How Much Does HVAC Installation or Replacement Cost?

HVAC System Cost

The average cost to replace an HVAC system is $4,820 to $9,350, which includes the combination of a new central air conditioner unit and a new gas furnace. Installation of a new HVAC system with ductwork costs between $6,820 and $12,350 in total.

Cost To Replace HVAC System

Job	Install Time	Average Cost
HVAC Replacement	1 Day	$4,820 – $9,350
HVAC Install With Ductwork	3 – 5 Days	$6,820 – $12,350
HVAC Install With Add-Ons	4 – 7 Days	$13,000 – $17,000

Pricing depends on the size of your house, the brand and efficiency rating of your new HVAC unit, the length of your ductwork, and labor expenses. Ductwork alone costs $2,000 to $3,000 to install, and upgrades like a humidifier, zoning system, or air cleaner will increase the price by $2,000 to $4,000 more.

HVAC System Cost

National Average Cost	$9,582
Minimum Cost	$2,700
Maximum Cost	$17,000
Average Range	$6,820 to $12,350

An HVAC system takes care of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in a building so that you can live in a comfortable environment that vents away stale air while introducing freshly warmed or cooled outside air (room air distribution).

Table of Contents

1. HVAC System Cost
2. HVAC Installation Cost
• Change-Out Cost
• Cost to Install with Ductwork
• Install Cost with Add-Ons
• HVAC Unit Costs
3. HVAC Replacement Costs
• Ductwork
• Furnace and AC Combo
• Air Conditioner
• Furnace
4. HVAC Cost Estimator
• How To Calculate
• Cost Factors
• Labor Rates
• Upgrades
5. Heating and Cooling Systems Prices
• New Construction
• Cost Per Square Foot
• Commercial Costs
6. HVAC Efficiency
7. Best HVAC System Brands
• Comparison Guide
8. Frequently Asked Questions
9. Getting HVAC Quotes
• Tips to Save Money
10. AC Installation Companies Near Me

HVAC Installation Costs

The HVAC installation costs in the chart below are based on a single residential unit, whereas two units will be about double the price. Labor costs typically make up 40% to 50% of the cost of the unit(s) which are included in this pricing.

HVAC Installation Cost

Item	Average Cost
HVAC System Installation	$4,820 – $9,350
HVAC Ductwork Installation	$1,400 – $5,600
HVAC Air Handler	$2,500 – $3,500
Install Zoning System	$1,700 – $4,500
Install Thermostat	$200 – $500

There are three types of HVAC installation packages: the change-out, which includes a new air conditioner installation and a new heating system, the full installation which includes all the HVAC equipment and ductwork, and the full install that includes additional features such as a zoning system.

Change-Out HVAC Installation Cost

• Cost: $4,820 – $9,350
• Job Time: 1 Day

Replacing your HVAC system costs between $4,820 and $9,350 and takes about a day to complete. A change-out is simply replacing out the main components of your HVAC system without any new ductwork. You should only get a change-out if your ductwork is in excellent condition.

Keep in mind, over 80% of HVAC installation jobs will require new ductwork. HVAC contractors will try and push change-outs because installing ductwork is the most time-consuming and challenging part of the job.

Cost to Install HVAC System with Ductwork

• Cost: $6,820 – $12,350
• Job Time: 3 – 5 Days

The cost to install an HVAC system with ductwork ranges from $6,820 – $12,350. Ductwork installation adds 2 to 4 days of labor and $2,000 to $3,000 to the total cost of your new system. If it’s time to replace your HVAC system, you should get ductwork replaced at the same time.

If the ductwork has been there as long as the system that just wore out, it’s a good bet the ductwork is in poor condition. New ductwork has no leaks, nor has it accumulated dust and allergens. New ductwork goes a long way toward lowering your energy bills.

HVAC Installation Cost with Add-Ons

• Cost: $13,000 – $17,000
• Job Time: 4 – 7 Days

A new HVAC installation with additional features can cost from $13,000 to $17,000 and take 4 to 7 days to complete. Installing a HVAC zoning system costs $1,700 to $4,500 to your installation. Additional upgrades include a variable speed fan, a whole house humidifier, or UV lighting.

