HVAC Cost USA 2026
By Our research team · Last verified · 14 min read · Methodology
HVAC costs in the US
What most homeowners pay for heating and cooling work, a 3-ton central AC replacement on existing ducts, installed. Pick your city for local prices.
How we get this data- Typical
- $6,200
- Low end
- $3,000
- High end
- $13,500
Replacing a 3-ton central AC on existing ducts costs $4,000–$9,000 in the US in 2026, and most homeowners pay about $6,200. A 3-ton heat pump runs $5,500–$12,500, a gas furnace $2,800–$8,000, and replacing the AC and furnace together $6,500–$16,000. Homes without ducts usually go ductless at $2,500–$5,600 per single-zone mini-split.
$4,000–$9,000 to replace a 3-ton central AC on existing ducts in the US, installed — $6,200 typical. A heat pump runs $5,500–$12,500, a gas furnace $2,800–$8,000, and a single-zone mini-split $2,500–$5,600. Pick your city ↓
- 3-ton central AC on existing ducts: $4,000–$9,000, $6,200 typical
- 3-ton heat pump: $5,500–$12,500; gas furnace: $2,800–$8,000; both AC + furnace: $6,500–$16,000
- Ductless mini-split: $2,500–$5,600 for one 12,000 BTU zone, $8,000–$18,000 for four
- Tune-up $75–$200; small repairs $150–$600; compressor $1,300–$3,000
- No federal tax credit for systems installed in 2026; pick a city below for local prices across 195 metros
Prices below come from national cost guides, local reported-job averages, manufacturer and utility pages and EIA energy prices across 195 US cities, re-verified in November 2026. They are installed prices: equipment, labor, removal of the old unit and startup. Pick your city for local pricing.
Whole-home systems run from about $2,800 for a basic gas furnace to $24,000 for a cold-climate heat pump (geothermal $15,000–$35,000), with a 3-ton central AC at $6,200 typical. Service work is smaller: tune-ups $75–$200, common repairs $150–$600. Equipment-heavy jobs vary less between cities than service calls, because the hardware costs about the same everywhere.
Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 45+ American pricing sources · See methodology
HVAC cost by city
Typical HVAC ranges, re-verified November 2026 across 45+ sources. Largest cities first.
Among the biggest metros, Los Angeles is the priciest at $7,900 and Chicago the least at $5,400.
Half of the 195 metros we price sit between $5,400 and $6,100.
| City | Typical range |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | $5,050–$11,350 installed |
| Los Angeles, CA | $5,100–$11,500 installed |
| Chicago, IL | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Dallas, TX | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| Houston, TX | $4,150–$9,300 installed |
| Washington, DC | $4,500–$10,100 installed |
| Atlanta, GA | $3,750–$8,400 installed |
| Philadelphia, PA | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| Miami, FL | $4,500–$10,100 installed |
| Phoenix, AZ | $4,400–$9,850 installed |
| Boston, MA | $4,900–$11,000 installed |
| San Francisco, CA | $5,100–$11,500 installed |
| Riverside, CA | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| Detroit, MI | $3,900–$8,800 installed |
| Seattle, WA | $4,800–$10,850 installed |
| Minneapolis, MN | $3,900–$8,800 installed |
| San Diego, CA | $4,200–$9,450 installed |
| Tampa, FL | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| Orange County, CA | $4,650–$10,400 installed |
| Denver, CO | $3,600–$8,150 installed |
| Oakland, CA | $4,900–$11,000 installed |
| Charlotte, NC | $3,850–$8,650 installed |
| Baltimore, MD | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| St. Louis, MO | $3,800–$8,550 installed |
| Orlando, FL | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| Brooklyn, NY | $4,850–$10,950 installed |
| San Antonio, TX | $3,800–$8,550 installed |
| Fort Worth, TX | $3,800–$8,550 installed |
| Austin, TX | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| Portland, OR | $4,200–$9,450 installed |
| Sacramento, CA | $4,200–$9,450 installed |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| Las Vegas, NV | $4,150–$9,350 installed |
| Cincinnati, OH | $3,900–$8,800 installed |
| Kansas City, MO | $3,800–$8,550 installed |
| Columbus, OH | $3,900–$8,800 installed |
| Newark, NJ | $4,600–$10,350 installed |
| Nashville, TN | $4,300–$9,700 installed |
| Indianapolis, IN | $3,900–$8,800 installed |
| Cleveland, OH | $3,900–$8,800 installed |
| San Jose, CA | $4,900–$11,000 installed |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $3,800–$8,550 installed |
| Jacksonville, FL | $3,800–$8,550 installed |
| Providence, RI | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| Milwaukee, WI | $3,900–$8,800 installed |
| Raleigh, NC | $3,850–$8,650 installed |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $3,600–$8,050 installed |
| West Palm Beach, FL | $3,800–$8,550 installed |
| New Orleans, LA | $3,850–$8,650 installed |
| Memphis, TN | $3,850–$8,650 installed |
| Richmond, VA | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| Louisville, KY | $3,850–$8,650 installed |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $3,900–$8,750 installed |
| Hartford, CT | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| Birmingham, AL | $3,650–$8,200 installed |
| Buffalo, NY | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| Rochester, NY | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $3,700–$8,400 installed |
| Tucson, AZ | $4,250–$9,500 installed |
| Honolulu, HI | $4,300–$9,700 installed |
| Tulsa, OK | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Fresno, CA | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| Omaha, NE | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| St. Petersburg, FL | $3,800–$8,550 installed |
| Worcester, MA | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Bridgeport, CT | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| Greenville, SC | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Tacoma, WA | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| Albuquerque, NM | $3,700–$8,300 installed |
| Bakersfield, CA | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Albany, NY | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| Knoxville, TN | $3,650–$8,200 installed |
| McAllen, TX | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $3,650–$8,200 installed |
| El Paso, TX | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Sarasota, FL | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| New Haven, CT | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Columbia, SC | $3,650–$8,200 installed |
