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How much does HVAC replacement cost?
Cost insights
$5,000 to $14,500- Replacing a full system, air conditioner plus furnace, typically costs $7,500 to $14,500 installed.
- AC-only replacement runs $3,800 to $7,500. Furnace-only runs $2,800 to $6,800.
- Correct sizing matters more than brand. An oversized system costs more, cools worse and dies younger.
- Ductwork condition can add $2,000 to $5,000 if ducts leak, are undersized or contain damaged sections.
HVAC quotes confuse homeowners because the equipment is only about half the bill. Labor, refrigerant lines, pads, permits, disposal and sometimes duct repairs make up the rest. This guide prices the four common replacement jobs at standard home sizes, and shows the sizing and duct questions to settle before you sign anything.
HVAC replacement calculator
Pick the system and your home size. The calculator applies a size factor to the national installed range.
HVAC replacement cost by home size
Full system, AC plus furnace, standard efficiency, existing ducts in good condition.
| Home size | Full system cost |
|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft | $6,750 to $13,000 |
| 1,800 sq ft | $7,500 to $14,500 |
| 2,400 sq ft | $8,600 to $16,700 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $9,750 to $18,900 |
Cost by system type
| System | Installed cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Central AC only | $3,800 to $7,500 | Furnace is young and sound |
| Furnace only | $2,800 to $6,800 | AC is young, heating is failing |
| Full system | $7,500 to $14,500 | Both units are old, matched efficiency |
| Heat pump | $4,500 to $9,500 | Mild winters, or paired with backup heat |
What determines the price?
Sizing, in tons and BTU
Contractors should size from a load calculation, not from the old unit label. Homes change: additions, windows and insulation all shift the right size. Ask to see the calculation.
Efficiency ratings
Higher SEER2 and AFUE ratings cost more up front and less every month after. In hot climates the payback is fast. In mild ones, mid-efficiency plus good duct sealing often wins.
Ductwork
Leaky ducts can waste a quarter of the air you paid to cool. A duct inspection and sealing quote belongs in every replacement conversation.
Refrigerant and code
New systems use newer refrigerants and current code for lines, pads and disconnects. Reusing an old line set is sometimes allowed and sometimes a false economy. Ask which your quote assumes.
Cost breakdown
| Item | Share of a typical job |
|---|---|
| Equipment | About 50 to 60% |
| Labor and installation materials | About 30 to 35% |
| Permits, disposal and thermostat | About 5 to 10% |
DIY vs hiring a pro
DIY
Thermostat swaps, filter discipline and keeping the outdoor unit clear are homeowner jobs. Everything past that involves refrigerant, gas or high-voltage work.
Hiring a pro
Full replacement is licensed work in every state, full stop. Choose on the load calculation, the duct plan and the warranty, in that order, not on brand alone.
Repair or replace rule of thumb: multiply the unit age in years by the repair quote. If the result passes about $5,000, replacement usually wins. A 14-year-old unit with a $600 repair scores 8,400, so price a replacement before you approve the repair.
Ways to reduce the cost
- Get quotes in the shoulder seasons, spring and fall, when crews are not slammed.
- Ask each bidder for the load calculation and the duct plan in writing.
- Check utility rebates and federal tax credits for high-efficiency and heat pump systems before you sign.
- Replace AC and furnace together when both are old. Matched systems carry better warranties.
How we get this cost data
Our ranges are built from published US material pricing, labor rate data including US Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, and homeowner project reports. We update this page when prices move, and we show the updated date at the top. Ranges are national planning numbers. Your city and project condition will move your quote inside, or occasionally outside, the range.
Questions homeowners ask
How long does an HVAC system last?
About 15 to 20 years for a furnace and 12 to 17 for a central AC in most US climates. Coastal salt air shortens both.
How long does replacement take?
One to two days for a like-for-like system swap with sound ducts. Duct replacement adds days.
Is a heat pump cheaper than AC plus furnace?
The equipment often is. Operating cost depends on your winter temperatures and electricity price. In cold regions a heat pump with backup heat is the common setup.