HVAC Unit Costs

A new HVAC unit costs about $1,900 without installation for a 1,000-square-foot home and up to $5,600 for a 3,000-square-foot home. The cost of the HVAC unit will mostly depend on the size of your house and the brand and efficiency rating of the new unit.

HVAC installation usually brings the total cost to 40% to 50% more than the unit prices. An HVAC unit doesn’t have one standard rate because it can be powered in many different ways. Prices below are for the unit and installation costs.

HVAC Unit Costs

HVAC Unit	Average Install Cost
Furnace and AC Combo	$4,820 – $9,350
Central Air Conditioner	$3,350 – $5,910
Ductless HVAC System prices	$3,000 – $10,000
Air handler costs	$1,500 – $3,400
Gas Furnace Cost	$1,500 – $4,100
Electric Furnace Cost	$1,900 – $5,600
Oil Furnace Cost	$2,500 – $6,000
Radiator / Boiler cost	$3,200 – $9,000
Air-Source Heat Pump	$4,000 – $8,000
Geothermal Heat Pump Cost	$15,000 – $35,000

Return to Top

HVAC Replacement Costs

HVAC replacement costs $4,820 to $9,350 on average, which includes a new AC unit and a new furnace. When adding new ductwork, expect to spend between $6,820 and $12,350 depending on your home's size, the brand of the HVAC system, and the length of your ductwork.

If problems exist with only a single component, replacement prices for parts and labor can cost a lot less depending on which part is not functioning correctly. Your HVAC system could be working properly, but your ductwork may be damaged, causing airflow problems.

Cost to Replace HVAC Ductwork

The average cost to replace ductwork is $1,400 to $5,600 or $25 to $55 per linear foot for materials and installation. A typical home needs 30 to 90 linear feet of ducting. Ductwork lasts 10 to 20 years on average before it needs replacing. New ducts are higher efficiency and produce better air quality.

Air ducts mostly come in plastic, fiberglass, or metal. The ductwork must be sized to match the airflow from the HVAC unit and sealed correctly to avoid leaks and proper airflow.

Ductwork can collapse, develop leaks, and collect pests, debris, dust, and pollen. Ask your HVAC specialist to do a blower door test to measure airtightness. Duct sealing costs $400 to $2,700 to patch leaks.

Furnace and Air Conditioner Replacement Cost

The average cost of a furnace and air conditioner replacement is $4,820 to $9,350. A heater and AC combo is worth installing if your repair costs on the old unit are coming close to 30% of the cost of a new unit. HVAC package unit prices are impacted by the brand, the SEER rating, and the contractor's labor.

AC Replacement Cost

The cost of retrofitting an existing forced air furnace with an AC unit costs about $3,350 to $5,910. New central air conditioner prices run from $1,080 to $1,740. If you already have the cold air and heating separated, you’ll only need to replace the air conditioning unit, but if your furnace is older and struggling to work properly, it could be more cost effective to replace both systems with one HVAC system.

Furnace Replacement Cost

A new furnace replacement costs $2,000 to $5,400 with most homeowners paying around $3,100. You’ll need first to have your home inspected to see if your existing ductwork can hold up to the new furnace installation in size and insulation capabilities.

Return to Top

HVAC Cost Estimator

How To Calculate HVAC Installation Costs

You must consider three things to calculate a fair HVAC installation cost:

1. The price of the equipment you’re installing based on your required size of AC, size of the furnace, desired SEER value, and desired AFUE value.
2. Factor in labor costs as well as installation supplies such as sheet metal, refrigerant, a thermostat, AC pad, and a line set.
3. Factor in the contractor's profit margin, which is typically 40% to cover all expenses.

That is basically how a contractor will figure your bid, but you should get a detailed or line-by-line quote, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

HVAC Installation Cost Factors

Additional cost factors that could affect your final installation cost include:

1. The size and scope of the construction
2. The brand and grade selected for each component
3. The type of each component chosen—for example, natural gas vs. oil vs. geothermal for heating
4. The complexity of the installation—it’s harder for technicians to work in an attic or a crawlspace.
5. Whether ductwork is required or not
6. The length of the ductwork in your home (typically ranges from 30 to 90 feet)
7. The quality of construction of your home, its age, the condition of the ductwork currently in place.