| Oxnard, CA | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Charleston, SC | $3,650–$8,200 installed |
| Dayton, OH | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| Boise, ID | $3,400–$7,700 installed |
| Fort Myers, FL | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Stockton, CA | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Greensboro, NC | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Lakeland, FL | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $3,500–$7,850 installed |
| Little Rock, AR | $3,400–$7,700 installed |
| Des Moines, IA | $3,400–$7,700 installed |
| Wilmington, DE | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Akron, OH | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| Daytona Beach, FL | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Provo, UT | $3,500–$7,850 installed |
| Springfield, MA | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Ogden, UT | $3,500–$7,850 installed |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Madison, WI | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| Syracuse, NY | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Durham, NC | $3,650–$8,200 installed |
| Wichita, KS | $3,250–$7,300 installed |
| Toledo, OH | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| Augusta, GA | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Palm Bay, FL | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Jackson, MS | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Harrisburg, PA | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Spokane, WA | $3,750–$8,500 installed |
| Chattanooga, TN | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Fayetteville, AR | $3,400–$7,700 installed |
| Scranton, PA | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Portland, ME | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Modesto, CA | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Lansing, MI | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| Youngstown, OH | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| Fayetteville, NC | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Lexington, KY | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Huntsville, AL | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Pensacola, FL | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Mesa, AZ | $3,950–$8,900 installed |
| Reno, NV | $3,750–$8,400 installed |
| Springfield, MO | $3,400–$7,700 installed |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Asheville, NC | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Killeen, TX | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Visalia, CA | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Lafayette, LA | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Long Beach, CA | $4,650–$10,400 installed |
| Santa Barbara, CA | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Salinas, CA | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Mobile, AL | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Manchester, NH | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Salem, OR | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| Brownsville, TX | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Gulfport, MS | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Appleton, WI | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| Savannah, GA | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Anchorage, AK | $3,900–$8,750 installed |
| Beaumont, TX | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Flint, MI | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| Peoria, IL | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| Canton, OH | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| Arlington, TX | $3,800–$8,550 installed |
| Shreveport, LA | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Tallahassee, FL | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Montgomery, AL | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Trenton, NJ | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Eugene, OR | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Davenport, IA | $3,400–$7,700 installed |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| Fort Collins, CO | $3,500–$7,850 installed |
| Gainesville, FL | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Lincoln, NE | $3,400–$7,700 installed |
| Rockford, IL | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| Lubbock, TX | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Columbus, GA | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Boulder, CO | $3,500–$7,850 installed |
| Green Bay, WI | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| Evansville, IN | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| South Bend, IN | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| Roanoke, VA | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $3,400–$7,700 installed |
| Wilmington, NC | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Stamford, CT | $4,000–$9,000 installed |
| Waco, TX | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Jersey City, NJ | $4,600–$10,350 installed |
| Duluth, MN | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| Laredo, TX | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $3,400–$7,700 installed |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Amarillo, TX | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Erie, PA | $3,600–$8,100 installed |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Fargo, ND | $3,400–$7,700 installed |
| Charleston, WV | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Norfolk, VA | $3,800–$8,550 installed |
| Macon, GA | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Champaign, IL | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| Burlington, VT | $3,800–$8,500 installed |
| Topeka, KS | $3,400–$7,700 installed |
| Rochester, MN | $3,550–$7,950 installed |
| Athens, GA | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Las Cruces, NM | $3,500–$7,850 installed |
| Columbia, MO | $3,400–$7,700 installed |
| St. George, UT | $3,500–$7,850 installed |
| Hilo, HI | $3,900–$8,750 installed |
| Billings, MT | $3,500–$7,850 installed |
| Greenville, NC | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $3,450–$7,800 installed |
| Santa Fe, NM | $3,500–$7,850 installed |
| Missoula, MT | $3,500–$7,850 installed |
| Cheyenne, WY | $3,500–$7,850 installed |
| Fairbanks, AK | $3,900–$8,750 installed |
Each city page has local rates by area, real-world HVAC replacement costs and a city-specific FAQ. Prices shown are the low end of the typical range, installed.
