Blog › HVAC Costs
Last updated: May 2026 · 8-minute read
HVAC replacement costs $3,500–$12,500 for a complete central system in 2026. Central AC alone: $3,500–$7,500. Heat pump (heat + cool): $4,000–$10,000. Furnace only: $2,500–$6,000. Costs include labor, refrigerant, and basic electrical work.
| System Type | Equipment Cost | Installed Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central AC (split system) | $1,500–$3,500 | $3,500–$7,500 | Homes with existing furnace |
| Gas Furnace | $800–$2,500 | $2,500–$6,000 | Cold climates, gas available |
| Heat Pump (full system) | $2,000–$5,000 | $4,000–$10,000 | Moderate climates, electric |
| Mini-Split (1 zone) | $700–$2,000 | $2,500–$5,000 | Additions, apartments |
| Dual-fuel (heat pump + gas) | $3,000–$6,000 | $6,000–$13,000 | Cold climate efficiency |
| Complete HVAC replacement | $4,000–$8,000 | $7,000–$15,000 | Full system replacement |
| SEER Rating | Efficiency | Cost Increase | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 SEER (minimum 2023) | Standard | Base price | Base |
| 16 SEER | Good | +$500–$800 | ~$100–200/yr |
| 18–20 SEER | High | +$1,000–$2,000 | ~$200–400/yr |
| 20+ SEER2 | Premium | +$2,000–$3,500 | ~$400–600/yr |
⚡ Get 5 free AI guides + weekly insights
Adding or replacing ductwork costs $2,000–$5,000 for a typical home (1,500–2,500 sq ft). Duct sealing/cleaning is $300–$700. If you're adding HVAC to a space without ducts, mini-splits are often more cost-effective than full duct installation.
Carrier, Trane, and Lennox are the top-tier brands but cost 20–30% more. Rheem, Goodman, and Daikin offer excellent reliability at mid-range pricing. Goodman is often the best value — owned by Daikin and uses similar manufacturing with a lower brand premium.
Yes — the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides up to $600 tax credit for high-efficiency central AC and $2,000 for heat pumps meeting efficiency requirements. Income-qualified households can receive up to $8,000 in rebates through the HOMES rebate program. Check dsireusa.org for state incentives.
Rough guidelines: 1,500 sq ft → 2–2.5 tons | 2,000 sq ft → 3–3.5 tons | 2,500 sq ft → 4 tons | 3,000 sq ft → 5 tons. These vary significantly by climate, insulation, ceiling height, and window area. Always get a Manual J load calculation before purchasing.
Emergency HVAC repairs cost $300–$2,500. Common repairs: refrigerant recharge ($200–$400), compressor replacement ($1,200–$2,500), capacitor ($150–$400), contactor ($150–$350). If your system is 12+ years old, a repair over $1,000 often makes replacement the better investment.
Related: Contractor Templates · Free Tools · HVAC Contractor Guide