How Much Does HVAC Replacement Cost in 2026?
By Michael JohnsonUpdated 11 sources comparedHow we estimate
A full HVAC replacement, either a furnace and central AC or a heat pump system, typically costs $7,000 to $15,000 installed, and about $10,000 is a realistic national midpoint. Simple standard-efficiency swaps in small homes can come in near $5,000. Large homes with variable-speed equipment and new ductwork can reach $28,000. The main price drivers are system type, home size (tonnage), efficiency tier and the condition of your ducts.
- Typical cost
- $7,000–$15,000
- National average
- $10,000
- Full range
- $5,000–$28,000
The typical range covers replacing a standard-efficiency furnace and central AC, or a heat pump and air handler, in a 1,200–2,500 sq ft home using existing ductwork, including removal, labor and a basic permit. Prices are per complete system (furnace + AC or heat pump), installed.
HVAC replacement cost by system type
We compiled installed prices from five independent publishers. Our $10,000 average is the median of four national figures: Angi ($7,500), This Old House's 3-ton average ($8,344), ConsumerAffairs ($11,500) and the midpoint of Modernize's $11,590–$14,100 range.
| System | Installed cost in sources | QuoteRuler typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Gas furnace + central AC | $5,000–$12,500 (Angi, This Old House); $8,000–$15,000 (ConsumerAffairs) | $7,000–$13,000 |
| Heat pump + air handler | $8,000–$16,000 (ConsumerAffairs); heat pump $7,369–$15,608 plus air handler (Trane) | $8,000–$16,000 |
| Dual-fuel (heat pump + furnace) | $10,000–$18,000 (ConsumerAffairs) | $10,000–$18,000 |
| Central AC only | $3,900–$8,000 (Angi, This Old House); $6,568–$13,669 (Trane) | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Gas furnace only | $3,800–$10,000 (Angi, This Old House); $3,800–$12,000 (Carrier) | $3,800–$10,000 |
| Complete system, premium/large home | Over $22,000 (This Old House); up to $28,000 (Bryant, CBS News) | $18,000–$28,000 |
Why the numbers disagree: Angi and HomeAdvisor report what their users paid, and that data includes many simple, standard-efficiency swaps. Their pages also still reference 2025 data, so their $7,500 average is the lowest. Modernize's $11,590–$14,100 comes from 56,000 projects over the last six months. Manufacturer guides from Trane, Carrier and Bryant price each piece of equipment separately with dealer labor included, so adding a Trane AC to a Trane furnace easily tops $11,000. CBS News also points to efficiency standards, labor shortages and the industry's refrigerant transition as reasons prices have risen.
Estimate your cost
Choose the system you're installing, your home's size and the efficiency tier, then tick any ductwork or permit costs that apply.
Ranges come from the sources listed at the end of this guide. The labor portion is adjusted for your state with BEA price data. Your final price depends on site conditions and local codes.
Cost by home size and tonnage
HVAC systems are sized in tons of cooling (1 ton = 12,000 BTU per hour). This Old House cites the Department of Energy's rule of thumb of about 20 BTU per square foot, which works out to about 1 ton per 600 sq ft. Climate, insulation, windows and ceiling height all change that. A proper Manual J load calculation should set the final size, not square footage alone.
| Home size | Approx. tonnage | HomeAdvisor (complete system) | This Old House (all-in avg.) | Modernize (system / with ducts) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 1.5–2 tons | $3,000–$6,000 | $8,138 | $4,500–$7,500 / $6,600–$11,500 |
| 1,500 sq ft | 2.5 tons | $4,000–$7,000 | $8,241 (1,200 sq ft) | $5,000–$8,500 / $7,100–$12,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 3–3.5 tons | $5,000–$9,000 | $8,344 (1,800 sq ft) | ~$13,430 / $15,500–$17,400 |
| 2,500 sq ft | 4 tons | $6,000–$10,000 | $12,670 | ~$13,430 / $15,500–$17,400 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 5 tons | $7,000–$12,000 | ~$17,100 | $15,000–$20,000+ / $17,100–$23,000+ |
Our calculator's size multipliers (0.85 to 1.75) come from the ratios between these rows. Moving from about 1,800 sq ft to 2,500 sq ft raises the price by roughly 30% to 50%, and a 3,000 sq ft, 5-ton system costs about 1.5 to 2 times as much.