Alabama
- Birminghamfrom $3,650
- Huntsvillefrom $3,450
- Mobilefrom $3,450
- Montgomeryfrom $3,450
- Tuscaloosafrom $3,450
Arkansas
- Little Rockfrom $3,400
- Fayettevillefrom $3,400
California
- Los Angelesfrom $5,100
- San Franciscofrom $5,100
- Riversidefrom $4,000
- San Diegofrom $4,200
- Orange Countyfrom $4,650
- Oaklandfrom $4,900
- Sacramentofrom $4,200
- San Josefrom $4,900
- Fresnofrom $4,000
- Bakersfieldfrom $3,800
- Oxnardfrom $3,800
- Stocktonfrom $3,800
- Modestofrom $3,800
- Santa Rosafrom $3,800
- Visaliafrom $3,800
- Long Beachfrom $4,650
- Santa Barbarafrom $3,800
- Salinasfrom $3,800
Colorado
- Denverfrom $3,600
- Colorado Springsfrom $3,500
- Fort Collinsfrom $3,500
- Boulderfrom $3,500
Connecticut
- Hartfordfrom $4,000
- Bridgeportfrom $4,000
- New Havenfrom $3,800
- Stamfordfrom $4,000
Delaware
- Wilmingtonfrom $3,600
District of Columbia
- Washingtonfrom $4,500
Florida
- Miamifrom $4,500
- Tampafrom $4,000
- Orlandofrom $4,000
- Fort Lauderdalefrom $4,000
- Jacksonvillefrom $3,800
- West Palm Beachfrom $3,800
- St. Petersburgfrom $3,800
- Sarasotafrom $3,600
- Fort Myersfrom $3,600
- Lakelandfrom $3,600
- Daytona Beachfrom $3,600
- Palm Bayfrom $3,600
- Pensacolafrom $3,600
- Tallahasseefrom $3,600
- Gainesvillefrom $3,600
Georgia
Idaho
- Boisefrom $3,400
Indiana
- Indianapolisfrom $3,900
- Fort Waynefrom $3,550
- Evansvillefrom $3,550
- South Bendfrom $3,550
Iowa
- Des Moinesfrom $3,400
- Davenportfrom $3,400
- Cedar Rapidsfrom $3,400
Kentucky
- Louisvillefrom $3,850
- Lexingtonfrom $3,450
Louisiana
- New Orleansfrom $3,850
- Baton Rougefrom $3,650
- Lafayettefrom $3,450
- Shreveportfrom $3,450
Maine
- Portlandfrom $3,800
Maryland
- Baltimorefrom $4,000
Massachusetts
- Bostonfrom $4,900
- Worcesterfrom $3,800
- Springfieldfrom $3,800
Michigan
- Detroitfrom $3,900
- Grand Rapidsfrom $3,700
- Lansingfrom $3,550
- Flintfrom $3,550
- Ann Arborfrom $3,550
Minnesota
- Minneapolisfrom $3,900
- Duluthfrom $3,550
- Rochesterfrom $3,550
Mississippi
- Jacksonfrom $3,450
- Gulfportfrom $3,450
- Hattiesburgfrom $3,450
Missouri
- St. Louisfrom $3,800
- Kansas Cityfrom $3,800
- Springfieldfrom $3,400
- Columbiafrom $3,400
New Hampshire
- Manchesterfrom $3,800
New Jersey
- Newarkfrom $4,600
- Trentonfrom $3,800
- Jersey Cityfrom $4,600
- Atlantic Cityfrom $3,800
New Mexico
- Albuquerquefrom $3,700
- Las Crucesfrom $3,500
- Santa Fefrom $3,500
New York
North Carolina
- Charlottefrom $3,850
- Raleighfrom $3,850
- Greensborofrom $3,450
- Winston-Salemfrom $3,450
- Durhamfrom $3,650
- Fayettevillefrom $3,450
- Ashevillefrom $3,450
- Wilmingtonfrom $3,450
- Greenvillefrom $3,450
North Dakota
- Fargofrom $3,400
Ohio
- Cincinnatifrom $3,900
- Columbusfrom $3,900
- Clevelandfrom $3,900
- Daytonfrom $3,550
- Akronfrom $3,550
- Toledofrom $3,550
- Youngstownfrom $3,550
- Cantonfrom $3,550
Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Cityfrom $3,600
- Tulsafrom $3,600
Pennsylvania
- Philadelphiafrom $4,000
- Pittsburghfrom $4,000
- Harrisburgfrom $3,600
- Scrantonfrom $3,600
- Eriefrom $3,600
Rhode Island
