HVAC installation cost
Installing a new central HVAC system with ductwork costs $7,000 to $16,000. In a home that already has good ducts, the installation drops to $5,000 to $11,000. In new construction, HVAC usually costs $1.75 to $2.50 per square foot because the walls are still open.
Quick answer
$7,000 – $16,000new system with ductwork
A complete installation with new ducts costs $7,000 to $16,000. If ducts already exist and are in good shape, expect $5,000 to $11,000. Add-ons like zoning, a whole-house humidifier or UV filtration push totals toward $18,500.
Installation cost breakdown
| Cost item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| HVAC equipment (furnace + AC or heat pump) | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Installation labor | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Ductwork | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Total | $7,000 – $16,000 |
- HVAC equipment$4,000–$8,00052%
- Ductwork$2,000–$5,00030%
- Installation labor$1,000–$3,00017%
Share of a typical project, using the middle of each range.
Homes with existing ducts
If the home already has ductwork that is sealed, insulated and the right size, the job is a change-out: $5,000 to $11,000. A contractor should test the ducts before quoting; poorly sized ducts can make a brand-new system noisy and inefficient. See HVAC replacement cost.
Homes without ducts
Adding central air to a house with radiators or baseboard heat means building a duct system from scratch: about $2,400 to $6,600 for the ducts alone, plus wall and ceiling repairs. Ductless mini-splits or small-duct high-velocity systems ($3,500 to $15,000+) are often cheaper and less invasive.
New construction
In new construction, HVAC typically costs $1.75 to $2.50 per square foot, because ducts can be run before drywall goes up. Commercial HVAC runs higher, roughly $15 to $30 per square foot for offices.
Labor and permits
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| HVAC technician hourly rate | $75 – $150 |
| Installation labor, full system | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Permits for new installation with ducts | $250 – $1,500 |
Labor costs more for rooftop, attic and tight crawl-space installs, and in high-cost metro areas.
Optional add-ons
| Add-on | Cost installed |
|---|---|
| Zoning system | $1,700 – $4,500 |
| Whole-house humidifier | $400 – $1,200 |
| Whole-house dehumidifier | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Whole-house air purifier | $400 – $4,000 |
| UV light filter | $400 – $800 |
| Smart thermostat | $200 – $450 |
How to get a fair quote
- Get at least three written quotes that list the brand, model number, size (tons or BTU) and efficiency rating.
- Ask whether the price includes permits, removal of the old unit, refrigerant, a new thermostat and any duct or electrical work.
- Ask for a load calculation (Manual J) instead of matching the old unit's size by default.
- Compare labor warranties (1 to 10 years) as well as the manufacturer's parts warranty, and register the equipment.
- Schedule non-urgent work in spring or fall, when contractors are less busy and more willing to discount.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install HVAC in a house without ductwork?
About $7,000 to $16,000 for a ducted system including new ducts. A ductless mini-split system costs $3,000 to $15,000 depending on how many rooms it serves.
What is the labor cost to install an HVAC system?
Installation labor is typically $1,000 to $3,000 for a full system, and technicians charge $75 to $150 per hour.
How much does HVAC cost for new construction?
Roughly $1.75 to $2.50 per square foot, so about $3,500 to $5,000 for a 2,000 square foot home, depending on equipment.
Sources
Prices are national averages and typical ranges from published cost data. Your price depends on your home, region, equipment and contractor, so get several written quotes. Heat & Air Costs is not an HVAC contractor; read our disclaimer.