PROJECT COST

HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator

Build a replacement-system budget, with an optional new ductwork allowance.

Updated: September 2026National EstimateMethodology & sources ↓

YOUR PROJECT ESTIMATEExample inputs

Estimated cost

$5,000

Typical · range midpoint

Low$2,500

Typical$5,000

High$7,500

Published unit assumption: $2,500–$7,500 per system installed
Installed / repair baseline: $2,500–$7,500
Equipment: Bundled in installed system range
Installation: Bundled in installed system range
Ductwork: No new duct allowance

Proper HVAC sizing should be confirmed by a qualified HVAC professional. Home area and existing tonnage do not size equipment here.

User inputs

System type: Central AC
Home size (sq ft): 2000
Approximate existing tonnage: Unknown
Efficiency level: Standard
Existing ductwork usable: Yes
Ductwork scope: No new ductwork
Site / installation access: Easy

Calculation assumptions

Replacement by system table, including installation labor. One system; excludes new ductwork.
1 × selected central ac rate. Typical is the arithmetic midpoint, not a measured average.
National Estimate. Actual labor and material costs vary significantly by location. High is a planning figure, not a price ceiling.
Scope-note fields are retained in your summary but do not apply unverified price adjustments.

Main cost drivers

System type changes the installed budget.
New ducts are a separate cost; small modifications require a quote.
Efficiency, electrical service and access need contractor confirmation.

Updated: September 2026 · National Estimate

For planning purposes only. Actual prices depend on local labor, materials, scope, access, permits and code requirements. Get a professional quote before committing to work.

UNDERSTAND YOUR ESTIMATE

How this calculator works

Choose a system to load its installed replacement range. New ductwork adds the published new-duct allowance for ducted systems. Equipment and labor can be separated for the furnace-plus-AC package; other system prices stay bundled.

Major factors affecting the result

System type changes the installed budget.
New ducts are a separate cost; small modifications require a quote.
Efficiency, electrical service and access need contractor confirmation.

A WORKED EXAMPLE

Put the numbers in context

Furnace + AC with new ducts: $5,000–$11,000 + $2,000–$5,000 = $7,000–$16,000. Midpoint: $11,500.

What is not included

No Manual J load calculation, equipment recommendation, rebate assumption or separate electrical-service upgrade. Proper HVAC sizing should be confirmed by a qualified HVAC professional.

When to get a professional quote

Use the result to organize your questions and compare the same scope across written quotes. Confirm inclusions, exclusions and site conditions with the person doing the work. For structural, electrical, HVAC or tree-hazard decisions, consult a qualified professional.

Frequently asked questions

Does home size determine the tonnage?

No. Size and existing tonnage are scope notes only. This cost calculator does not perform a heating or cooling load calculation.

Can I include ductwork for a mini split?

This mini-split mode assumes a ductless installation. Choose a ducted system if you need a new duct-system allowance.

Data sources & methodology

Last reviewed: September 2026.

Low and high use the linked published ranges. Typical is the arithmetic midpoint only when both bounds are closed. If a source prints an upper value with “+”, Typical is not calculated. No regional, material-quality or difficulty multiplier is applied. Source ranges may describe different scopes and should not be treated as guarantees.

Central AC

$2,500–$7,500 per system installed · HomeGuide cost guide

Replacement by system table, including installation labor. One system; excludes new ductwork.

Published August 27, 2025 · Accessed September 16, 2026 · Typical: derived midpoint

Furnace + AC

$5,000–$11,000 per system installed · HomeGuide cost guide

Replacement by system table, including installation labor. One system; excludes new ductwork.

Published August 27, 2025 · Accessed September 16, 2026 · Typical: derived midpoint

Heat pump

$3,800–$8,200 per system installed · HomeGuide cost guide

Replacement by system table, including installation labor. One system; excludes new ductwork.

Published August 27, 2025 · Accessed September 16, 2026 · Typical: derived midpoint

Mini split

$3,000–$10,000 per system installed · HomeGuide cost guide

Replacement by system table, including installation labor. One system; excludes new ductwork.

Published August 27, 2025 · Accessed September 16, 2026 · Typical: derived midpoint

New ductwork

$2,000–$5,000 per duct system · HomeGuide cost guide

New ductwork line from installation estimator; not a price for minor duct repairs.

Published August 27, 2025 · Accessed September 16, 2026 · Typical: derived midpoint

Furnace + AC equipment

$4,000–$8,000 per system installed · HomeGuide cost guide

Furnace + AC equipment component only; installation estimator table.

Published August 27, 2025 · Accessed September 16, 2026 · Typical: derived midpoint

Furnace + AC labor

$1,000–$3,000 per system installed · HomeGuide cost guide

Furnace + AC installation component only; installation estimator table.

Published August 27, 2025 · Accessed September 16, 2026 · Typical: derived midpoint

Itemized charges without a verified, non-overlapping basis remain unpriced. “Quote needed” does not mean free. An installed baseline is never silently split into invented cost percentages.