- Providencefrom $4,000
South Carolina
- Greenvillefrom $3,450
- Columbiafrom $3,650
- Charlestonfrom $3,650
- Myrtle Beachfrom $3,450
South Dakota
- Sioux Fallsfrom $3,400
Tennessee
- Nashvillefrom $4,300
- Memphisfrom $3,850
- Knoxvillefrom $3,650
- Chattanoogafrom $3,450
Texas
- Dallasfrom $4,000
- Houstonfrom $4,150
- San Antoniofrom $3,800
- Fort Worthfrom $3,800
- Austinfrom $4,000
- McAllenfrom $3,600
- El Pasofrom $3,600
- Killeenfrom $3,600
- Corpus Christifrom $3,600
- Brownsvillefrom $3,600
- Beaumontfrom $3,600
- Arlingtonfrom $3,800
- Lubbockfrom $3,600
- Wacofrom $3,600
- Laredofrom $3,600
- Amarillofrom $3,600
Utah
- Salt Lake Cityfrom $3,900
- Provofrom $3,500
- Ogdenfrom $3,500
- St. Georgefrom $3,500
Vermont
- Burlingtonfrom $3,800
Virginia
- Virginia Beachfrom $3,800
- Richmondfrom $4,000
- Roanokefrom $3,600
- Norfolkfrom $3,800
West Virginia
- Charlestonfrom $3,450
Wyoming
- Cheyennefrom $3,500
HVAC prices, 2026
| Job | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central AC replacement, 3-ton (existing ducts)installed | $4,000 | $6,200 | $9,000 |
| Central AC + gas furnace, replaced togetherinstalled | $6,500 | $9,800 | $16,000 |
| Heat pump replacement, 3-ton (existing ducts)installed | $5,500 | $8,000 | $12,500 |
| Central heat pump, high-efficiency with zoning (3-ton)installed | $10,000 | $14,500 | $21,000 |
| Gas furnace replacement (80–96% AFUE)installed | $2,800 | $4,600 | $8,000 |
| Ductless mini-split, 1 zone, 9,000 BTUinstalled | $2,200 | $3,300 | $4,800 |
| Ductless mini-split, 1 zone, 12,000 BTUinstalled | $2,500 | $3,900 | $5,600 |
| Ductless mini-split, 1 zone, 18,000 BTUinstalled | $3,200 | $5,000 | $7,200 |
| Ductless mini-split, 1 zone, 24,000 BTUinstalled | $3,800 | $6,200 | $8,800 |
| Ductless mini-split, 1 zone, 30,000–36,000 BTUinstalled | $4,800 | $7,800 | $11,500 |
| Multi-zone mini-split, 2 zonesinstalled | $4,500 | $6,500 | $10,000 |
| Multi-zone mini-split, 4 zonesinstalled | $8,000 | $12,000 | $18,000 |
| Like-for-like AC swap: same-size mini-split, existing line setinstalled | $2,300 | $3,500 | $5,200 |
| Install only: homeowner-supplied mini-split, 1 zonelabor only | $500 | $1,100 | $2,000 |
| Evaporative (swamp) cooler, roof-mountedinstalled | $1,300 | $2,300 | $3,600 |
| Ductwork replacement, whole houseinstalled | $2,500 | $5,500 | $9,500 |
| AC compressor replacement (out of warranty)per repair | $1,300 | $2,100 | $3,000 |
| AC repair, major: refrigerant leak fix + rechargeper repair | $600 | $1,300 | $2,500 |
| AC repair, minor: capacitor, contactor or drain lineper repair | $150 | $300 | $600 |
| AC tune-upper visit | $75 | $110 | $200 |
| Whole-system HVAC tune-up (AC + furnace)per year | $150 | $230 | $450 |
| Duct cleaning, whole houseper home | $300 | $450 | $700 |
| Smart thermostat, installedinstalled | $200 | $300 | $450 |
| Old AC or furnace removal and disposalper unit | $100 | $250 | $500 |
Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 45+ American pricing sources · See methodology
National average prices. Select a city above for location-specific pricing.