House Size

Instead of guessing at the correct size unit for your size house, contractors will use a Manual J calculation to get just the right size HVAC system. If it’s too large, it won’t run long enough to dehumidify your home, leaving it cold and clammy. If it’s too small, it will run all the time but never achieve the cold climate you want. The newest Energy Star guidelines say that HVAC systems can’t be any more than 15% larger than the square footage calls for.

BTUs (British Thermal Units)

Furnaces are sized by “BTU output,” which measures the amount of heating a furnace provides in a given time. Typical residential furnaces range from 35,000 – 100,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units). For reference, one BTU is equal to the heat output of lighting one match.

BTUs Needed Per Square Foot

Square Feet	BTUs Needed
700 – 1,000	18,000
1,000 – 1,200	21,000
1,200 – 1,400	23,000
1,400 – 1,500	24,000
1,500 – 2,000	30,000
2,000 – 2,500	34,000

Also, the following can affect the efficiency of your unit’s heating and cooling abilities and will change the number of BTUs required in your unit:

• High ceilings – increase BTUs x 10%
• Hotter climates– increase BTUs x 10%
• Number of occupants – increase BTUs x 10% for each additional person in a room
• Sun exposure levels – increase BTUs x 10% or decrease x 10% if there is no sun exposure
• Kitchens – increase BTUs x 600

Tonnage

Tonnage will increase the price by about $300 to $400 per extra ton of cooling. ACs are sized in “tonnage,” which measures the amount of cooling the unit can provide in an hour. Typically, residential ACs range from 1-ton units to 5-ton units (half sizes included, i.e., 2.5 tons). In general, purchase according to 1,000 square feet per ton.

HVAC Brand

The brand you choose for your home and what it costs varies widely. Name brands can cost much more than a brand you’ve never heard of, but the name brand sometimes manufactures the no-name brand. For instance, the Goodman and Bryant air-conditioning systems use the same internal parts that Amana and Carrier use, but the Goodman and Bryant air conditioners cost less.

SEER Rating

All new appliances are assigned a SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), which measures the energy efficiency of all HVAC systems. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient it is at heating and cooling in different temperatures.

The average summer temperature to arrive at the SEER rating is 83 degrees, so to arrive at the correct SEER rating for your area, subtract two points for every 10 degrees over 83. Air conditioners have SEER ratings that range from 14 to 21. If you find a great deal on an AC unit, but its SEER rating is below 13, it's not worth it.

Certain zones have mandatory SEER ratings for mini-split systems.

• Split-system central air conditioners installed in the Southeastern Region of the US must be at least 14 SEER.
• Split-system central air conditioners installed in the Southwestern Region must be a minimum of 14 SEER and 12.2 EER.
• Split-system central air conditioners installed in all other states must continue to be a minimum of 13 SEER.

Project Difficulty

The harder it is to reach your existing HVAC system, the more it will cost to replace it. A few things that make a system difficult to access are:

• A small attic,
• An attic filled with blown-in insulation,
• A historic home, or
• Your system will require many custom-made pieces.

All those things will add to the cost of your new HVAC system. If any of these conditions exist in your home, talk to your contractor about his/her prices to compensate for these before signing the contract.

Ductwork

There are many types of ductwork, but the most common is round. It carries the cold air from the outside unit and delivers it to the rooms in your home. If there are holes or rips in the ductwork, it’s allowing that cold air to escape into your attic and not delivering it to your rooms. This cuts down on the efficiency of the system.

HVAC Permit Cost

The cost of permits to install your HVAC system runs from $250 to $400. Check with your city’s planning and zoning office to see if you are required to have a permit before work can begin. A contractor who tells you a permit is not necessary when it actually is, is placing you in jeopardy. The city might require you to remove any installed equipment at your own expense if it was installed without a permit.

HVAC Labor Rates

The national average hourly rate for HVAC service is $50 to $75 per hour on average or about 40% to 50% of the cost of the HVAC unit. Depending on the complexity of your job, you can have any combination of apprentice, journeyman, or master technicians working for you.

Most HVAC jobs take 1 – 5 days. For a job of low complexity, where the old HVAC is being replaced by new equipment, the average range is between 6 to 10 hours for one technician and one laborer. Adding new duct work could add another 1 – 3 days depending on complexity and ease of access.