SEER2 and efficiency tier
Since 2023, AC and heat pump efficiency has been rated in SEER2 (cooling) and HSPF2 (heat pump heating), and furnaces in AFUE. Higher tiers cost more up front. Trane's 2026 dealer estimates show the premium clearly:
| Trane tier (2026) | Central AC installed | Heat pump installed |
|---|---|---|
| Single-stage (up to 17 SEER2) | $6,568–$8,544 | $8,313–$10,289 |
| Multi-speed (up to 17.1 SEER2) | $8,573–$10,671 | $9,921–$12,648 |
| Variable-speed (up to 22–24 SEER2) | $11,525–$13,669 | $12,778–$15,608 |
That is roughly a 20% step to the middle tier and a 50% step to the top tier, which is what our efficiency multipliers use. Other sources put the premium in dollars: each step up in rating adds $350–$1,500 (Angi), ENERGY STAR models cost 10%–20% more, and high-SEER units cost $1,000–$2,000 more (HomeAdvisor). On furnaces, Trane prices a 96% AFUE model about $1,500 to $2,000 above a comparable 80% unit. Condensing furnaces also need a drain and PVC venting.
Ductwork
If your ducts are sound, a replacement reconnects to them and you pay nothing extra. If they are leaky, undersized or missing, plan on $2,000 to $5,000 for a typical home. Modernize puts ductwork at $2,100–$4,000 for 2,000 sq ft. Angi gives $1–$13 per linear foot with a $3,500 average, and CBS News (citing ARS) says ductwork can add about $3,000. ConsumerAffairs adds that duct repairs raise the total by about 10%, while an entirely new duct system can double it. If you're adding a heat pump to a home without ducts, ductless mini-splits are often cheaper; see our heat pump installation cost guide.
Labor vs. materials
Labor estimates vary widely. Angi and HomeAdvisor list about $1,500 of labor on a $7,500 job, or about 20%. ConsumerAffairs puts labor at 40%–50% of the total. Manufacturer quotes from Trane and Carrier bundle labor into the equipment price. We use a labor share of 40%, the low end of ConsumerAffairs' range, because a full system swap includes removal, refrigerant line work, electrical and gas reconnections, condensate drains, startup and testing. Only that 40% gets adjusted in our state table, since equipment prices are largely national.
What drives the price up or down
- System type and fuel. A heat pump system costs a bit more than furnace + AC, and dual-fuel costs the most (see the table above).
- Tonnage. Every added ton raises equipment and refrigerant costs.
- Efficiency and staging. Expect to pay about 20% more for two-stage or multi-speed equipment and 50% more for variable-speed (Trane).
- Ductwork. Plan on $2,000–$5,000, or more for a whole new duct system.
- Zoning. Adding zones costs $2,000–$3,000 (Angi).
- Access. Attic, crawlspace or rooftop units take more labor. HomeAdvisor says roof-mounted work can add up to $1,000.
- Electrical and gas changes. Moving from gas to a heat pump may need a new 240-volt circuit or panel work. Moving to gas may need a new line.
- Asbestos. Older duct wrap or furnace insulation can require abatement, which Angi prices at $1,200–$3,100. This must be done by a licensed abatement contractor.
- Brand and installer. This Old House notes premium brands and dealers can exceed $22,000 on large homes.
HVAC replacement cost by state
Installer labor rates follow local wages and living costs, so the same system can cost thousands more in a high-cost metro. The table starts from our national range, compiled from the sources above, and adjusts only the labor portion (40%) using the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities for each state.
| State | Typical range | Average | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $6,700–$14,400 | $9,600 | -4.0% |
| Alaska | $7,050–$15,100 | $10,100 | +0.7% |
| Arizona | $7,050–$15,100 | $10,000 | +0.4% |
| Arkansas | $6,600–$14,200 | $9,450 | -5.4% |
| California | $7,350–$15,800 | $10,500 | +5.0% |
| Colorado | $7,050–$15,100 | $10,100 | +0.6% |
| Connecticut | $7,100–$15,200 | $10,100 | +1.5% |
| Delaware | $7,000–$15,000 | $9,950 | -0.3% |
| District of Columbia | $7,300–$15,600 | $10,400 | +4.3% |
| Florida | $7,100–$15,200 | $10,100 | +1.4% |
| Georgia | $6,900–$14,800 | $9,850 | -1.3% |
| Hawaii | $7,250–$15,500 | $10,300 | +3.4% |
| Idaho | $6,750–$14,500 | $9,650 | -3.4% |
| Illinois | $6,950–$14,900 | $9,950 | -0.4% |
| Indiana | $6,800–$14,500 | $9,700 | -3.1% |
