HVAC Replacement Cost: Furnace, AC, or Both
A full HVAC system costs $8,000 to $20,000 (Fixr). Replacing a single unit runs $5,540 to $10,980 (Today's Homeowner), and central air alone averages $8,750 with a $5,800 to $14,400 range.
What a new HVAC system costs
HVAC replacement cost depends on whether you replace one unit or the whole heating and cooling system. Fixr reports that a full HVAC system typically costs $8,000 to $20,000. Today's Homeowner lists $5,540 to $10,980 for a single HVAC unit, installation and removal of the old unit. Replacing only a central air conditioner is cheaper, with Fixr showing a national average range of $5,800 to $14,400.
System type, unit size, efficiency rating, brand and the condition of your ductwork all move the total.
Central air conditioner cost
| Central air cost | Fixr |
|---|---|
| National average | $8,750 |
| Average range | $5,800 – $14,400 |
| Low end | $3,750 |
| High end | $18,000 |
Fixr's average is based on a new 3-ton split system with a 16 SEER rating and new ductwork in a 2,000 square foot home. Costs run from $2.90 to $7.20 per square foot. They sit at the low end when ducts already exist and at the high end when ducts must be added or upgraded.
Cost by home size
| Home size | Installed central air cost (Fixr) |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $2,900 – $7,200 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $4,350 – $10,800 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $5,800 – $14,400 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $7,250 – $18,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $8,700 – $21,600 |
Most homes need between 3 and 3.5 tons of cooling. Fixr puts a 3-ton unit at about $5,000 to $9,150 installed, and a 5-ton unit at $6,950 to $11,600 or more. Sun exposure, insulation and duct condition all affect the size you need.
Furnace and system pricing
| Component | Typical installed cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Furnace replacement | $2,800 – $7,000 | Today's Homeowner |
| Electric furnace | $2,000 – $7,000 | Today's Homeowner |
| Gas furnace | $3,800 – $10,000+ | Today's Homeowner |
| Oil furnace | $6,750 – $10,000+ | Today's Homeowner |
| Full HVAC system | $8,000 – $20,000 | Fixr |
If you only need heat, our furnace replacement cost guide covers gas, electric and oil units in detail.
What moves the price
- System type: central air, heat pump and furnace systems each have different equipment and labor costs.
- Efficiency rating: higher SEER and AFUE equipment costs more up front. Fixr says it can lower utility bills over time.
- Ductwork: existing ducts that are undersized, leaking or missing can add thousands of dollars. Fixr lists duct condition and electrical upgrades as major cost factors.
- Home size and climate: bigger homes in hotter or colder climates need more capacity.
- Installation complexity: tight access, new electrical circuits or a change in fuel type raise labor costs.
Financing and incentives
Many homeowners finance HVAC work because of the upfront cost. Fixr lists contractor and brand financing with promotional low or 0% APR, personal loans, home equity lines of credit, buy now pay later services and PACE programs. Compare the total interest, not only the monthly payment.
Incentives have changed. Fixr states that the federal Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit expired on December 31, 2025, so no federal tax credit applies to equipment installed in 2026. The High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program can still help income-eligible households, with up to $14,000 in total and up to $8,000 for a heat pump, administered by state energy offices. Eligibility requires household income at or below 150 percent of the area median, and not every state has launched the program, so check your state energy office before you buy.
Is your quote reasonable?
For a central air replacement in a 2,000 square foot home with usable ducts, a quote between $5,800 and $9,000 is in line with Fixr's data. A full system with new furnace and air conditioner at $8,000 to $15,000 is typical, and $20,000 is the top of the published range. A quote far above that should name premium equipment, new ductwork or an electrical upgrade.
Ask every contractor for the brand, model, SEER and AFUE ratings, tonnage, and a written explanation of how they sized the system. Confirm that the quote includes removal of old equipment, permits, ductwork changes and a labor warranty. Get at least three quotes and compare them line by line before you choose.
Last updated: October 2026