HVAC System Upgrades

HVAC Zoning System Cost

An HVAC zoning system costs $2,500 to $3,500 to install but can save you money on energy bills. A zoned system will regulate the air temperature in each zone of your home, and each zone has an air-handling system. For instance, the bedrooms may be in one zone to keep them cooler later at night while not keeping the living room and kitchen cool while everyone is sleeping.

HVAC Variable Speed Fan Cost

The average cost to install a variable-speed HVAC unit is about $4,000 to $8,000 more than other units. Rather than having a fan go the same speed all the time, a variable speed fan will blow however hard it’s needed to maintain the desired temperature. This means it will require a different type of motor, and it will raise the cost of your HVAC system, but it can save you money on energy bills over the long run.

Cost To Add Humidifier To HVAC

The average cost to add a humidifier to your HVAC unit is $100 to $300. If you live in a dry climate, a humidifier attached to your HVAC system can make your home a more comfortable place—a little moisture in the air can reduce allergy problems, help your skin feel better, reduce static shock, and protect your wood furniture.

HVAC UV Light Installation Cost

The average cost to install a UV light for an HVAC system is $400 to $800 depending on your location. Ultraviolet lights (UV lights) kill germs, bacteria, fungus, viruses, and pathogens. By installing them in your HVAC system, germs and the like will be killed before they enter the airstream entering your home, thus improving your indoor air quality.

Return to Top

Heating and Cooling Systems Prices

Heating and cooling units vary enormously in type based on the building and construction type. Whether it's residential or commercial, or if it's a mobile home versus a 2,500 square foot home.

New Construction HVAC Cost

New construction HVAC installation costs $1.75 to $2 per square foot. You’ll also pay up to $1,500 to $4,000 to install the new ductwork. Because all the rough-in ductwork is already in place, the HVAC technician doesn’t have to go in behind walls and into attics to install the system properly.

Cost of HVAC System New Construction

Square Feet	Average Cost
1,000	$1,750 – $2,000
1,200	$2,100 – $2,400
1,500	$2,625 – $3,000
2,000	$3,500 – $4,000
2,500	$4,375 – $5,000
3,000	$5,250 – $6,000

HVAC System Cost Per Square Foot

An HVAC system cost is $15 to $18 per square foot for a two-pipe set up (hot and cold water using the same pipe both ways). A four-pipe set up (hot and cold with their own pipes both ways) will run $18 to $21 per square foot for residential dwellings. Most contractors will not quote you by the square foot, and ductwork is based on linear feet—the distance the ductwork has to travel from the unit to each room and through each vent to the outside of the house.

Mobile Home HVAC Systems Prices

Replacing the HVAC system in a mobile home costs less at $1,850 – $2,450 and is quite different than installing one in a stick-built house. The components are smaller and configured specifically for the manufactured home. An HVAC system built for a standard home will not work in a manufactured home and could be dangerous.

HVAC Split System Cost

A split HVAC system costs $7,400 for an average family home. Costs can go as high as $16,000 if you add on all the extras. Split-systems are most popular type of HVAC system with one unit outside (in the shade), connected to the unit inside. Thus, it’s called a “split” system.

Rooftop HVAC Cost

A rooftop HVAC unit costs between $5,500 and $11,000. This practice is no longer common, as most people don’t want to see that on top of their home, but it was quite popular in the last third of the twentieth century.

Alternative HVAC Systems

Alternative HVAC Systems & Prices

Unit	Average Cost
Attic Fans	$31 – $309
Electronic Baseboard Heaters	$50 – $97
Radiant Heating	$100 – $135

Commercial HVAC Costs

Installing a commercial HVAC system in a recreational building runs from $17 to $22 per square foot, and in an office building it costs from $15 to $23 per square foot. A commercial HVAC system starts at $4,000. It is quite a bit larger than a residential HVAC system and typically delivers air to more rooms and a much larger area than the smaller home HVAC units.

Return to Top

HVAC Efficiency

Energy Efficiency & High-Efficiency HVAC

Even the lowest SEER rating will give you an efficient HVAC system. A system rated with higher SEER numbers is considered high efficiency and will save you a considerable amount in energy bills, but the system itself is much more expensive. If you are currently in the market to upgrade your system, it’s possible to save 50% on energy costs if you install a SEER rating of 16 instead of the eight you’ve had for a while.