| Iowa | $6,700–$14,300 | $9,550 | -4.5% |
| Kansas | $6,700–$14,400 | $9,600 | -4.0% |
| Kentucky | $6,750–$14,400 | $9,600 | -3.8% |
| Louisiana | $6,650–$14,300 | $9,550 | -4.7% |
| Maine | $6,900–$14,800 | $9,900 | -1.2% |
| Maryland | $7,100–$15,200 | $10,200 | +1.6% |
| Massachusetts | $7,250–$15,500 | $10,300 | +3.3% |
| Michigan | $6,850–$14,700 | $9,750 | -2.3% |
| Minnesota | $6,950–$14,900 | $9,950 | -0.6% |
| Mississippi | $6,650–$14,200 | $9,500 | -5.1% |
| Missouri | $6,750–$14,500 | $9,650 | -3.3% |
| Montana | $6,750–$14,400 | $9,600 | -3.9% |
| Nebraska | $6,750–$14,400 | $9,600 | -3.8% |
| Nevada | $6,900–$14,800 | $9,900 | -1.2% |
| New Hampshire | $7,150–$15,300 | $10,200 | +2.1% |
| New Jersey | $7,250–$15,500 | $10,400 | +3.6% |
| New Mexico | $6,750–$14,400 | $9,600 | -3.8% |
| New York | $7,200–$15,500 | $10,300 | +3.0% |
| North Carolina | $6,850–$14,600 | $9,750 | -2.4% |
| North Dakota | $6,700–$14,300 | $9,550 | -4.6% |
| Ohio | $6,750–$14,500 | $9,650 | -3.3% |
| Oklahoma | $6,650–$14,300 | $9,550 | -4.7% |
| Oregon | $7,150–$15,300 | $10,200 | +1.9% |
| Pennsylvania | $6,950–$14,800 | $9,900 | -1.0% |
| Rhode Island | $7,050–$15,100 | $10,100 | +0.6% |
| South Carolina | $6,800–$14,600 | $9,750 | -2.7% |
| South Dakota | $6,650–$14,300 | $9,500 | -4.8% |
| Tennessee | $6,800–$14,600 | $9,700 | -3.0% |
| Texas | $6,900–$14,800 | $9,900 | -1.1% |
| Utah | $6,850–$14,700 | $9,800 | -2.0% |
| Vermont | $6,900–$14,800 | $9,850 | -1.4% |
| Virginia | $7,000–$15,000 | $10,000 | +0.3% |
| Washington | $7,250–$15,500 | $10,300 | +3.4% |
| West Virginia | $6,700–$14,400 | $9,600 | -4.1% |
| Wisconsin | $6,800–$14,600 | $9,700 | -2.8% |
| Wyoming | $6,750–$14,400 | $9,650 | -3.7% |
Climate also affects what you buy. Southern homes often need more cooling tonnage. Northern homes may justify a high-AFUE furnace or a cold-climate heat pump, and both raise the price beyond what labor alone explains.
Repair or replace? DIY or pro?
The $5,000 rule is a common rule of thumb: multiply the system's age by the repair quote. If the result tops $5,000, replacement is usually the better value. Also replace when the system needs a compressor or heat exchanger, uses obsolete refrigerant that is expensive to recharge, or can no longer keep up after a home addition. Repair is the better call for capacitors, contactors, blower motors, igniters and other parts on a system with years of life left.
This is not a DIY job. Federal rules require EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerant. Gas furnace connections and venting carry fire and carbon monoxide risks and need a licensed HVAC contractor and a permit in most jurisdictions. New circuits require a licensed electrician. Manufacturer warranties typically require professional installation and registration.
How to save money on HVAC replacement
- Don't count on a federal tax credit. The IRS confirms the 25C credit, which was worth up to $2,000 for heat pumps and $600 for qualifying AC units and furnaces, does not apply to equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025.
- Check utility and local rebates. Many utilities still offer rebates for high-efficiency heat pumps, ACs and smart thermostats. Search your ZIP code in the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder and ask installers which rebates they process.
- Schedule in spring or fall. Contractors are less busy in the shoulder seasons, so you have more time to compare quotes and can sometimes catch off-season pricing.
- Replace matched components together. A combined furnace + AC job averages $7,500 according to Angi. Buying them separately means paying two rounds of labor and permits, about $4,000–$8,000 for the AC plus $3,800–$10,000 for the furnace (This Old House).
- Insist on a load calculation. An oversized system costs more and short-cycles. An undersized one runs constantly.
- Pick the efficiency tier that pays back in your climate. A variable-speed unit in a mild climate may never earn back its premium.
- Get at least three itemized quotes on comparable equipment.
How to compare HVAC quotes
A fair quote should list:
- Brand, model numbers, tonnage, SEER2/HSPF2 and AFUE ratings for every component, and confirmation that the indoor and outdoor units are a matched (AHRI-rated) pair.
