HVAC Replacement Cost Guide (2026)
What a new HVAC system costs, by system type, home size and city. Estimate ranges to budget with and to check contractor quotes against.
HVAC cost by system type
| Item | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| Central Air Conditioner | $4,000 – $9,000 |
| Heat Pump | $5,500 – $12,000 |
| Gas Furnace | $3,500 – $8,000 |
| Ductless Mini-Split | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Full AC + Furnace System | $7,000 – $14,000 |
| Electric Furnace | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Boiler | $4,000 – $9,500 |
Figures are for a typical 2,000 sq ft home. Larger homes and higher-efficiency equipment cost more.
HVAC cost by home size
Home size drives the capacity you need. Estimated central-air-conditioner-plus-install cost by home size:
| Item | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft home | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| 1,500 sq ft home | $3,000 – $6,800 |
| 2,000 sq ft home | $4,000 – $9,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft home | $5,000 – $11,200 |
| 3,000 sq ft home | $6,000 – $13,500 |
Estimate your HVAC cost
Enter your home size and city for a range specific to you.
Signs it's time to replace your HVAC
- The system is 12–15+ years old
- Frequent or expensive repairs
- Rising energy bills from low efficiency
- Uneven heating or cooling between rooms
- An R-22 refrigerant system (phased out, costly to service)
- Noisy operation or short-cycling
How to save
- Get three or more itemized quotes; compare SEER2/AFUE, not just price
- Insist on a Manual J load calc — oversizing wastes money
- Buy in the off-season (spring or fall) for better pricing
- Check manufacturer, utility and federal efficiency rebates
- Past ~12–15 years, replacing usually beats repeated repairs
- Bundle AC and furnace replacement to save on labor
Explore costs by type
HVAC cost by city
Other project costs
Frequently asked questions
How much does a new HVAC system cost?
Most HVAC replacements run about $3,500 to $14,000 installed depending on system type and home size, with full AC-plus-furnace systems at the higher end.
What is the cheapest HVAC system?
An electric or basic gas furnace is cheapest up front, but a heat pump often costs less to run and covers both heating and cooling.
When should I replace my HVAC system?
Once a system passes ~12–15 years or needs frequent, expensive repairs, replacing it usually costs less than running and fixing an inefficient unit.