Also, consider installing a smart thermostat from Nest, Ecobee, or Honeywell to help regulate heating and cooling cycles to improve energy efficiency.

Energy Star Certification

Energy Star products have the backing of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ensuring that these products/appliances deliver better indoor air quality, protect our climate, and save money, as well as energy. A home or business can receive a certification if all systems are built using Energy Star products, and federal and local rebates are offered on specific Energy Star units.

HVAC Insulation

Insulating ductwork can help your HVAC system work more efficiently, which keeps your home cooler (or warmer) and saves you money on energy costs. It can also help avoid the problems inherent with cool air passing through warm air and the resulting condensation, which usually occurs. Avoiding the condensation also prevents issues with mold and mildew.

HVAC Ventilation

The V in HVAC stands for ventilation and is a significant component of your system. Without adequate ventilation, there is no fresh air, and the air you do have becomes uncomfortable. At worst, lack of ventilation can trap toxins in the unit that will then blow into your home, making people sick.

HVAC Maintenance Cost

Scheduling a regular HVAC tune-up costs $50 to $200 and should be performed yearly. HVAC maintenance contracts cost $150 to $300 per year, and you’ll get an annual maintenance visit, one included service call, a discount on parts, and usually some other benefits.

DIY Maintenance Every 2 – 3 Months

• Replace the filter.
• Seal air leaks in ducts.
• Maintain a 2-foot clearance around the unit and clear any debris.
• Clean the indoor evaporator coil, drain pipe, and evaporator trap with a garden-hose spray.
• Replace or adjust your thermostat.

HVAC Tax Credits & Rebates

HVAC companies will often offer incentives for purchasing their associated brands, and they also offer attractive financing terms. For instance, Lennox offers a $1,700 rebate which covers some of the higher-end options in HVAC systems, such as a zoned system.

Many local energy providers offer rebates or discounts on energy efficient usage. Find rebates, incentives, and even financing for energy projects. For example, United Cooperative Services in Texas will give you a $100 rebate just for giving your HVAC a tune-up.

If you install systems in your home that use renewable energy such as solar panels, wind turbines, solar-powered water heaters, and many others, you may be eligible for a tax credit. For example, you can get a 30% federal credit for installing solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), or fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Return to Top

Best HVAC System Brands

In general, the best HVAC systems range in cost from $1,050 to $1,750. Brands like Bryant, Goodman, and Coleman tend to provide excellent value to consumers.

HVAC Unit Price Comparison

HVAC Unit Price Comparison

Brand	Average AC Unit Prices	Average Gas Furnace Prices
Goodman	$1,080	$720
Bryant	$1,210	$990
Rheem / Ruud	$1,210	$1,100
Amana	$1,220	$900
Heil	$1,280	$850
York	$1,400	$780
American Standard	$1,650	$1,300
Carrier	$1,680	$1,150
Trane	$1,690	$1,250
Lennox	$1,740	$1,400