- Removal and disposal of old equipment, and refrigerant recovery.
- New line set or line-set flush, pad, condensate drain and thermostat.
- Any duct repair, sealing or replacement, priced separately.
- Permit, inspection and startup testing.
- Parts and labor warranty terms, and who registers the equipment.
Red flags: sizing based only on the old unit or on square footage, with no load calculation; a quote that names a "series" but no model numbers; high-pressure "today only" pricing; or a price far below the others that leaves out the permit, line set or thermostat.
Hidden costs people forget
- Thermostat: $120–$260 (Angi). Trane's estimates exclude it.
- Permits: $50–$500 (Angi).
- Haul-away: $60–$500 if it isn't included (Angi).
- Electrical upgrades when switching to a heat pump or a larger AC.
- Condensate pump or drain for high-efficiency furnaces in basements.
- Duct sealing or insulation: HomeAdvisor puts added insulation at about $1,500.
- Asbestos abatement in older homes: $1,200–$3,100 (Angi).
- Extras such as air purification or humidifiers, which ConsumerAffairs says add 5%–15%.
If you're upgrading other home systems at the same time, our water heater replacement cost guide and window replacement cost guide can help you budget, and better windows can reduce the tonnage you need.
Bottom line
Most homeowners pay $7,000 to $15,000 to replace a complete HVAC system, and about $10,000 is a realistic midpoint for a 1,200–2,500 sq ft home with usable ducts. Home size, efficiency tier and ductwork can push the total from about $5,000 to $28,000. The federal 25C credit ended after 2025, so look for utility rebates instead. Get a load calculation and three itemized quotes before you sign.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a new HVAC system cost for a 2,000 sq ft house?
Expect roughly $9,000 to $17,000 for a 2,000 sq ft home, depending on equipment tier and ductwork. HomeAdvisor lists $5,000–$9,000, This Old House averages $8,344 for a 3-ton system (about 1,800 sq ft) and $12,670 for 4 tons, and Modernize reports about $13,430 for a 2,000–2,500 sq ft home, or $15,500–$17,400 with ductwork.
How much does a new HVAC system cost for a 1,000 or 1,500 sq ft house?
Smaller homes need about 1.5 to 2.5 tons of cooling. HomeAdvisor puts a complete system at $3,000–$6,000 for 1,000 sq ft and $4,000–$7,000 for 1,500 sq ft, while Modernize reports $4,500–$7,500 and $5,000–$8,500 for system-only jobs. This Old House's all-in average for a 1,000 sq ft, 1.5-ton system with ductwork and thermostat is $8,138.
Is it cheaper to replace the AC and furnace together?
Usually, yes. Angi puts a combined furnace and AC replacement at about $7,500 on average ($5,000–$12,500), while buying them separately at different times means paying two rounds of labor, permits and setup: roughly $4,000–$8,000 for the AC plus $3,800–$10,000 for the furnace (This Old House). Replacing both also ensures the indoor and outdoor equipment is matched.
What is the $5,000 rule for HVAC?
It is a rule of thumb, not a standard: multiply the system's age in years by the repair quote. If the result is more than $5,000, replacement is usually the better value. For example, a $400 repair on a 15-year-old system gives $6,000, which points to replacing. Always weigh it against the system's condition and efficiency.
What time of year is cheapest to replace HVAC?
Spring and fall are usually the best times to schedule, because contractors are less busy than during summer heat waves or winter cold snaps. You have time to compare quotes, and some installers run off-season promotions. Emergency replacements in peak season leave the least room to negotiate.
Is there a federal tax credit for a new HVAC system in 2026?
No. The IRS says the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C), which covered up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pumps and up to $600 for qualifying central AC units and furnaces, does not apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Utility rebates and state programs may still be available.
How much does it cost to install an HVAC system with ductwork?
New or replacement ductwork typically adds $2,000 to $5,000 to a system replacement for an average home. Modernize puts it at $2,100–$4,000 for a 2,000 sq ft home, and Angi gives an average of about $3,500 ($1–$13 per linear foot). HomeAdvisor lists a full new system with ductwork at $8,500–$19,200.
Sources
We compared these sources to build the QuoteRuler range. State figures adjust the labor portion (40% of the total) using the BEA Regional Price Parities.
- How Much Does HVAC Replacement Cost? — Angi. Used for: Average $7,500, range $5,000–$22,000; central AC $3,900–$7,900; gas furnace $3,800–$10,000; heat pump $4,200–$7,600; ductless $2,000–$14,500; equipment-only prices by tonnage (1.5 tons $2,000 to 3.5 tons $3,500); each efficiency-rating step adds $350–$1,500; ductwork $1–$13 per linear foot, about $3,500 average; labor about $1,500; permits $50–$500; removal $60–$500; zoning $2,000–$3,000; thermostat $120–$260; asbestos removal $1,200–$3,100. Title says 2026 data; no update date shown..
