What does a new HVAC system actually cost? Real numbers from 1,844 contractor quotes, broken down by system type and the factors that move the price.
HVAC projects in our database average $10,040, but the median sits at $7,314 — meaning most homeowners pay closer to that lower number. The average gets pulled up by full system installs and jobs that include new ductwork.
Here's what different types of HVAC work cost, based on 1,844 real contractor quotes in our database:
| System Type | Typical Range | Median Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Central AC Replacement | $3,500 – $7,500 | $5,500 |
| Furnace Replacement | $2,500 – $6,000 | $4,200 |
| Full System (AC + Furnace) | $7,000 – $14,000 | $10,000 |
| Heat Pump | $4,000 – $8,500 | $6,000 |
| Mini-Split (single zone) | $1,500 – $4,500 | $3,000 |
| Ductwork | $2,000 – $6,000 | $3,500 |
Two homeowners replacing the same type of system can get quotes that are thousands of dollars apart. Here are the main reasons why:
HVAC systems are sized in tons, and bigger homes need bigger systems. A 2-ton unit for a smaller home costs significantly less than a 5-ton unit for a larger one. Getting the size right matters, an oversized system cycles on and off too frequently, wears out faster, and doesn't dehumidify well. A good contractor will do a Manual J load calculation rather than just matching what you had before.
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures how efficiently the system cools. The current federal minimum is 14–15 SEER depending on your region. Higher-SEER units cost more upfront but use less electricity. A jump from 14 SEER to 18 SEER can add $1,500–$3,000 to the equipment cost, but it can also cut your cooling bills by 20–30%.
If your existing ductwork is damaged, undersized, or poorly sealed, you'll need repairs or replacement alongside the new system. Duct modifications add $2,000–$6,000 to the project. Leaky ducts can waste 20–30% of the air your system pushes through them, so this isn't an area to skip.
Where you live affects both what equipment you need and what it costs. Homes in the Southeast and Southwest lean on cooling-heavy systems, while Northern homes need furnaces that can handle sustained sub-zero temps. Labor costs also vary, HVAC work in metro areas runs 15–25% higher than in smaller markets.
Premium brands like Carrier, Trane, and Lennox cost more than mid-tier options like Goodman, Rheem, or Amana. The price difference between brands for similar specs can be $1,000–$3,000. That said, proper installation matters more than brand, a well-installed mid-tier system will outperform a poorly installed premium one.
The federal minimum SEER rating increased in 2023, so any new system will be more efficient than one installed 10+ years ago. For most homeowners, a 16–18 SEER system hits the sweet spot between upfront cost and energy savings. Going above 20 SEER usually only makes financial sense if you live in a hot climate and run your AC heavily from May through October. Ask your contractor to estimate your annual savings at different SEER levels, the payback period is what matters, not the rating itself.
Not every HVAC problem means you need a new system. A repair that costs $300–$800 is usually worth doing on a system that's less than 10 years old. But once you start hitting the bigger-ticket items, replacement starts to make more sense.
A common rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than half the price of a new system, or if your unit is 15+ years old and needs a major repair (compressor, heat exchanger), you're better off putting that money toward a replacement.
HVAC systems aren't cheap, but there are real ways to reduce what you pay:
A full HVAC system (AC plus furnace) costs $7,000 to $14,000 with a median of $10,000. Central AC replacement alone runs $3,500 to $7,500, and a furnace replacement costs $2,500 to $6,000.
A single-zone ductless mini-split costs $1,500 to $4,500 with a median of $3,000. Mini-splits are a good option for homes without existing ductwork or for heating and cooling individual rooms.
A repair costing $300 to $800 is usually worth it on a system under 10 years old. If the repair costs more than half the price of a new system, or the unit is 15+ years old and needs a major repair like a compressor, replacement is the better investment.
Ductwork replacement costs $2,000 to $6,000 with a median of $3,500. Leaky or damaged ducts can waste 20 to 30% of the air your system pushes through them, so replacement often pays for itself in energy savings.
Schedule the install in spring or fall when HVAC companies are less busy. Check utility rebates ($200 to $1,000+) and the federal energy tax credit (up to $2,000 for heat pumps). Getting three to four quotes helps you find the real market rate.
Check your quote against real pricing data, or get a new estimate for your project.