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HVAC system types compared: central AC, heat pump, furnace and mini-split
The system type matters more than the brand. A 3-ton central AC at $4,000–$9,000 is the usual whole-home choice where good ducts exist; homes without ducts usually go ductless, and dry Western homes can cool for less with an evaporative cooler.
| System type | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Central AC, 3-ton (existing ducts) | $4,000–$9,000 installed | Homes with sound ducts and a furnace or air handler to pair with |
| Ductless mini-split, single zone (9,000–18,000 BTU) | $2,200–$7,200 installed | One room, an addition, or a home with no ducts |
| Multi-zone ductless mini-split (2–4 zones) | $4,500–$18,000 installed | Whole homes with no ducts, room-by-room control |
| Heat pump, 3-ton ducted (heats and cools) | $5,500–$12,500 installed | Mild and hot climates; replacing an AC and electric heat |
| Gas furnace + AC, replaced together | $6,500–$16,000 installed | Cold climates with natural gas and old equipment on both sides |
| Gas furnace only (80–96% AFUE) | $2,800–$8,000 installed | When the AC is newer than the furnace |
| Dual-fuel: heat pump + gas furnace | $7,100–$17,000 installed | Cold climates: electric heat most days, gas on the coldest |
| Cold-climate heat pump, 3-ton ducted | $9,500–$24,000 installed | Northern homes leaving gas, oil or propane |
| Central heat pump, high-efficiency with zoning | $10,000–$21,000 installed | Big or two-story homes with hot and cold rooms |
| Evaporative (swamp) cooler, roof-mounted | $1,300–$3,600 installed | Dry Western climates only |
| Geothermal heat pump (ground loop) | $15,000–$35,000 installed | Large lots and long stays in one home |
| Window or through-the-wall AC | $210–$1,200 installed | Single rooms and renters; cheapest way to cool |
Heat pumps heat and cool, so compare them with an AC plus furnace, not an AC alone. Evaporative coolers only work in dry climates, and geothermal pays back only over many years in one home.
Common HVAC jobs and what they cost (2026)
Most HVAC bills fall into a handful of jobs. A 3-ton AC swap is a one-day job at $4,000–$9,000; service work like tune-ups and capacitor swaps costs $75–$450.
| Block or rate | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace a 3-ton central AC on existing ducts (1 day) | $4,000 | $6,200 | $9,000 |
| Replace a gas furnace (4–10 hrs) | $2,800 | $4,600 | $8,000 |
| Replace AC + furnace together (1–2 days) | $6,500 | $9,800 | $16,000 |
| Replace a 3-ton heat pump (1 day) | $5,500 | $8,000 | $12,500 |
| Install a single-zone 12,000 BTU mini-split (4–8 hrs) | $2,500 | $3,900 | $5,600 |
| Install a 4-zone mini-split (2–3 days) | $8,000 | $12,000 | $18,000 |
| Replace whole-house ductwork (2–5 days) | $2,500 | $5,500 | $9,500 |
| Replace an AC compressor (4–6 hrs) | $1,300 | $2,100 | $3,000 |
| Find and fix a refrigerant leak, then recharge (2–4 hrs) | $600 | $1,300 | $2,500 |
| Swap a capacitor or contactor (under 1 hr) | $100 | $200 | $450 |
| AC tune-up (1–2 hrs) | $75 | $110 | $200 |
| Clean the ducts, whole house (2–4 hrs) | $300 | $450 | $700 |
Times are typical time on site. Permits, line sets and duct repairs are the usual extras on replacements; after-hours labor is the usual extra on repairs.
