AC Replacement
Air conditioner replacement sized properly for your home, SEER2-efficient Tempstar systems with clean refrigerant line sets.
- Typical install cost
- $5.5k–$9.5k
- Install time
- 1 day
- Efficiency
- SEER2-rated
Every AC replacement includes the following, no surcharges, no surprise line items.
- SEER2-rated central AC systems
- R-410A and new A2L-compliant refrigerants
- Line-set replacement when the old one is compromised
- Surge protector add-on to extend compressor life
Refrigerant rules have changed, here’s what it means
As of January 2025, new residential AC equipment in the US moved to low-GWP A2L refrigerants (R-454B is the common one). That’s relevant for you because it affects pricing, part availability, and whether you can get your old R-410A system recharged if it leaks.
If your system uses R-22 (banned for production in 2020), every leak is now expensive and every fix is temporary. If it’s R-410A, you’re fine for another 5–10 years but parts are getting harder to find on older indoor units.
Install quality: the line set is everything
Most failed AC installs we’ve inherited had one of three problems: a kinked line set, a line set that wasn’t pressure-tested and pulled a vacuum properly, or a mismatch between the outdoor unit and indoor coil. We replace line sets when the old one is compromised, it’s not an upsell, it’s the only way to get the system to hit its efficiency rating.
SEER2 efficiency in real-world terms
A 16 SEER2 system is the sweet spot for most Northern Kentucky homes, you’ll see the efficiency win on your summer electric bill without paying a premium for the 18–20 SEER2 units. Going up from a 13 SEER baseline to 16 SEER2 typically saves $200–$400 a year in cooling season.
What sets this AC replacement job apart.
Pressure-test + deep vacuum on every install. Not a 'quick evac', a proper 500-micron pull that we verify with a micron gauge.
Line set inspection and replacement when warranted, not as a default upsell.
Matched indoor coil + outdoor condenser for real SEER2 performance, not a mismatched kit that underperforms its rating.
Compressor surge protection available, adds 2–5 years of expected compressor life for the cost of a tune-up.
Smart add-ons for a AC replacement.
While we’re already in your mechanical room, a few of these cost a fraction of what they’d run on a separate visit. Pricing is ballpark, not a quote.
Smart thermostat
Proper C-wire, equipment-type config, remote sensors. Smart scheduling runs 5-12% below a manual thermostat on heating + cooling.
$400–$600 at installLearn moreOutdoor surge protector
One lightning hit or utility blip kills a $1,200 compressor board. Surge protector extends compressor life 2-5 years. Cheap insurance.
~$200 add-onLearn moreAnnual service plan
Two tune-ups (spring AC, fall furnace), 10% off any repair, $59 trip charge, priority scheduling. Keeps the warranty valid long-term.
$225 / year residentialLearn moreMatching indoor coil
A new condenser on a 15-year-old coil loses half its efficiency. We quote matched systems by default, no mismatched performance hit.
Included in most quotesLearn more
AC replacement, quick answers.
- Depends. If it's R-22 or 15+ years old, yes. If it's R-410A, running fine, and under 12 years old, keep running it and bank the money. Proactive replacement rarely pays back unless the unit is broken or obsolete.
- Yes. Retrofitting AC into a forced-air home with existing ductwork is straightforward. If you're on radiators or radiant heat, ductless mini-splits are usually a better path.
- For most Northern Kentucky homes, 15-16 SEER2 is the sweet spot. Above 18 SEER2 the payback math stops making sense unless you qualify for rebates.
Watson AC replacement reviews.
Google reviews from Northern Kentucky homeowners, filtered to mentions of AC replacement work.
“Was very prompt and fairly priced. I called him last minute at the end of a workday (12/16) and he arrived 15 minutes later, gave me a very fair estimate on a new furnace. Update: Installed furnace today (12/19), the house feels great, Mike (and his son & brother) were extremely professional, answered any and all questions, and quote ended up coming in less than expected. Will be calling them back to be certain.”
“We came home after dinner and the heat was out in our house.I called the number and spoke with Mike and he said he would be at our house in the morning. He showed up early, checked the boiler out and picked up a new part so we had heat back in our house within hours. I would recommend Watson Heating and Cooling to anyone who needs help with their boilers or furnace. Thanks Mike”
“Watson Heating and Cooling did a great job replacing my old and undersized HVAC system. Excellent customer service at a fair price. I'll definitely be signing up for their biannual system checkup plan to keep it running smoothly.”
Firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and healthcare providers get an additional discount on any Watson service. Stacks with our Service Plan. Just mention it when you schedule.
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