How Much Does a New HVAC System Cost? (By Home Size & System Type)
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Quick answer: most homeowners pay $5,000 to $12,500 installed for a full system replacement. Heat pumps run $6,500-$13,500; furnace + AC combos $8,000-$15,500; ductless mini-splits $3,500-$10,500 depending on zones. Use our HVAC cost calculator for a range tuned to your home.
TODO before publishing: verify every figure below against 3+ current local quotes or permit-data sources, add your own collected data, set the updated date, and replace this note with your methodology paragraph. Figures below are estimated national ranges.
Installed cost by system type
| System | Typical installed range | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Central AC only | $4,500 - $8,500 | Existing furnace still healthy |
| Heat pump | $6,500 - $13,500 | Year-round heating + cooling; incentives available |
| Furnace + AC combo | $8,000 - $15,500 | Full replacement, cold climates |
| Ductless mini-split | $3,500 - $10,500 | No ducts, additions, garages |
What moves the price
Home size. Under ~1,200 sq ft trims 15% off typical pricing; over 3,000 sq ft adds 50% or more - bigger equipment, more refrigerant line, longer install.
Efficiency tier. Builder-grade equipment saves money upfront; high-efficiency (higher SEER2) systems cost roughly 30% more but cut monthly bills and may unlock rebates.
Region. Labor in the Northeast and West runs 15-20% above the national average; the South typically runs slightly below.
Ductwork. If your ducts leak or are undersized, add $1,500-$6,000. This is the most common source of quote shock - ask every contractor to inspect ducts before quoting.
Don’t skip the incentives
Heat pumps may qualify for federal tax credits plus state/utility rebates that can offset $2,000 or more. TODO: verify current federal credit rules and your state’s programs, with links to primary sources.
FAQ
How long does installation take? Like-for-like replacement: 1-2 days. Adding or replacing ductwork: 3-5 days.
Repair or replace? Rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than a third of replacement and the unit is 10+ years old, replacement usually wins. See our repair vs replace guide (TODO: publish this page - brief #4).
How many quotes should I get? Three minimum. Quotes for identical jobs routinely vary by $3,000+.
Methodology
Ranges compiled from public contractor pricing data and manufacturer list pricing. TODO: replace with your real methodology - which sources, how many quotes collected, date collected. Last updated: TODO-DATE.