Heat pump vs gas furnace + AC: which should you choose?
A heat pump costs about the same to install as a gas furnace + AC: $5,500–$12,500 vs $6,500–$16,000 for 3 tons. The difference is running cost and climate: gas heat is cheaper per year at 2026 US average prices, and heat pumps win where electricity is cheap, winters are mild, or the home has no gas.
| Factor | Heat pump (all-electric) | Gas furnace + central AC | Dual-fuel (heat pump + furnace) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installed price, 3-ton | $5,500–$12,500 | $6,500–$16,000 | $7,100–$17,000 |
| Heating cost per year (typical home) | About $1,050 | About $780 (95% furnace) | Close to gas-only at US average prices; lowest where electricity is cheap relative to gas |
| Cooling cost per year (typical home) | About $690 at 14.3 SEER2; about $550 at 18 SEER2 | About $690 at 14.3 SEER2 | About $690 at 14.3 SEER2 |
| Typical lifespan | About 12–15 years | Furnace 15–20 years; AC 15–20 years | Heat pump 12–15 years; furnace often longer, since it runs less |
| Best climate | Mild and hot regions; cold-climate models for the North | Cold regions with cheap natural gas | Cold regions that want mostly electric heat |
| Needs natural gas or propane | No | Yes | Yes |
| Federal tax credit in 2026 | None (25C ended Dec 31, 2025) | None | None |
| Rebates | The most programs, including heat-pump-only ones like Mass Save | Fewer; some utilities rebate efficient AC (e.g., SRP) | Often eligible for heat-pump rebates |
Heat pump if your winters are mild, you have no gas line, or your utility pays a big rebate. Furnace + AC if winters are harsh and gas is cheap. Dual-fuel ($7,100–$17,000) if you want both: electric heat most of the year with gas for the coldest nights.
What HVAC costs to run per year (2026)
Annual energy cost at EIA US average prices: electricity at 18.2 cents per kWh (2026 forecast) and natural gas at $15.34 per thousand cubic feet (2025). Cooling assumes 800, 1,500 and 2,800 hours a year of running at full power; heating assumes 25, 50 and 85 million Btu of heat a year. Heat pump heating assumes a seasonal efficiency (COP) of 3.0 / 2.6 / 2.2.
| System (per year) | Mild climate | Typical | Hot or cold climate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central AC, 3-ton, 14.3 SEER2 (cooling) | $370 | $690 | $1,300 |
| Heat pump, 3-ton, 18 SEER2 (cooling) | $290 | $550 | $1,000 |
| Mini-split, one 12,000 BTU room, 22 SEER2 (cooling) | $80 | $150 | $280 |
| Evaporative cooler, dry climates (cooling) | $95 | $170 | $330 |
| Gas furnace, 95% AFUE (heating) | $390 | $780 | $1,300 |
| Gas furnace, 80% AFUE (heating) | $460 | $920 | $1,550 |
| Heat pump (heating) | $440 | $1,050 | $2,050 |
| Electric furnace or baseboard (heating) | $1,350 | $2,650 | $4,550 |
| Tune-ups, AC + furnace | $150 | $230 | $450 |
Your local rates can be far from the US average, so swap in your own electricity and gas prices. At average prices, gas heat costs less than heat pump heat; a heat pump is much cheaper than electric resistance or propane heat.
What affects HVAC costs
System size
Tonnage drives equipment cost: a 2-ton AC runs about $5,200 and a 5-ton about $8,700. Ask for a Manual J load calculation instead of matching the old unit.
Efficiency (SEER2 and HSPF2)
The federal minimum for a new split AC is 13.4 SEER2 in the North. In the South and Southwest it is 14.3 SEER2 under about 3.75 tons and 13.8 SEER2 above that. Heat pumps must reach 7.5 HSPF2. Higher ratings cost more and pay back fastest where AC runs most.
The refrigerant change
New systems use A2L refrigerants (R-454B or R-32), so the indoor coil has to match the outdoor unit, and older R-410A systems are getting costlier to service.
Ducts and access
Leaky or undersized ducts, attic air handlers and rooftop condensers add labor. Whole-house duct replacement runs $2,500–$9,500.
