HVAC replacement cost
Replacing a central heating and cooling system (a new furnace and air conditioner) costs $5,000 to $11,000 installed, about $8,000 on average. If the ductwork also needs replacing, plan on $7,000 to $16,000. Here is what drives the price and how to keep it in check.
Quick answer
$5,000 – $11,000furnace + AC, installed
Most homeowners pay $5,000 to $11,000 to replace a furnace and central AC using the existing ducts. Small, basic systems can cost as little as $2,500, while large, high-efficiency systems with new ducts and add-ons reach about $18,500.
Cost by type of replacement
The biggest price difference is whether the ducts can be reused. A straight change-out swaps the furnace, outdoor AC unit and indoor coil and reconnects them to the existing ductwork. Ductwork that is leaky, undersized or more than 20 years old adds $1,400 to $5,600 to replace.
| Project | Typical cost installed | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Change-out (new units, existing ducts) | $5,000 – $11,000 | 1 – 2 days |
| Replacement with new ductwork | $7,000 – $16,000 | 3 – 5 days |
| Replacement with ductwork and add-ons | $9,500 – $18,500 | 4 – 7 days |
- Equipment (furnace + AC)$4,000–$8,00072%
- Installation labor$1,000–$3,00024%
- Permits, removal, supplies$200–$4504%
Share of a typical project, using the middle of each range.
Cost by home size
Larger homes need more heating and cooling capacity, and longer duct runs. A common estimating rule is $3 to $6 per square foot for a furnace and AC, see HVAC cost per square foot.
| Home size (sq ft) | Typical AC size (tons) | Cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 1.5 – 2 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| 1,200 | 2 – 2.5 | $3,600 – $7,200 |
| 1,600 | 2.5 – 3 | $4,800 – $9,600 |
| 2,000 | 3 – 4 | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| 2,500 | 4 – 5 | $7,500 – $15,000 |
| 3,000 | 5 | $9,000 – $18,000 |
Replacing only one unit
You don't always need to replace everything. If the furnace is under 15 years old and working well, replacing only the air conditioner can make sense. See Should you repair or replace your HVAC system? for how to decide.
| Unit | Cost installed |
|---|---|
| Central air conditioner | $2,500 – $7,500 |
| Furnace | $2,000 – $5,400 |
| Heat pump (air-source) | $3,800 – $8,200 |
| Ductless mini-split | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Boiler | $2,200 – $10,000 |
| Geothermal heat pump | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| Baseboard heater (each) | $400 – $1,200 |
| Radiant floor heating | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| Window AC unit | $300 – $1,100 |
Extra costs to plan for
- Permits: $100 to $250 for a replacement; $250 to $1,500 when new ducts are installed.
- Removing the old equipment: $100 to $200.
- New thermostat: $140 to $350, see Thermostat installation cost.
- Ductwork: $1,400 to $5,600 to replace, see Ductwork replacement cost.
- Electrical or gas line work: $250 to $2,500 if circuits, the panel or gas piping must be upgraded.
- Asbestos abatement: may be required around old ducts in homes built before about 1980.
How to lower the cost
- Replace the furnace and AC together to pay for one installation visit instead of two.
- Choose a mid-efficiency system (about 15 to 16 SEER, 95% AFUE) unless you live in a very hot or very cold climate.
- Ask about manufacturer and utility rebates; the federal 25C tax credit ended after 2025, see HVAC tax credits and rebates in 2026.
- Fix ducts only where needed rather than replacing all of them.
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 replace a whole HVAC system?
About $5,000 to $11,000 for a furnace and central air conditioner using existing ducts, or $7,000 to $16,000 including new ductwork. The national average is about $8,000.
Should I replace my furnace and AC at the same time?
Usually yes if both are over 10 to 15 years old. You pay for one installation, and matched indoor and outdoor equipment runs more efficiently.
How long does HVAC replacement take?
One to two days when the ducts are reused, and three to five days when new ductwork is installed.
How long does an HVAC system last?
Furnaces typically last 15 to 30 years, central air conditioners 15 to 20 years and heat pumps 10 to 20 years, depending on climate and maintenance.
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.