycling and steadier temperatures. We don’t upsell features you won’t use.
- One-day installation, usually. Most Alpharetta replacements go in within a single day. We pull permits, disconnect the old system, set the new condenser and air handler, connect refrigerant lines, evacuate and charge the system, and test every stage. If ductwork changes are needed, it can stretch to two days.
- System walkthrough and documentation. Before we leave, we walk the system with you. We show you the new thermostat settings, explain filter replacement intervals, and register your equipment warranty with the manufacturer. You get a written copy of the install details and the guarantee terms.
- 365-Day Done Right Promise. Every replacement carries our full-year written guarantee. If anything fails because of our workmanship in that year, we return and fix it at no charge. No prorated fine print, no $79 “diagnostic fee” for the revisit. The second visit is free.
AC Replacement Pricing in Alpharetta
Here’s where dollar figures land for Alpharetta homes as of 2025. These are installed prices including equipment, labor, Refrigerant Recharge if needed, electrical work, permits, and haul-away of the old unit. They assume existing ductwork is in usable shape.
- 3-ton single-stage Goodman or Rheem, 14-15 SEER: $6,500 to $8,200
- 3-ton two-stage Lennox or York, 16-17 SEER: $9,000 to $11,500
- 4-ton variable-speed Lennox or Rheem, 18-20 SEER: $12,000 to $14,500
- Ductwork replacement or major modification: add $2,500 to $6,000 depending on access and linear footage
- Electrical panel or service upgrade: add $500 to $2,000 if your panel can’t handle the new system’s startup draw
What moves the price? Tonnage needed for your square footage, the efficiency rating you choose, the brand, the condition of your existing ductwork, and whether the air handler is in a closet, basement, or attic. Attic change-outs in older Alpharetta neighborhoods off Rucker Road or Providence Road often run higher because of access and heat. Crawlspace work adds labor too.
We’ll always show you the full price in writing before ordering equipment. Estimates are free. Call (229) 537-2086 and we’ll schedule a visit inside a window that works for you.
FAQs – AC Replacement
How much does AC replacement cost in Alpharetta?
AC replacement in Alpharetta typically runs $6,500 to $14,500 installed, depending on system size, brand, efficiency, and ductwork condition. The biggest variables are tonnage and SEER rating. Call (229) 537-2086 to get a written quote for your specific home, free.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace my AC?
Cheaper in the short term is usually repair, but if the repair bill passes half the cost of replacement, or your unit is over 12 years old with a failed Capacitor Replacement or compressor, replacement is the better money. We show you both numbers in writing and let you decide. Free estimates, no pressure.
How long does AC replacement take in Alpharetta?
Most AC replacements in Alpharetta are done in one day, about 6 to 8 hours. If we’re reworking ductwork, repositioning the air handler, or upgrading electrical, plan for a second day. We’ll tell you the timeline before the work starts, and it’s in writing.
Can you replace my AC if the old one used R-22 refrigerant?
Yes. We disconnect and recover any remaining R-22 according to EPA rules, then install a system using current refrigerants. You don’t need to do anything with the old refrigerant yourself. Call (229) 537-2086 and we’ll inspect the system and give you a written replacement price.
Do you offer any guarantee on AC replacement?
Every AC replacement carries our 365-Day Done Right Promise: if our workmanship fails within one year, we come back and fix it at no charge. That’s in writing, on every job. Your equipment also includes the manufacturer’s warranty, typically 10 years on the compressor and major components when registered.
What brands do you install?
We install and service nine major residential brands. For replacement work in Alpharetta, we commonly quote Lennox, Goodman, Rheem, and York systems. We’re factory-trained on all of them, so the installation follows the manufacturer’s own specifications, not shortcuts.
Ready to get a straight price on AC replacement in Alpharetta? Call (229) 537-2086 for a free estimate. A live person answers, 24/7, and you’ll get your quote in writing before any work begins.
Written by Marco Benitez, Owner at Dalton Heating & Air Alpharetta, serving Alpharetta.