Heating and cooling costs typically range from $5,000 to $18,000 for a full residential system replacement, with many standard projects averaging about $10,500. Equipment type, home size, efficiency rating, duct condition, and local labor rates drive the estimate.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furnace replacement | $2,500 | $4,500 | $8,000 | Gas furnace, installed |
| Central AC replacement | $3,500 | $6,500 | $11,000 | 2-5 ton system, installed |
| Heat pump system | $5,500 | $10,000 | $18,000 | Equipment and installation |
| Furnace and AC together | $6,000 | $10,500 | $17,000 | Typical full replacement |
| Duct replacement | $2,000 | $5,000 | $12,000 | Whole-home ductwork |
Assumptions: U.S. pricing for standard residential equipment, ordinary access, and no major structural work; regional quotes vary.
What a Whole-Home HVAC Replacement Usually Costs
For a roughly 1,500-2,500-square-foot home with existing, usable ducts, a standard-efficiency furnace and central AC replacement commonly totals $6,000-$12,000. A matched high-efficiency setup, difficult access, or premium variable-speed equipment can push the total to $13,000-$17,000 or more. A heat pump replacement often costs $7,000-$15,000, depending on capacity and whether backup heat or electrical upgrades are needed.
A typical combined furnace-and-AC project averages about $10,500 when ductwork and major electrical changes are not included. These ranges generally cover equipment, installation, startup, and basic removal, not extensive duct repairs, asbestos handling, or a new thermostat system.
What Goes Into a Furnace and AC Quote?
Quotes combine equipment, installation labor, and job-specific work. Equipment prices vary with brand, capacity, efficiency, and features; labor reflects crew time, system complexity, and local rates. Ask whether each line includes the same scope, such as haul-away, thermostat, permits, and commissioning.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furnace or AC equipment | $2,000-$7,000 | $1,500-$5,500 per system | Indoor and outdoor units as applicable |
| Installation labor | $1,500-$4,000 | $75-$150 per crew-hour | Removal, setting, connections, testing |
| Materials and accessories | $300-$1,500 | $50-$500 per item | Lines, fittings, pad, drain, thermostat |
| Permits and inspections | $100-$500 | Varies by jurisdiction | Local approval and inspection fees |
| Removal and disposal | $100-$600 | Per project | Old equipment haul-away |
Compare complete installed prices rather than equipment prices alone. A low equipment quote may exclude permits, refrigerant line replacement, electrical disconnects, or disposal. Confirm whether sales tax is included and whether the contractor charges separately for after-hours work.
How Tonnage, SEER2, and Furnace Efficiency Change Pricing
Cooling capacity is measured in tons, with 1 ton equal to 12,000 BTU per hour. A 2-ton system may suit a smaller, well-insulated home, while a larger or hotter-climate house may need 3-5 tons. Increasing capacity can add roughly $500-$1,500 per ton, but equipment should be sized from a load calculation, not square footage alone.
Higher-efficiency equipment raises upfront cost. Moving from a basic central AC unit to a higher-SEER2 model may add $1,000-$3,000; variable-speed compressors can add more. A 95%-98% AFUE furnace often costs $500-$2,000 more than an 80% AFUE model. Efficiency premiums are worthwhile only when expected energy savings, climate, and utility rates justify the additional price.
Duct condition also affects sizing and performance. Leaky, undersized ducts can require sealing or redesign before a new system delivers its rated output. A load calculation and duct inspection help identify these issues before equipment is ordered.
How Many Labor Hours Does Installation Take?
A straightforward furnace or AC swap usually takes a two-person crew 6-10 hours. Replacing both systems may take 1-2 days, while new ducts, a difficult attic installation, or electrical modifications can extend work to several days. Local HVAC labor commonly prices at $75-$150 per crew-hour, though many contractors provide one fixed installation charge instead.
Labor time rises when access is tight or the existing setup does not match current equipment requirements. Ask how many technicians are included, whether startup and testing are part of the price, and what hourly or daily charge applies if unexpected work is approved.
When Ductwork, Disposal, or Electrical Work Adds Charges
Replacing a few damaged duct runs may cost $500-$2,000; whole-home duct replacement often runs $2,000-$12,000, depending on home size, material, and access. Duct sealing commonly costs $500-$2,000. A new electrical circuit or panel work can add $500-$3,000, while condensate drain changes or refrigerant line replacement may add several hundred to more than $1,000.
Request separate prices for required repairs and optional upgrades. Removal of ordinary equipment is often bundled, but difficult rooftop access, crane use, asbestos-containing materials, or unusually heavy units can add $300-$2,000 or more. Permits may be included or listed separately, so the proposal should state who obtains them.
Heat Pump Versus Furnace and Central AC Pricing
A heat pump provides both heating and cooling, typically costing $5,500-$18,000 installed. A standard furnace plus central AC commonly costs $6,000-$17,000. Heat pumps can be more expensive than basic equipment combinations, particularly when cold-climate models, backup heat, or electrical changes are required; they may reduce operating costs in suitable climates.
Compare installed price and estimated annual energy use, not just the equipment total. A dual-fuel setup pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace and may cost $8,000-$20,000. It can be useful where winter temperatures make backup gas heat desirable, but controls and commissioning add complexity.
How to Lower the Heating and Cooling Estimate
Keep the project focused on equipment that fits the home’s measured heating and cooling load. Avoid paying for oversized capacity or premium features without a clear need. If ducts are sound, retain them and price targeted sealing or repairs instead of full replacement; if only one component has failed, compare repair with replacement before committing to a matched system.
Get at least three itemized quotes with the same equipment capacity, efficiency, warranty, and job scope. Scheduling outside peak summer or winter demand may improve contractor availability, though savings are not guaranteed. Ask about utility rebates or tax incentives for qualifying heat pumps and high-efficiency systems, and verify eligibility before using an incentive to reduce the budget.
Prepare the work area and provide clear access to indoor and outdoor units, but leave refrigerant, gas, and electrical work to qualified technicians. Confirm warranty length, labor coverage, maintenance requirements, and any service-call fees in writing. These details can make two similar-looking estimates differ substantially over the system’s useful life.