Heating and cooling furnace cost depends on whether the job replaces only the furnace or adds a central air conditioner, plus equipment efficiency, home size, and installation changes. A standard furnace replacement often runs $3,500-$7,500, while a furnace-and-AC package commonly costs $7,000-$15,000 installed.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas furnace replacement | $3,500 | $5,500 | $9,000 | Installed; standard access and ductwork |
| Furnace and central AC | $7,000 | $10,500 | $15,000 | Matched equipment, installed together |
| Furnace equipment only | $1,200 | $2,700 | $5,000 | Price varies by capacity and efficiency |
| New ductwork | $2,000 | $5,000 | $10,000+ | Whole-home replacement; layout affects price |
What a residential furnace and cooling system costs
A replacement gas furnace for a typical 1,500- to 2,500-square-foot home costs about $3,500-$7,500, with a midpoint near $5,500. A high-efficiency model, difficult venting, or a major electrical or duct modification can push the total to $9,000 or more. Adding central AC generally brings the combined project to $7,000-$15,000.
Most standard quotes include equipment, removal of the old unit, installation, startup, and basic warranty coverage. These ranges assume a forced-air home, normal access, and no complete duct replacement; local labor and equipment availability can shift them.
How furnace, evaporator coil, and labor charges split
For a furnace-and-AC replacement, the quote usually combines two pieces of equipment with installation work. The table shows typical portions of a $7,000-$15,000 package; line items may be bundled, so they are not always separately listed.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furnace and AC equipment | $3,500 | $5,500 | $8,500 | Matched furnace, condenser, and indoor coil |
| Labor | $1,500 | $2,800 | $4,500 | Removal, setting, connections, testing |
| Materials and accessories | $300 | $800 | $1,800 | Line set, fittings, drain, thermostat, wiring |
| Permit and inspection | $100 | $300 | $700 | Local requirements and inspection fees |
| Disposal and delivery | $100 | $300 | $600 | Old equipment haul-away and delivery |
Labor often accounts for roughly 20%-35% of a combined installation. A labor estimate can be checked with ; HVAC labor commonly bills at about $75-$150 per technician-hour, though the contractor’s project price may include overhead and warranty costs.
Which BTU capacity, efficiency, and venting change the quote
Furnace capacity is selected from a heat-load calculation, not square footage alone. Many homes use 40,000-100,000 BTU furnaces; moving above 100,000 BTU, changing from a single-stage to a modulating unit, or correcting an oversized system can change equipment and setup costs. A 96%-98% AFUE furnace often costs more than an 80%-90% model, and may require PVC venting or a condensate drain.
Venting and fit can matter as much as the furnace label price. Converting an older 80% furnace to a high-efficiency model may add $500-$2,000 for venting, drainage, or combustion-air work. A new AC system also needs a properly matched coil and compatible refrigerant line set.
How to lower the bill when replacing furnace and AC
Replacing both systems at once can reduce duplicated labor, but it is not automatically the least expensive choice. If the AC is relatively new and compatible with the new furnace, replacing only the failed equipment may avoid several thousand dollars in immediate spending. Ask the contractor to price furnace-only and matched-system options separately.
Keep the scope comparable before choosing the lowest quote. Get at least three written estimates with model numbers, capacity, AFUE rating, included permits, haul-away, thermostat, and warranty. Correcting minor access or storage issues before installation and avoiding premium add-ons that do not solve a specific need can also control the total.
Why furnace installation prices differ by U.S. region
Labor, permits, weather demand, and local contractor availability create meaningful regional differences. For similar equipment and scope, installed prices in high-cost Northeast and West Coast metros may be 10%-25% above a national midpoint. Many Southern and lower-cost Midwest markets can be 5%-15% below it; remote locations may pay more for delivery and limited crew availability.
Compare local bids for the same equipment rather than relying on a national average. A $5,500 furnace-only estimate may be reasonable in one market but unusually high or low in another if venting, electrical work, or permit rules differ.
How long a furnace and AC installation takes
A straightforward furnace swap often takes a two-person crew 6-10 hours. Replacing a furnace and central AC commonly takes 1-2 days, with extra time for new refrigerant lines, duct transitions, electrical upgrades, or vent changes. Labor and scheduling costs rise when the home needs multiple trades or the work is urgent during a cold spell.
Ask whether the quote includes commissioning and a system test, not just equipment placement. The crew should verify safe furnace operation, airflow, thermostat control, AC refrigerant performance, and condensate drainage before the job is considered complete.
What three installed furnace and AC quotes may include
A modest 1,200-square-foot home might receive a $7,500-$9,000 quote for a 60,000 BTU standard-efficiency furnace and basic 2-ton AC, assuming one-day installation and existing ductwork. A 2,000-square-foot home with a 80,000 BTU, 96% AFUE furnace and 3-ton AC might be quoted at $9,500-$12,500, including a matched coil and standard controls.
More scope produces a different price, even when the home size is similar. A 2,500-square-foot home needing a 100,000 BTU high-efficiency furnace, 4-ton AC, new PVC venting, and duct repairs could land around $13,000-$18,000. These examples assume ordinary access; extensive duct replacement is additional.
When furnace repair costs less than full replacement
A service visit and diagnostic fee commonly costs $75-$200, while many routine repairs fall around $150-$800. A blower motor, control board, or igniter replacement may cost more, and a failed heat exchanger can warrant replacement rather than repair. Compare repair cost with the furnace’s age, operating condition, and remaining warranty.
Repair is often worth pricing when the furnace is under 10 years old and the fault is limited. For a 15- to 20-year-old unit with repeated breakdowns, compare the repair quote against a complete replacement estimate, including any safety or efficiency concerns identified by a licensed technician.