New HVAC system cost and HVAC unit prices
The equipment alone for a new HVAC system costs $4,000 to $8,000 for a matched furnace and air conditioner, and a single outdoor AC unit is $1,000 to $6,000. Installed, most new systems cost $5,000 to $11,000. Prices depend on brand, size and efficiency.
Quick answer
$4,000 – $8,000furnace + AC equipment, before labor
Contractors usually pay $4,000 to $8,000 for the equipment in a typical furnace-and-AC system, then add $1,000 to $3,000 in labor. Budget-brand equipment for a small home starts near $2,000; premium variable-speed systems exceed $14,000 before installation.
HVAC unit prices by brand
Brand matters less than proper sizing and installation, but list prices do differ. Goodman and Amana are usually the least expensive; Carrier, Trane and Lennox cost more. See HVAC brands compared by price for installed prices.
| Brand | AC unit | Furnace | Heat pump |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodman | $1,200 – $3,000 | $600 – $3,200 | $1,100 – $3,900 |
| Amana | $1,300 – $4,500 | $900 – $2,900 | $1,000 – $4,800 |
| Rheem / Ruud | $1,800 – $5,500 | $800 – $3,900 | $1,400 – $3,800 |
| York | $1,400 – $4,700 | $800 – $2,000 | $1,400 – $3,600 |
| Bryant | $1,400 – $3,500 | $800 – $3,400 | $1,600 – $4,500 |
| American Standard | $1,500 – $4,300 | $850 – $3,000 | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Trane | $1,600 – $5,800 | $1,200 – $3,400 | $1,800 – $4,200 |
| Carrier | $2,500 – $5,800 | $1,000 – $2,800 | $2,100 – $4,900 |
| Lennox | $1,600 – $5,600 | $1,400 – $7,500 | $2,200 – $5,700 |
Installation typically adds $1,000 to $3,000. Prices vary by model, size and region.
Prices by efficiency rating
SEER (now SEER2) measures cooling efficiency. Since 2023, new central air conditioners must meet at least 13.4 SEER2 in northern states and 14.3 SEER2 in southern states (for most residential sizes). Higher ratings cost more up front and less to run.
| Efficiency (SEER) | Unit price |
|---|---|
| 13 – 14 SEER (standard) | $1,000 – $4,200 |
| 15 – 16 SEER | $1,500 – $5,700 |
| 17 – 18 SEER | $1,800 – $6,100 |
| 19 – 21 SEER | $2,500 – $7,500 |
| 22 – 26 SEER (maximum) | $3,700 – $8,500 |
Prices by system size
| Size | Unit price | Cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| 2 tons (24,000 BTU) | $2,500 – $3,800 | $5,000 – $6,800 |
| 2.5 tons (30,000 BTU) | $2,900 – $4,200 | $5,400 – $7,200 |
| 3 tons (36,000 BTU) | $3,300 – $4,800 | $5,800 – $7,800 |
| 4 tons (48,000 BTU) | $4,000 – $5,800 | $6,500 – $8,800 |
| 5 tons (60,000 BTU) | $4,500 – $6,500 | $7,000 – $9,500+ |
Not sure what size you need? Use our AC size calculator.
2025–2026 refrigerant change
Under the EPA's Technology Transitions rule, new residential air conditioners and heat pumps now use lower-impact A2L refrigerants such as R-454B or R-32 instead of R-410A. New-refrigerant equipment and the matching coils cost somewhat more, and contractors need new tools and training, which some build into their prices.
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 is a new HVAC unit?
An outdoor AC unit costs about $1,000 to $6,000 before installation and a furnace $600 to $7,500, depending on brand, size and efficiency. Installed, a full furnace-and-AC system averages about $8,000.
What is the cheapest HVAC brand?
Goodman and Amana are usually the lowest-priced major brands, with AC units starting around $1,200 before installation.
Can I buy an HVAC unit and have it installed?
Some contractors install customer-supplied equipment, but many won't, and manufacturer warranties often require licensed installation. Buying through the installer is usually simpler.
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.