How Much Does HVAC Replacement Cost? [2024 Data]

Normal range: $5,000 - $12,500

A new HVAC system costs around $7,500, on average, and prices typically fall between $5,000 and $12,500. Pricing includes HVAC system and labor costs.

How we get this data
A heating and cooling system situated outdoors
Photo: Christian Delbert / Adobe Stock
Veronica Sparks
Written by Veronica Sparks
Contributing Writer
Robert Tschudi
Reviewed by Robert Tschudi
Licensed General Contractor, Architexture Home Center, Inc.
Updated August 27, 2024
A heating and cooling system situated outdoors
Photo: Christian Delbert / Adobe Stock

An HVAC replacement cost is $7,500 on average. This range could be as low as $5,000 or as high as $12,500, depending on the type and size of your unit, the brand, and labor costs. Your overall cost for a new HVAC unit could reach $22,000 if you add new ductwork and additional features like a HEPA filtration system.

See the price range for HVAC system installation:
How we get this data
Normal range for U.S.
$5,000 - $12,500
  • Average
  • $7,500
  • Low end
  • $5,000
  • high end
  • $22,000
LOWHIGH

AC Replacement Cost Calculator

Calculations are based on the cost of installing one central air conditioning system. Calculations rounded to the nearest whole number.

QuantityCost Range or Average Cost
Central Air System Cost1 central air system$3,900–$7,900
Installation Labor Cost1 HVAC contractor$1,500
HVAC Permit Cost1 HVAC permit$250–$400
Optional: Ductwork Installation1 HVAC contractor$3,500
Optional: Install Insulation1 Insulation contractor$1,500
Optional: Install New Thermostat1 new thermostat$120–$260
Total$5,650–$9,800
Total With Options$10,770–$15,060

HVAC Replacement Cost by Unit Type

Let's take a look at the cost of the HVAC unit as well as installation labor to help you do the math:

HVAC Unit CostsLow CostHigh Cost
Ductless mini-split$2,000$14,500
Window AC unit$150$550
Whole-house fan$900$3,600
Central air$3,900$7,900

Ductless Mini-Split AC

Ductless mini-split ACs cost between $2,000 and $14,500. These systems include an outdoor condenser and indoor units that cool individual zones. The wide price range accounts for how many zoned areas in your home. 

Window AC Unit

Window air conditioning units cost between $150 and $550 on average, including professional installation when necessary. The DIY options for window AC installation can help you save, though this option is only efficient for individual rooms and small apartments. 

Whole-House Fan 

Whole-house fan systems cost between $900 and $2,500 to install, but prices can vary depending on where you mount the fan. You may also see prices up to $3,600 if you add advanced options like multiple fan speeds, shutters, and additional home insulation.

Central Air Conditioner

The cost of a central AC system ranges from $3,900 to $7,900, depending on the size of your home and the amount of ductwork. If you live in a region with hot and humid summers, an air conditioner can protect your home from moisture and mold issues and cool it down more quickly than a window or mini-split system.

Furnace Costs

Check out the costs associated with installing different types of furnaces.

Furnace TypeCost
Electric$1,700–$7,100
Gas$3,800–$10,000
Oil$3,800–$10,000

Electric Furnace

You'll pay between $1,700 and $7,100 for the price of an electric furnace. If you opt for a forced-air system, add an average of $500 to $2,000 to install new ductwork as well. Electric furnaces do best in warm climates, typically climate zones one through three—the southern tip of Florida through Central California.

Gas Furnace

The cost of a gas furnace for an average-sized home is $3,800 to $10,000, not including new ductwork, gas lines, or thermostats. These units use natural gas or propane to heat homes, which costs less on average than running an electric furnace if you live in a cold region. 

Oil Furnace

In most cases, oil furnaces remain popular in areas where natural gas and propane lines are unavailable. You'll pay between $3,800 to $10,000 for the total installation. 

Heat Pump Costs

Check out the cost associated with different types of heat pumps. 

