The average cost of a furnace and AC replacement is about $10,000, with many U.S. homeowners paying $6,500-$16,000 for both systems installed. Home size, equipment efficiency, duct condition, access, and local labor rates drive the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furnace and AC installed | $6,500 | $10,000 | $16,000 | Typical matched equipment, standard installation |
| Furnace only installed | $3,000 | $5,500 | $9,000 | Gas furnace; price varies by capacity and efficiency |
| Central AC only installed | $3,500 | $6,000 | $10,000 | Usually a 2- to 4-ton system |
| Combined installed price per square foot | $4 | $7 | $12 | Rough planning measure, not a substitute for load sizing |
Average furnace and AC replacement prices by system size
A basic paired replacement for a 1,200- to 1,600-square-foot home often costs $6,500-$9,500. A typical 1,800- to 2,400-square-foot home may fall around $8,500-$13,000, while larger homes or complex installations can reach $16,000-$22,000. These ranges assume standard gas heat, central cooling, and no extensive duct replacement.
A matched furnace and AC system commonly totals $8,500-$13,000 for an average-size home. Basic equipment and straightforward access tend toward the low end; higher-efficiency models, zoning, or electrical work increase the quote. Square footage alone does not determine capacity: contractors should size equipment using a load calculation rather than simply matching the old unit.
Assumptions: U.S. midrange labor rates, standard equipment, existing usable ductwork, and normal access.
How furnace, condenser, and ductwork charges split
Quotes typically combine equipment, installation labor, and smaller job expenses. Furnace prices reflect the heat exchanger, blower, controls, and efficiency rating; AC pricing includes the outdoor condenser and indoor evaporator coil. Duct repairs can change a replacement from a simple equipment swap into a larger project.
| Cost component | Typical range | What it covers | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furnace equipment | $1,500-$4,500 | Gas furnace and standard controls | Capacity and efficiency |
| AC equipment | $2,000-$5,500 | Condenser and evaporator coil | 2- to 4-ton system |
| Labor | $2,000-$4,500 | Removal, installation, startup, testing | About $75-$150 per crew-hour |
| Ductwork and accessories | $300-$3,500 | Repairs, drain line, thermostat, transitions | Scope-dependent |
| Permits and disposal | $150-$700 | Local permit and old-unit removal | Varies by jurisdiction |
Equipment and labor are usually the largest portions of a combined replacement quote. A contractor may list these expenses together, so a written estimate should clarify whether the price includes the coil, thermostat, refrigerant lines, permits, haul-away, and startup testing.
Which efficiency ratings and capacity change the quote
Furnace efficiency is usually shown as AFUE. A basic 80% AFUE furnace generally costs less than a 95%-plus model, which may require special venting and a condensate drain. AC efficiency is measured by SEER2; moving from an entry-level rating to a higher-rated unit can add roughly $800-$2,500, depending on size and equipment tier.
Cooling capacity also matters: a 2-ton AC system may cost less than a 4-ton system, but oversizing can cause comfort and humidity problems. A variable-speed furnace or communicating control system may add $1,000-$3,000 over simpler equipment. Efficiency upgrades affect both the initial price and operating costs, so compare the installed premium with expected utility savings.
What installation labor includes for a matched system
A straightforward furnace-and-AC replacement often takes a crew of two or three about 8-14 hours, sometimes across two visits. Labor covers disconnecting and removing old equipment, setting the furnace and condenser, connecting the coil and refrigerant lines, venting, wiring, draining, and testing. The labor estimate can rise when equipment is in a tight attic, crawl space, or finished basement.
For example, 20-30 combined crew-hours billed at $75-$150 per hour equals $1,500-$4,500 in labor before other job costs. Ask whether the quote includes startup, refrigerant charging, safety checks, and thermostat setup.
How climate and metro location shift equipment pricing
Labor and demand can make installed prices differ substantially between markets. Major coastal metros and high-cost cities may run 10%-25% above a national midrange estimate, while some rural and lower-cost markets may be 5%-15% below it. Local permitting, travel distance, and contractor availability can matter as much as equipment price.
Hot regions often need larger cooling capacity or longer cooling runtimes, while cold climates may favor higher furnace efficiency. Humidity, insulation, and window exposure also affect sizing. Compare quotes from contractors serving the same area and ask each to size the system for the home rather than use a generic regional package.
Three furnace-and-AC quotes for common home sizes
| Home and system assumptions | Estimated total | Example scope |
|---|---|---|
| 1,300 sq ft; 2-ton AC; 60,000-BTU furnace | $7,000-$9,500 | Basic matched equipment, existing ducts retained |
| 2,000 sq ft; 3-ton AC; 80,000-BTU furnace | $9,000-$13,500 | Midrange equipment, minor transitions and haul-away |
| 2,800 sq ft; 4-ton AC; 100,000-BTU furnace | $13,000-$19,000 | Higher capacity, upgraded controls, some duct work |
These examples assume ordinary access and no major code upgrades. A short refrigerant-line replacement may add $300-$1,000; extensive duct sealing or replacement can add $1,500-$5,000 or more. Use examples to check quote plausibility, not as a replacement for a site-specific estimate.
Which removal and electrical add-ons raise the bill
Old equipment disposal may be included or charged separately at about $100-$400. A new electrical circuit, disconnect, or panel work can add $300-$2,000, while a condensate pump or drain changes may cost $150-$600. Duct modifications commonly range from $300 for a small transition to several thousand dollars for broad repairs.
In some homes, a new furnace requires updated venting or combustion-air provisions, adding approximately $300-$1,500. Local permits and inspections commonly total $150-$700, though city requirements vary. Request itemized prices for add-ons before approving work that is not necessary for safe installation or code compliance.
How to lower a furnace and AC replacement estimate
Get at least three written estimates with comparable furnace capacity, AC tonnage, efficiency ratings, thermostat scope, and warranty terms. Compare the same equipment tier rather than choosing solely by the bottom-line total. Ask whether repair is reasonable if only one component has failed and the other system is relatively new, but verify compatibility and warranty implications.
Keeping serviceable ductwork, choosing standard rather than premium controls, and scheduling before peak summer or winter demand may limit costs. Homeowners can clear access to equipment and identify existing comfort problems before the visit, but should not handle refrigerant or gas connections themselves. Controlling scope and comparing like-for-like quotes are usually more effective than cutting essential installation or safety work.