A new heating and air unit typically costs $7,000-$18,000 installed for a standard central system, with high-capacity or complex replacements reaching $25,000 or more. The heating and air unit cost depends mainly on system type, home size, efficiency, ductwork, and local labor.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central AC and gas furnace | $7,000 | $12,000 | $22,000 | Installed, typical replacement |
| Air-source heat pump | $8,000 | $14,000 | $25,000 | Installed, ducted system |
| Furnace only | $3,500 | $6,500 | $11,000 | Existing AC and ducts retained |
| Central AC only | $4,000 | $7,500 | $13,000 | Existing furnace and ducts retained |
Assumptions: U.S. pricing for standard equipment and ordinary replacement access; premium equipment, extensive duct repairs, and high-cost metro areas can exceed these ranges.
Installed Heating and Air Unit Prices by System Type
A complete central system with a gas furnace and central air conditioner generally runs $7,000-$22,000 installed. A common midrange replacement for a 1,500-2,000-square-foot home is about $10,000-$16,000, assuming existing ducts are usable and the equipment is properly sized.
Most homeowners replacing both heating and cooling equipment should budget around $12,000-$15,000. A ducted heat pump often costs $8,000-$25,000 installed; it provides heating and cooling in one system, but electrical work or backup heat can raise the quote. A furnace-only or AC-only replacement costs less when the other equipment is in working condition.
Where Equipment, Labor, and Ductwork Appear in the Quote
Quotes combine the equipment price with installation work, accessories, and any removal or code-related tasks. The table shows typical portions of a full central HVAC replacement; costs vary by system size and local rates.
| Quote item | Typical range | What it may include |
|---|---|---|
| Furnace and AC equipment | $4,000-$10,000 | Indoor and outdoor units, standard controls |
| Installation labor | $2,000-$6,000 | Removal, setting equipment, connections, startup |
| Duct repair or modification | $500-$4,000 | Sealing, resizing, or replacing limited runs |
| Permits and inspection | $100-$800 | Local permit and required inspection |
| Disposal and accessories | $150-$1,200 | Old-unit hauling, thermostat, pad, or drain work |
Ask for equipment, labor, ductwork, permits, and disposal to be itemized separately. This makes it easier to compare quotes that include different levels of work. Labor can be estimated as ; HVAC technicians commonly bill around $75-$150 per hour, although installation bids are usually quoted as a project total.
How Tonnage, Efficiency, and Ductwork Change the Price
System capacity is measured in tons, with 1 ton equal to 12,000 BTU per hour of cooling. Many homes use equipment in the 2-5-ton range, but a load calculation—not square footage alone—should determine capacity. A system that is oversized or undersized can affect comfort, operating costs, and equipment life.
Moving from a basic efficiency model to a higher-efficiency unit may add roughly $1,000-$4,000, depending on capacity and configuration. Replacing 20-40 feet of damaged ductwork can add $800-$3,000; a full duct replacement may cost $3,000-$10,000 or more. Confirm that the quote lists capacity, efficiency rating, and any duct changes.
How Many Labor Hours Does a Full HVAC Replacement Take?
A straightforward furnace-and-AC swap usually takes a crew of two or three about 8-16 hours, often completed in one day. A heat pump conversion, difficult attic or crawl-space access, new refrigerant lines, or electrical upgrades can stretch work to two or three days and increase labor charges.
Replacement is generally less expensive than a new installation because the existing equipment location, ducts, and utility connections may be reused. A new system where none existed can add substantial costs for ductwork, wiring, venting, and permits. Check whether the estimate covers startup testing and removal of the old equipment.
Regional HVAC Prices in Hot and Cold U.S. Markets
Installed HVAC prices can differ by roughly 10%-25% between markets for similar equipment and scope. Major coastal cities and areas with high labor costs often sit above national averages, while some rural and lower-cost regions may fall below them. Local climate also influences required capacity and whether a heat pump needs supplemental heat.
During peak summer or winter demand, limited contractor availability can push schedules and quotes upward. Regional comparisons are most useful when they use the same equipment model, capacity, efficiency, duct scope, and warranty. Use local written estimates rather than applying a national average directly to a specific home.
Three Replacement Quotes for Different Home Sizes
These sample budgets illustrate how equipment size and job scope change a quote. They assume standard access and no major duct replacement; actual sizing should be based on a professional load calculation.
| Example | System and scope | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Smaller home | 2-ton AC and furnace, 8-10 labor hours | $8,000-$12,000 |
| Mid-size home | 3-ton AC and furnace, minor duct sealing, 10-14 hours | $11,000-$16,000 |
| Larger home | 5-ton heat pump, electrical work, 14-20 hours | $17,000-$25,000 |
These totals are comparison examples, not fixed prices for a particular square footage. Ask contractors to identify equipment capacity and the specific labor or electrical work behind any substantial price difference.
Which HVAC Quote Changes Can Lower the Price?
Keeping a working furnace while replacing only the failed AC, or the reverse, can avoid the cost of replacing both units. That choice makes sense only when the retained equipment is compatible, in safe condition, and not near the end of its expected service life. Ask whether a matched system is required for the proposed warranty or performance rating.
Compare at least three itemized quotes for the same capacity and efficiency. Reuse a sound thermostat, avoid unnecessary duct replacement, and choose standard rather than premium features when their benefits do not justify the added price. Do not cut costs by skipping proper sizing, permits, safety checks, or startup testing.