Heat Pump TypeCost
Heat pump$4,200–$7,600
Geothermal$4,450–$24,450
Air source$4,500–$8,000
Hybrid$2,500–$10,000
Solar$18,000–$39,000
Supplement electric$2,500–$6,000

Heat Pump

You'll pay between $4,200 and $7,600 for the cost of heat pump installation, depending on the unit’s capacity and how much ductwork you need. Heat pumps are currently best in temperate areas but are becoming more and more common across the country.

Geothermal Heat Pump

The upfront price to install a geothermal heat pump may sound like a lot—between $4,450 and $24,450—but you could offset these costs in five to 10 years due to energy savings. 

Air Source

Ducted air-source heat pumps, the most popular variety, range from $4,500 to $8,000 in cost. During winter, air-source heat pumps extract heat from the outdoor air and distribute it indoors. In summer, the heat pump reverses this process, expelling indoor heat outdoors.

Hybrid

Hybrid heat pumps offer a versatile solution by combining a heat pump with a secondary heating system, such as a furnace or boiler. When temperatures drop below a certain threshold, the system seamlessly switches to the backup heating source. The cost of hybrid heat pumps ranges from $2,500 to $10,000.

Solar

Leveraging solar power for your air-source or ground-source heat pump can lead to substantial long-term electric bill savings. You’ll need to generate at least 1,500 watts per ton of your heat pump rating. Achieving this typically entails an investment of $18,000 to $39,000 for the cost of solar panels.

Supplemental Electric

Newer heat pump models incorporate a supplemental electric resistance booster heater, enhancing the functionality of dual-fuel hybrid pumps. These systems typically come at a slightly higher cost, ranging from $500 to $1,000 more than standard heat pumps.

To add a supplemental heat pump to an existing furnace, the cost may be between $2,500 and $6,000.

Boiler Costs

Check out the costs associated with different types of boilers.

Boilers heat water and send steam through radiators and baseboards, unlike furnaces that distribute hot air. Boiler replacement cost averages between $3,700 and $8,300 but can increase to $12,000 for high-efficiency models. 

Boiler TypeDescriptionCost
OilBurns oil to produce hot water or steam$4,800–$9,000
Gas and propaneBurns natural gas or propane to heat water$2,800–$9,000
ElectricUses electricity to heat water, easy installation$1,800–$8,000
WoodUses wood logs or pellets to generate hot water or steam$7,000–$16,000

HVAC Replacement Cost by Unit Size

Your HVAC team will use the size of your home and your local climate to determine the unit size you’ll need. Unsurprisingly, the larger the unit, the higher the price tag. 

AC Size Home Size (Sq. Ft.)Average AC Cost*
1.5 tons 600–1,000$2,000
2.5 tons1,000–1,600$2,900
3 tons1,600–2,000$3,000
3.5 tons 2,000–2,500$3,500

*Not including labor

BTUs—or British Thermal Units—describe the furnace’s size/capacity.

Unit Size (BTUs)Home Size (Sq. Ft.)Furnace Cost*
40,000–60,000800–1,200$2,000–$4,500
75,000–100,000 1,500–2,000$2,500–$5,900
120,000–140,0002,500+ $4,000–$8,000

*Not including labor

Keep in mind that a bigger home doesn’t always require a relatively larger HVAC system. There is no direct per-square-foot requirement here. Factors such as your climate zone, home age, insulation type, and even how many windows you have can affect the number of tons and BTUs needed to control the temperature.

HVAC Replacement Cost Factors

Aside from the type of heating system you choose and the size of your new HVAC unit, you should consider these factors that could affect your HVAC replacement cost. 

Labor and Installation 

Installing an HVAC unit, removing and replacing ductwork, and making sure everything works properly is no easy feat. Labor for installing an HVAC unit is around $1,500 on average. 

You’re likely to pay extra if you’ve never had an existing HVAC system, which is most common for those who are building a brand-new home. For example, the cost of installing ductwork is anywhere from $1 to $13 per linear foot, with the average cost falling around $3,500

Location of the AC Unit 

The cost of replacing the HVAC system depends on the indoor and outdoor unit locations.

LocationExamplesCost
Outside of homeSide of home, behind home, roof-mountedNo extra cost
Inside of home Utility closet, attic, basement $1,000–$2,500 to build

Efficiency Ratings 

The Department of Energy uses a series of ratings—such as SEER, AFUE, and HSPF—to assign an efficiency score to your appliance. Not only is it important to know the required rating for your area, but it's important to note the potential savings from investing in an efficient system. 

