HVAC Cost Calculator
* Estimates for budgeting purposes. Does not include ductwork, electrical upgrades, or permits. Get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
HVAC Cost by System Type
| System Type | Price / Ton | Installation | 3-Ton Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central AC Only | $1,500 – $2,500 | $1,000 – $2,000 | $5,500 – $9,500 |
| Heat Pump | $2,000 – $3,500 | $1,500 – $2,500 | $7,500 – $13,000 |
| Gas Furnace | $1,200 – $2,200 | $1,200 – $2,200 | $4,800 – $8,800 |
| Ductless Mini-Split | $2,200 – $4,000 | $800 – $1,500 | $7,400 – $13,500 |
| Full HVAC (AC + Furnace) | $2,500 – $4,500 | $2,000 – $3,500 | $9,500 – $17,000 |
Average HVAC Cost by Home Size
| Home Size | Typical Tonnage | Full HVAC Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000–1,500 sq ft | 2–2.5 tons | $7,000 – $13,250 |
| 1,500–2,500 sq ft | 3–3.5 tons | $9,500 – $19,250 |
| 2,500–3,500 sq ft | 4–5 tons | $12,000 – $26,000 |
| 3,500+ sq ft | 5–6 tons | $14,500 – $30,500 |
How We Calculate
Our HVAC cost calculator estimates system costs based on system size (tonnage) and type. The formula is: total cost = (tonnage × price per ton) + installation base cost.
How the math works: Equipment cost = tonnage × price per ton. Installation cost = base installation fee (varies by system complexity). Total = equipment + installation. System type determines per-ton pricing based on equipment complexity and efficiency.
System Type Comparison
Central AC Unit Only ($1,500–$2,500/ton + $1,000–$2,000 install) is cooling only. Works with existing furnace or electric heat. Most common replacement in warm climates. 15–20 year lifespan with proper maintenance.
Heat Pump System ($2,000–$3,500/ton + $1,500–$2,500 install) provides both heating and cooling. Highly efficient in moderate climates. Requires backup heat in extreme cold. 15–18 year lifespan. Qualifies for federal tax credits.
Gas Furnace ($1,200–$2,200/ton + $1,200–$2,200 install) is heating only. Works with existing AC for full HVAC. 80–98% AFUE efficiency models available. 15–25 year lifespan. Requires gas line and venting.
Ductless Mini-Split ($2,200–$4,000/ton + $800–$1,500 install) has no ductwork required. Great for additions or homes without ducts. Zone heating/cooling saves energy. 20+ year lifespan. Higher upfront cost but flexible installation.
Full HVAC System ($2,500–$4,500/ton + $2,000–$3,500 install) includes both AC and furnace. Most common for new construction or complete replacement. Best long-term value for whole-home comfort. 15–20 year lifespan for both components.
Sizing Your HVAC System
HVAC sizing is critical for efficiency and comfort. Too small = inadequate heating/cooling and constant runtime. Too large = short cycling, humidity issues, and premature failure. Professional Manual J load calculation ($200–$500) accounts for home size, insulation, windows, orientation, and climate. General rule: 1 ton per 400–600 sq ft in moderate climates, but local conditions vary significantly.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover equipment and standard installation. Not included: ductwork modification or replacement ($1,500–$8,000), electrical panel upgrade if needed ($1,000–$3,000), permits ($100–$500), thermostat upgrade ($100–$500), refrigerant line set for mini-splits ($500–$1,500), and zone dampers for multi-zone systems ($400–$1,200 per zone).
Efficiency & Tax Credits
Higher-efficiency systems (16+ SEER for AC, 90%+ AFUE for furnaces, 8+ HSPF for heat pumps) cost 15–30% more upfront but save 20–40% on energy bills. Federal tax credits available: up to $2,000 for heat pumps, $600 for high-efficiency AC/furnaces. Many states and utilities offer additional rebates ($500–$2,000+). Check energystar.gov and dsireusa.org for current incentives.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, HVAC manufacturers (Carrier, Trane, Lennox), and verified contractor estimates across multiple US regions. We review and update this data regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-09
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new HVAC system cost? +
A new HVAC system costs $5,000–$15,000 installed on average. Central AC alone runs $3,500–$7,500, heat pump systems $6,000–$12,000, and full HVAC (AC + furnace) $7,500–$15,000. Costs depend on system size (tonnage), efficiency rating, and installation complexity.
How much does HVAC cost by system type? +
Central AC (3-ton): $5,500–$9,500. Heat pump (3-ton): $7,500–$13,000. Gas furnace (3-ton): $4,800–$8,800. Ductless mini-split (3-ton): $7,400–$13,500. Full HVAC system (3-ton AC + furnace): $9,500–$17,000. Prices include equipment and installation.
What size HVAC system do I need? +
HVAC sizing is based on home square footage and climate. General rule: 1 ton per 400–600 sq ft in moderate climates. A 1,500 sq ft home typically needs 2.5–3 tons. A 2,500 sq ft home needs 4–5 tons. Proper sizing requires a Manual J load calculation by an HVAC pro — oversized or undersized systems waste energy and fail prematurely.
What is the cheapest HVAC option? +
A basic central AC unit at $3,500–$7,500 is the most affordable cooling option. For heating, a mid-efficiency gas furnace at $3,600–$6,600 is cheapest. However, heat pumps ($6,000–$12,000) provide both heating and cooling in one system and may be more cost-effective long-term in mild climates.
Is a heat pump worth the extra cost? +
Heat pumps cost 30–50% more than AC-only units but provide both heating and cooling. They're highly efficient in moderate climates (saving 30–50% on heating vs gas furnaces) and may qualify for tax credits. Not ideal for extreme cold (below 25°F) — backup heat needed. Best ROI in southern and coastal regions.
How long does HVAC installation take? +
Replacing an existing HVAC system takes 1–3 days. Simple AC or furnace replacement takes 1 day. Full HVAC system replacement takes 2–3 days. New installations with ductwork take 3–5 days. Mini-split systems install in 1 day. Permit approval adds 1–2 weeks before work begins.
What is SEER and does it matter? +
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures AC efficiency. Higher SEER = lower operating costs. Minimum is 14 SEER (required by law). 16 SEER is standard. 18–20+ SEER is high-efficiency. A 16 SEER system costs $500–$1,500 more than 14 SEER but saves $200–$400/year on energy bills. Payback in 3–5 years.
Does a new HVAC system increase home value? +
A new HVAC system adds 50–70% of its cost to home value. A $10,000 system adds roughly $5,000–$7,000 in resale value. New HVAC is a major selling point — buyers prefer move-in ready systems. Old, failing HVAC can kill deals or force price reductions of $5,000–$10,000.
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