How much does hvac replacement cost?
Replacing an HVAC system costs $5,500 to $18,000 installed, averaging about $9,200. A central AC swap runs $4,000 to $9,000, a heat pump $5,500 to $12,000 and a gas furnace $3,500 to $7,500. Budget $1,800 to $2,800 per ton of cooling capacity.
National average
$9,200
Typical low
$5,500
Typical high
$18,000
Per ton of cooling capacity
$1,800 – $2,800
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Estimated project cost
$4,200 – $7,800
Most homeowners pay around $6,000
Compare system type
Cost by material
Installed pricing per ton of cooling capacity.
| Option | Installed cost |
|---|---|
| Central air conditioner | $4,000 – $9,000 |
| Gas furnace | $3,500 – $7,500 |
| Heat pump | $5,500 – $12,000 |
| Ductless mini-split | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Geothermal | $18,000 – $45,000 |
Where the money goes
A typical project budget, broken down by line item.
- Equipment50% · $4,600
- Labor & installation30% · $2,760
- Ductwork & line set13% · $1,196
- Permit, startup & disposal7% · $644
Cost by region
Labor markets move the number more than any other single factor.
Northeast metro
$6,600 – $21,600
+20% vs. national average
West Coast metro
$6,710 – $21,960
+22% vs. national average
Mountain West
$5,775 – $18,900
+5% vs. national average
Midwest
$5,500 – $18,000
At the national average
South & Southeast
$5,115 – $16,740
-7% vs. national average
Rural nationwide
$4,840 – $15,840
-12% vs. national average
Common add-ons
Line items that show up on most quotes but rarely in the headline price.
Full duct replacement
Duct sealing & insulation
Smart thermostat
Whole-home air purifier
Whole-home humidifier
Electrical panel upgrade for heat pump
Permit & inspection
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Hire a pro
$5,500 – $18,000
Do it yourself
$0 – $0
Refrigerant handling requires EPA certification and self-installs void nearly every manufacturer warranty. This is a licensed-pro job.
Ways to save
Practical levers that lower the bill without cutting quality.
- Replace in spring or fall — mid-summer emergency swaps carry a 10–20% premium.
- Claim the 25C federal tax credit: up to $2,000 for a qualifying heat pump, $600 for AC or furnace.
- Check your utility's rebate portal; many add $500–$1,500 on high-efficiency equipment.
- Right-size with a Manual J load calculation — oversized systems cost more and short-cycle.
- Don't over-buy SEER in mild climates; the payback can exceed the equipment's life.
Questions to ask your contractor
- 01Did you run a Manual J load calculation for my home?
- 02What SEER2/AFUE rating is the quoted equipment?
- 03Are the permit, startup, refrigerant and old-unit disposal included?
- 04What is covered by labor warranty versus manufacturer warranty?
- 05Which rebates and tax credits do you file paperwork for?
Frequently asked questions
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Get 3 local HVAC quotesHVAC Replacement cost by city
Local labor rates, permits and climate change the number. Pick your city for prices near you.
HVAC Replacement cost in Los Angeles, CA
$6,820 – $22,320
HVAC Replacement cost in San Diego, CA
$6,490 – $21,240
HVAC Replacement cost in San Jose, CA
$7,590 – $24,840
HVAC Replacement cost in San Francisco, CA
$7,975 – $26,100
HVAC Replacement cost in Oakland, CA
$7,260 – $23,760
HVAC Replacement cost in Sacramento, CA
$5,940 – $19,440
HVAC Replacement cost in Fresno, CA
$5,390 – $17,640
HVAC Replacement cost in Long Beach, CA
$6,710 – $21,960
HVAC Replacement cost in Anaheim, CA
$6,600 – $21,600
HVAC Replacement cost in Santa Ana, CA
$6,545 – $21,420
HVAC Replacement cost in Irvine, CA
$6,930 – $22,680
HVAC Replacement cost in Riverside, CA
$5,830 – $19,080
HVAC Replacement cost in San Bernardino, CA
$5,665 – $18,540
HVAC Replacement cost in Bakersfield, CA
$5,335 – $17,460
HVAC Replacement cost in Stockton, CA
$5,610 – $18,360
HVAC Replacement cost in Modesto, CA
$5,500 – $18,000
HVAC Replacement cost in Chula Vista, CA
$6,325 – $20,700
HVAC Replacement cost in Fremont, CA
$7,425 – $24,300
HVAC Replacement cost in Pasadena, CA
$7,040 – $23,040
HVAC Replacement cost in Glendale, CA
$6,875 – $22,500
HVAC Replacement cost in Santa Clarita, CA
$6,380 – $20,880
HVAC Replacement cost in Torrance, CA
$6,765 – $22,140
HVAC Replacement cost in Oxnard, CA
$6,270 – $20,520
HVAC Replacement cost in San Mateo, CA
$7,700 – $25,200