- AC and Furnace Replacement Cost — Angi. Used for: Combined furnace and AC replacement: $7,500 on average, $5,000–$12,500 (figure taken from the Google search snippet dated October 29, 2026)..
- How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace an HVAC System? — HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.). Used for: Same parent company as Angi, so not counted as independent. Complete system by home size: 1,000 sq ft $3,000–$6,000; 1,500 sq ft $4,000–$7,000; 2,000 sq ft $5,000–$9,000; 2,500 sq ft $6,000–$10,000; 3,000 sq ft $7,000–$12,000. ENERGY STAR models 10%–20% more; high-SEER units $1,000–$2,000 more; new system with ductwork $8,500–$19,200. Title references 2025..
- HVAC Installation Cost — This Old House. Used for: Updated June 12, 2026. Standard AC and furnace with simple ducts $5,000–$12,500; large premium systems over $22,000; AC $4,000–$8,000; heat pump $4,200–$7,600; furnace $2,000–$10,000 (gas $3,800–$10,000); all-in averages by size: 1.5 tons/1,000 sq ft $8,138, 2 tons/1,200 sq ft $8,241, 3 tons/1,800 sq ft $8,344, 4 tons/2,500 sq ft $12,670, 5 tons/3,000 sq ft about $17,100; ductwork about $1,000–$2,700 for a 1,000 sq ft system; DOE sizing rule of about 20 BTU per sq ft..
- New HVAC System Cost Calculator — Modernize. Used for: Updated October 27, 2026. Average replacement $11,590–$14,100 based on 56,000 homeowner projects over 6 months; about $13,430 for AC plus gas furnace in a 2,000–2,500 sq ft home; system only vs with ductwork: 1,000 sq ft $4,500–$7,500 / $6,600–$11,500; 1,500 sq ft $5,000–$8,500 / $7,100–$12,500; 2,000–2,500 sq ft about $13,430 / $15,500–$17,400; 3,000 sq ft $15,000–$20,000+ / $17,100–$23,000+; ductwork adds $2,100–$4,000 for 2,000 sq ft..
- How Much Does HVAC Replacement Cost? — ConsumerAffairs. Used for: Updated May 20, 2026. Most homeowners pay $8,000–$15,000; average about $11,500 (per a quoted Arizona contractor); furnace + AC $8,000–$15,000; hybrid heat pump + furnace $10,000–$18,000; AC or furnace only $4,000–$7,500; air-source heat pump $8,000–$16,000; labor 40%–50% of total; duct repairs add about 10%; new ductwork can double the cost; extras add 5%–15%..
- 2026 HVAC Replacement Cost Guide — Trane. Used for: Last modified May 26, 2026. Installed dealer estimates including labor and removal: AC $6,568–$13,669 (Choice 15 single-stage $6,568–$8,544; Priority 17 multi-speed $8,573–$10,671; Premier 20 variable-speed $11,525–$13,669); furnace $5,093–$8,390 (80% AFUE $5,093–$6,386; 96% AFUE $6,630–$8,390); heat pump $7,369–$15,608 (Choice $8,313–$10,289; Priority $9,921–$12,648; Premier $12,778–$15,608); air handler $5,172–$8,742. Estimates exclude thermostats..
- HVAC Replacement Cost — Carrier. Used for: Dated September 28, 2026. Total replacement about $3,000 to more than $15,000; gas furnace $3,800–$12,000; central AC $3,000–$15,000; heat pump $6,000–$25,000; geothermal $12,000–$45,000..
- How Much Does a New HVAC System Cost in 2026? — Bryant (Carrier brand). Used for: Complete HVAC replacement $5,000–$28,000 (citing This Old House); central AC $3,000–$15,000; furnace $3,800–$12,000; ducted heat pump $6,000–$25,000. Confirms 25C ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Same parent company as Carrier..
- How much does a new HVAC system really cost in 2026? — CBS News. Used for: Updated May 27, 2026. Full replacement $5,000–$28,000; missing or replacement ductwork can add about $3,000 (citing ARS); prices have climbed due to efficiency standards, labor shortages and the refrigerant transition..
- Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit — IRS. Used for: 25C allowed for improvements made through December 31, 2025; $2,000 annual cap for qualifying heat pumps; $600 per item for qualifying central AC and furnaces; not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS energy credit FAQs, Public Law 119-21)..
- Regional Price Parities by State, 2023 — U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Used for: state cost adjustments.