HVAC prices are expected to increase in 2026 and 2027 due to tariffs, inflation, and increased labor, material, and refrigerant costs. Some manufacturers, including Lennox®, have recently increased the price of equipment and accessories by an average of 7% to 10% to cover increased costs.

While the price increase is notable, the long-term cost of an AC replacement is favorable for homeowners. This is due to efficiency improvements and lower running costs. If you are ready for an AC installation in 2026, you will find that the options are far more compelling than when you installed your last system 15 or 20 years ago.

How Refrigerant Costs Affect AC Installation Pricing

New units from leading brands like Lennox®, Trane, and others use A2L refrigerants, usually R-454B.

This new refrigerant is about 10% to 15% more expensive in the manufacturing process. Beyond the cost of the gas itself, an air conditioner using the new refrigerant requires additional safety sensors, sealed relays, and detection boards.

There’s an upside to this because R-454B is a more efficient refrigerant gas. This gas has superior thermophysical properties compared to R-410A. It is more effective at absorbing heat from the indoor air and releasing it outside. Because it’s more efficient, a new AC installation with R-454B will use less energy and with less input power applied to the compressor. In theory, this results in a unit that is more affordable to run, with less risk of an early-life compressor failure.

More Benefits of Installing an Air Conditioner in 2026

Beyond the gas itself, the newer and ever-so-slightly more expensive air conditioners have other benefits that reduce your long-term costs.

• Modern systems predominantly use inverter-driven compressors. A full-DC inverter system can adjust its power in tiny increments. Older systems were simply “on” or “off”, blasting cold air until the thermostat registered a set temperature. Newer systems adjust the compressor dynamically to suit the temperature target. Your system will use less energy for the same comfort.
• Newer models also use high-density heat exchangers, which are more efficient at transferring heat out of the home. This further reduces energy consumption and provides more consistent cooling.

If you compare a 10+ year old unit with R410A refrigerant to a modern inverter unit, the actual long-term energy savings will range between 20% and 30%. This is significant, especially considering how costly electricity is on Long Island.

The Bottom Line: Air Conditioner Prices are Up While Operating Costs are Down

The upfront cost of an air conditioner has increased in 2026 compared to 2025, but this doesn’t tell you the full story.

• Your new AC installation with an inverter-driven R454B unit will be more efficient.
• You will spend less to cool your home over the next 15-20 years.
• Modern units are more reliable with advanced compressors and heat exchangers.

You can learn more without making a commitment today. Soundview HVAC is your local heating and cooling company in Suffolk County. You can request a Home Comfort Consultation to learn about pricing, long-term costs, and improvements compared to your current air conditioner.

Start planning your AC replacement by calling us at 631-209-1744.