While you will pay between $350 and $1,500 more for each increase in the rating, you could save money on your utilities in the long run. Always speak with an HVAC pro about the right efficiency rating for your climate.

Brand

Different brands will offer HVAC replacements at unique costs. Some brands are known for more energy-efficient models, which are more costly. Always shop around before purchasing your new unit. Regardless of brand, the average cost of an HVAC unit is around $4,750.

HVAC Replacement Cost by Project Type

Whether you only need to replace your HVAC system or its entire infrastructure will alter the project price. 

HVAC Change-Out 

If you have a central AC and furnace setup and want to upgrade to more efficient models, you'll pay for the unit—which costs $3,300 to $16,000 on average for heating and cooling—plus about $1,500 for labor. You will only pay for new ductwork if your existing ductwork is in poor condition or if you're adding new zones.

Full HVAC Installation With Ductwork

You can expect to pay more for an installation with new ductwork. HVAC ductwork installation averages $1,000 to $2,700 for a 1,000-square-foot system—so without the removal fees, you'll pay between $8,500 and $19,200 for a new HVAC system of this size with ductwork.

Additional HVAC Replacement Cost Factors

A technician checking air conditioning unit
Photo: A Stockphoto / Adobe Stock

Beyond your location and the unit size, you need to consider these additional factors.

Additional Cost FactorAverage Cost
Permits$50–$500
New ductwork $15 per linear foot
Insulation$1,500
Adding zones$2,000–$3,000
New thermostat$120–$260
New features$400–$2,800
Asbestos removal$1,200–$3,100
Removal and disposal fees $60–$500

DIY HVAC Installation Cost vs. Hiring a Pro

Unless you’re installing a simple window AC unit, you shouldn’t tackle new HVAC installation yourself. You need to have a license to handle refrigerants when installing. Not only that but with any wrong move in the installation process, you’re looking at a higher energy bill and a system that can’t provide the cool or warm air you’re looking for.

You can save between $60 and $300 if you install a window air conditioner. Otherwise, it's always best to call a trained and trusted pro to handle HVAC installation.

Labor will typically cost $1,500, but professional installation provides the peace of mind that your home is safe and comfortable for the years ahead.

How to Save on HVAC Replacement Costs

A man opening ceiling hvac to replace air filter
Photo: The Toidi / Adobe Stock

Here are some tips to remember to keep HVAC installation prices low:

  • Weigh installation prices with long-term utility savings

  • Research access to natural gas lines in your area

  • Consider high SEER and AFUE ratings to cut down on utility bills

  • Speak to your HVAC pro about heat pumps and whole-house fans in temperate areas

  • Book your HVAC pro in the spring and fall to avoid the busy season for AC or heating

  • Consider zoned heating and cooling if you only use part of your home most of the time

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

Frequently Asked Questions

On average, an HVAC system lasts around 15 years. If you do annual maintenance, such as cleaning the coils and addressing repairs promptly, you can expect it to last up to 20 years or longer. This will vary based on usage and weather conditions, as extreme heat and cold may damage the components faster than in mild climates.

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Learn more about our contributors
Veronica Sparks
Written by Veronica Sparks
Contributing Writer
Veronica has been an avid DIYer, gardener, and hobby home designer for over a decade. Her tips and advice can be found on publications like 21Oak, HappySprout, and The Angle. She also recently launched her own homesteading blog centered on teaching people about sustainable living in suburban areas.
Veronica has been an avid DIYer, gardener, and hobby home designer for over a decade. Her tips and advice can be found on publications like 21Oak, HappySprout, and The Angle. She also recently launched her own homesteading blog centered on teaching people about sustainable living in suburban areas.
Robert Tschudi
Reviewed by Robert Tschudi
Licensed General Contractor, Architexture Home Center, Inc.
Robert Tschudi has 16 years of experience in general contracting, home building and home remodeling. He and his wife currently co-own a remodeling business that they started in 2004.
Robert Tschudi has 16 years of experience in general contracting, home building and home remodeling. He and his wife currently co-own a remodeling business that they started in 2004.
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