Your city
Labor, permits and local demand move the price: Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Boston sit 23–27% above the US typical for a 3-ton AC swap, while Atlanta sits about 6% below it.
Season and urgency
Planned replacements in spring or fall cost less than a summer breakdown, when crews are booked and emergency labor rates apply.
How to save on HVAC
- Get three quotes for the same system.Same tonnage and SEER2 rating, model numbers for both units on every quote.
- Replace before it fails.A 12–15-year-old system replaced in spring or fall gets better pricing than an emergency swap in July.
- Right-size it.A Manual J load calculation often shows a smaller, cheaper system will do.
- Check utility rebates.There is no federal tax credit for 2026 installs, but many utilities still pay for efficient heat pumps and AC (for example Mass Save and SRP).
- Pair the AC and furnace if both are old.Both together run $6,500–$16,000, less than two separate jobs.
- Keep up with tune-ups.A $75–$200 tune-up catches weak parts before they take out a $1,300–$3,000 compressor.
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HVAC cost in the USA by home size
About $5,600 for a 2.5-ton AC (1,000–1,600 sq ft), $6,200 for 3 tons (1,600–2,000 sq ft), and $7,650–$8,700 for 4–5 tons in homes over 2,500 sq ft, typical US prices on existing ducts.
Worked example: a 2,000 sq ft home with a 16-year-old AC and furnace. Replacing both runs about $9,800; a 3-ton heat pump on the same ducts about $8,000; the AC alone $6,200, leaving an old furnace in place.
Large and two-story homes often need two systems or zoning: a high-efficiency zoned heat pump runs $10,000–$21,000, and adding zoning to an existing system $1,700–$4,500.
What a HVAC quote should include
A real HVAC quote answers all of these. If it answers fewer than six, ask before you pay a deposit.
- Tonnage and the Manual J load calculation behind it
- Model numbers for the outdoor unit and indoor coil or air handler
- Matched SEER2 (and HSPF2) rating from the AHRI directory
- Refrigerant type and whether the line set is new or reused
- Permit, inspection and removal of the old unit
- Pad, disconnect, thermostat and any electrical work
- Duct repairs or sealing, if any
- Parts and labor warranty, and who registers the equipment
- Total price, deposit, payment schedule and install date
HVAC cost: FAQ
How much does it cost to replace a central AC in 2026?
$4,000–$9,000 for a 3-ton system on existing ducts, installed, with $6,200 typical. Smaller systems start around $3,350; a 20+ SEER2 variable-speed 3-ton can reach $13,500.
How much does a heat pump cost to install?
$5,500–$12,500 for a 3-ton heat pump on existing ducts, $8,000 typical. Cold-climate models run $9,500–$24,000, and geothermal $15,000–$35,000.
How much does a new furnace cost?
$2,800–$8,000 for a gas furnace installed, $4,600 typical. A 95%+ AFUE model runs $3,300–$8,500.
How much does it cost to replace the AC and furnace together?
$6,500–$16,000, about $9,800 typical, which is less than doing the two jobs separately.
How much does a ductless mini-split cost?
$2,500–$5,600 for a 12,000 BTU single zone, $4,500–$10,000 for two zones and $8,000–$18,000 for four.
Is there a federal tax credit for a heat pump or AC in 2026?
No. The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) covered improvements made through December 31, 2025, according to irs.gov. Utility and state rebates still exist in many places, such as Mass Save in Massachusetts and SRP in the Phoenix area.
Why have AC prices gone up?
New split systems now use A2L refrigerants (R-454B or R-32) and need a matched indoor coil, and several makers and suppliers raised prices again in 2026 (for example Fujitsu by 3% in January and one line-set maker by about 13% in October). An EPA rule finalized in May 2026 (in effect since July 27, 2026) lets contractors keep installing pre-2025 R-410A stock until it runs out, except where states, like New York, kept the old cutoff.
How much does an AC tune-up cost?
$75–$200 per visit; a yearly plan for AC and furnace runs $150–$450.
How much do AC repairs cost?
$150–$600 for common fixes like a capacitor or contactor, $600–$2,500 for a refrigerant leak repair and recharge, and $1,300–$3,000 for a compressor out of warranty.
What does central AC cost to run per year?
About $690 a year for a 3-ton, 14.3 SEER2 system in a typical climate at the 2026 US average electricity price, from $370 in mild areas to $1,300 on the Gulf Coast and in the desert.
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