Cost Guide · Updated May 2026

How much does HVAC replacement cost?

Replacing a home HVAC system typically costs $5,000–$15,000+. A combined central air conditioner and gas furnace averages roughly $13,000–$14,000, while replacing a furnace and AC together can run about $7,500 on average. New ductwork, if needed, adds about $2,100–$4,000.

Cost by quality tier

Low ($5,000–$7,500)

Basic, standard-efficiency equipment in a smaller home with existing ductwork in good shape.

Mid ($7,500–$12,000)

More efficient equipment, better warranties, add-ons like a smart thermostat or air purification.

High ($12,000–$15,000+)

Premium high-efficiency systems, advanced controls, and more complex installs.

Cost by system size (tonnage)

System size	Home size (approx.)	Installed cost
2 ton	~1,000–1,500 sq ft	$4,400–$7,800
3 ton	~1,500–2,000 sq ft	$6,000–$12,000
4 ton	~2,000–2,500 sq ft	$6,400–$11,000
5 ton	~2,500–3,500 sq ft	$7,400–$12,000

AC or heat-pump install. Replacing the furnace at the same time, premium high-efficiency equipment, or new ductwork pushes toward (and past) the high end.

What's included

New equipment — condenser/AC and furnace or air handler
Removal and disposal of the old system
Refrigerant, a new thermostat, labor, and startup/testing
Permits and inspection where required
Usually separate: ductwork repair/replacement and electrical upgrades

Signs it's time to replace

The system is 12–15+ years old
Frequent or expensive repairs and constant cycling
Rising energy bills or uneven heating and cooling
It still uses phased-out R-22 refrigerant

What moves the price

System size (tonnage) and your home's square footage
Efficiency rating (higher SEER costs more up front, less to run)
Condition of existing ductwork
Brand, warranty, and add-ons (smart thermostat, air purification, zoning)
Local labor rates and install difficulty

How to save on HVAC replacement

Get at least three quotes — bids for the same equipment vary widely.
Right-size the system; an oversized unit costs more and runs less efficiently.
Replace the AC and furnace together so the labor overlaps.
Check manufacturer rebates, utility incentives, and federal efficiency tax credits.
Schedule in spring or fall — the off-season, when installers often discount.

FAQ

How much does it cost to replace an HVAC system?

Most homeowners spend between $5,000 and $15,000+ for a full HVAC system replacement, with a combined central air conditioner and furnace averaging roughly $13,000–$14,000 in recent data. The final price depends on system size, efficiency, and install complexity.

How much does it cost to replace a furnace and AC together?

Replacing both at once commonly runs about $7,500 on average, with a typical range of roughly $5,000–$12,500. Doing them together usually costs less than two separate jobs because labor overlaps.

Does new ductwork add to the cost?

Yes. Replacing ductwork for a roughly 2,000-square-foot home adds about $2,100–$4,000 on top of the equipment and install.

What makes HVAC replacement cost more?

System size (tonnage), efficiency rating (SEER), brand, ductwork condition, zoning, add-ons like air purification, your region's labor rates, and the difficulty of the installation.

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Cost ranges are national estimates compiled from cost-data sources including Angi, HomeAdvisor, Modernize, and PickHVAC (2025–2026). Actual prices vary by region, equipment, and scope. This is a planning guide, not a quote. Prefer an instant estimate? Try the HVAC cost calculator. More: all cost guides.