HVAC Installation Cost Calculator
* Estimates for budgeting. Final costs vary by system efficiency (SEER rating), brand, and local labor rates.
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 Installation Cost by System Type
| System Type | Cost Range | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Central AC | $3,500 – $7,500 | Cooling only |
| Gas Furnace | $2,500 – $6,000 | Heating only |
| Heat Pump | $5,000 – $12,000 | Heating + cooling |
| Mini-Split | $3,000 – $10,000 | Per zone, no ducts |
* Add $2,000–$5,000 for new ductwork and $500–$1,500 for old system removal.
How We Calculate
Our HVAC installation cost calculator estimates project costs based on home size and system type. Pricing includes equipment and professional installation labor.
How the math works: Tonnage = home sq ft ÷ 600. Base cost varies by system type. Size adjustment = base cost × sqrt(home sq ft ÷ 2000). Ductwork = $2,000–$5,000 if included. Removal = $500–$1,500 if included. Total = system + ductwork + removal.
System Type Comparison
Central Air Conditioner ($3,500–$7,500): Cooling only. Requires existing ductwork and separate heating system (furnace or boiler). Most affordable option if you already have ductwork. Lifespan: 15–20 years. SEER 14–21 available. Best for: replacing existing AC, homes with gas furnace.
Gas Furnace ($2,500–$6,000): Heating only. Burns natural gas or propane to heat air. Requires ductwork. Most popular heating system in US (over 50% of homes). AFUE 80–98% (% of fuel converted to heat). Lifespan: 15–30 years. Best for: cold climates, homes with natural gas hookup, lower upfront cost.
Heat Pump ($5,000–$12,000): Heating + cooling in one system. Moves heat instead of generating it — 3× more efficient than furnace. Works in cold climates down to -15°F (newer models). SEER 14–20 for cooling, HSPF 8–13 for heating. Lifespan: 15 years. Qualifies for $2,000 federal tax credit. Best for: new construction, moderate climates, energy savings.
Ductless Mini-Split ($3,000–$10,000): No ductwork needed. Indoor unit per room/zone, outdoor compressor. Quiet, efficient (SEER 18–30), individual room control. Ideal for: additions, older homes without ducts, zone heating/cooling. Cost per zone: 1 zone $3,000–$5,000, 2 zones $5,000–$7,500, 3+ zones $7,500–$10,000.
Installation Components
Equipment: Outdoor condenser unit, indoor air handler or furnace, refrigerant lines, thermostat, expansion valve. Brands: Carrier, Trane, Lennox (premium), Goodman, Rheem, York (mid-range), American Standard, Ruud (budget). Brand matters less than proper sizing and installation quality.
Ductwork ($2,000–$5,000): Required for central AC, furnace, heat pump (not mini-split). Includes supply ducts (push conditioned air) and return ducts (pull air back). Insulate ducts in attics/crawlspaces. Seal joints with mastic (not duct tape). Proper ductwork critical — leaks waste 20–40% of energy.
Old system removal ($500–$1,500): Disconnect and haul away old equipment. Recover refrigerant per EPA rules (illegal to vent). Remove old ductwork if damaged. Disposal fees: $50–$200.
Data Sources
Pricing from HomeAdvisor, Angi, and verified HVAC contractor estimates. Sizing guidelines per ACCA Manual J load calculation standards. We review and update regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-09
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does HVAC installation cost? +
HVAC installation costs $3,500–$12,000+ depending on system type and home size. Central AC costs $3,500–$7,500, gas furnace $2,500–$6,000, heat pump $5,000–$12,000, mini-split $3,000–$10,000. Add $2,000–$5,000 for new ductwork and $500–$1,500 for old system removal. Rule of thumb: 1 ton per 600 sq ft (2000 sq ft home = 3.5 ton system).
What size HVAC system do I need? +
Calculate tonnage: home sq ft ÷ 600. A 2000 sq ft home needs 3.5 tons, 1200 sq ft needs 2 tons, 3000 sq ft needs 5 tons. Factors affecting size: insulation quality, ceiling height, climate zone, number of windows, sun exposure. Oversized systems cycle too often (inefficient, humid), undersized systems run constantly. Get Manual J load calculation from HVAC contractor ($100–$300).
Should I install central AC or a heat pump? +
Heat pump ($5,000–$12,000) provides heating + cooling, saves 30–50% on heating costs vs furnace, works best in mild climates (zones 1–3). Central AC + furnace ($6,000–$13,500 combined) better for cold climates (zone 4+), furnace more reliable in extreme cold. For new construction, heat pump is best value. Replacing AC only, add heat pump for dual function.
Can I install HVAC myself? +
No. HVAC installation requires EPA 608 certification (refrigerant handling), electrical license, and specialized equipment (vacuum pump, manifold gauges, torches). Improper installation voids warranty, causes system failure, violates building codes. DIY risks: refrigerant leaks (illegal), electrical fires, CO poisoning (furnace), frozen coils. Hire licensed HVAC contractor — installation includes permits, load calculation, warranty. Save money with rebates instead.
How long does HVAC installation take? +
Replacement (existing ductwork): 1 day for AC or furnace, 1–2 days for heat pump. New installation (with ductwork): 3–5 days for full system. Mini-split: 1 day per zone (no ductwork). Steps: remove old system (4 hrs), install new unit (4–6 hrs), connect ductwork (2–4 hrs), electrical/gas hookup (2 hrs), test/commission (1–2 hrs). Delays: permits, custom ductwork, asbestos removal.
Do I need new ductwork? +
Replace ductwork ($2,000–$5,000) if: existing ducts are damaged or leaking (over 30% air loss), ducts are too small for new system (undersized reduces efficiency), asbestos insulation (common in pre-1980 homes), converting from baseboard heat (no existing ducts). Reuse ductwork if: in good condition (less than 15 years old), properly sized, sealed with mastic (not duct tape), insulated in unconditioned spaces. Duct inspection: $200–$500.
What SEER rating should I choose? +
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures cooling efficiency. Minimum by law: 14 SEER (northern states), 15 SEER (southern states). Standard: 14–16 SEER ($3,500–$5,500), good for most homes. High-efficiency: 18–20 SEER ($5,500–$7,500), saves 20–40% on cooling costs, pays back in 7–12 years. Premium: 21+ SEER ($7,500+), best for hot climates or large homes. Higher SEER costs more upfront but qualifies for rebates ($300–$1,000).
Are there HVAC rebates or tax credits? +
Yes. Federal tax credit: 30% of cost up to $2,000 for heat pumps, $600 for AC/furnace (ENERGY STAR certified, installed 2023–2032). Utility rebates: $300–$1,000 for high-efficiency systems (check local utility). State rebates: vary by state ($500–$3,000 in CA, NY, MA). Requirements: SEER 16+ for AC, HSPF 8.8+ for heat pump, AFUE 95+ for furnace. Apply after installation with receipts and manufacturer certification.
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