HVAC Brand Comparison

HVAC Brand Comparison

Brand	Max Price	Comparison
Lennox	$3,092	Signature series has an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating of 98.7%. (The AFUE rating is a measure of how efficiently the furnace uses the fuel it has.) It is Energy Star certified. Both the Elite series and the Merit series have an AFUE rating of 96% and are Energy Star certified.
Trane	$2,960	The most efficient model is XC95m and has an AFUE rating of 97.3%. It is Energy Star certified and has a quiet operation. The quietest model is S9V2-VS with an AFUE rating of 97%, and it’s also Energy Star certified. The best value model is XB90 with an AFUE rating of 92%, and it’s rated very dependably.
American Standard	$2,872	American Standard has three different lines with SEER ratings from 21–13. Platinum has a SEER rating of 18–21 and has a variable speed fan. The Gold series is SEER rated 18–17, with a two-speed fan. The Silver series is SEER rated from 13–16 and each has a single speed fan, which is
Carrier	$2,676	Carrier’s Infinity system can control the humidity and the air quality in your home. The AFUE rating is 81% for their best system.
Goodman	$1,713	Goodman’s model GPG14M and GPG16M carries a SEER rating of 16 and an AFUE rating of 81%. They have multi-speed blower motors, and its premium copper tubing delivers excellent heat transfer.
Amana	$2,022	Amana’s APG16M model has a SEER rating of 16 and an AFUE of 81%. Provides Clean Comfort air quality and an automated control panel that monitors all aspects of your system, and it gives you the ability to administrate from your smartphone.
Bryant	$2,424	Their Preferred Series has a SEER rating of up to 16 and an 81% AFUE. They come with a two-stage compressor. The Legacy Line comes with a single-stage compressor, a SEER of 14, and an 81% AFUE. Their Base Line systems have a single-stage compressor and a SEER of 14, and they will fit into almost any budget.
Coleman	$1,392	The Echelon series is Energy Star certified with a SEER rating of up to 20, with a two-stage compressor. The LK series has a SEER rating of up to 17 and has a single-stage compressor.
Heil	$2,053	Quiet Comfort Deluxe line of products has a SEER rating of 16 and an 81% AFUE. Very quiet operation with a two-stage compressor. Quiet Comfort line of products carries a 14 SEER rating and an 81% AFUE, and it uses a single-stage compressor. The Performance series has a 14 SEER rating with an 81% AFUE and is their economical choice for heating and cooling with a single-stage compressor.
York	$2,140	The Predator Series has a SEER rating of 12 and is Smart equipped. The Sun Premier Series the SEER rating is 11. It’s Smart equipped and has a minimum compressor run time.
Rheem / Ruud	$2,126	The Classic Plus series with an AFUE of 80%. It features two stages of operation, which saves energy. The Prestige Series also has an AFUE of 80% and two-stage operation but is more economically priced.

HVAC Warranty

HVAC Warranty

Brand	Warranty
Lennox	Signature Series HVAC – 10 years on covered components Compressor – 10 years Heat exchanger – 20 years Elite Series Compressor – 10 years Heat exchanger – 20 years Merit Series Compressor – 5 years Heat exchanger – 20 years Ductless Mini-Split Covered components – 5 years
Trane	Base Limited Warranty Covers parts that break due to manufacturer defects Lasts from 1 – 20 years depending on the product Register the product within 60 days, and it will become a registered limited warranty. Registered Limited Warranty All aspects of the base limited warranty Lasts from 5 years to lifetime depending on product Optional Extended Warranty All aspects of base and registered limited warranty Covers all parts and labor Length of time depends on the product purchased
Carrier	Limited warranty of 10 years for parts on all units
Goodman	Register product within 60 days for a 10-year warranty. Products not registered carry a 5-year warranty.
Amana	Air conditioning and heat pumps have a lifetime limited warranty on the compressor to the original, registered, homeowner. Furnaces have a lifetime limited warranty for the heat exchanger to the original, registered, homeowner.
Bryant	If registered within 90 days, get a standard-parts limited warranty for 10 years. If not registered within 90 days, the warranty is reduced to 5 years.
Coleman	Echelon Series Parts have a 10-year warranty Compressor has a lifetime limited warranty Labor has a 90-day limited warranty LX Series Compressor – 10-year limited warranty Parts – 10-year limited warranty Labor – 90-day limited warranty Extended labor warranties are available
Heil	Limited 10-year warranty on all functional parts Key components may have a longer warranty. No Hassle Replacement Limited Warranty Top of the line products – 10 years Mid-line products – 5 years Standard-level products – 1 – 3 years
York	Warranty depends on the product purchased, and it needs to be registered within 90 days. Affinity Split System AC units and Heat Pumps Parts – 10-year limited warranty Compressor – lifetime limited warranty Labor – 1-year limited warranty LX Split System AC units and Heat Pumps Compressor – 10-year limited warranty Parts – 10-year limited warranty Supplemental electric heat – 10-year limited warranty Labor – 1-year limited warranty
Rheem / Ruud	Compressor – 10-year limited warranty Parts – 10-year limited warranty Heat exchanger – 20-year limited warranty

Return to Top

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost To Install Dampers In HVAC?

The average cost to install HVAC power dampers is $85 to $175 for round branch ducts and between $150 to $325 for rectangular dampers on large trunks.

Should I Replace My Air Conditioner and Furnace At The Same Time?

Replacing both your furnace and AC at the same time ensures compatibility and the most energy efficient system. However, most furnaces have a lifespan of 15 to 30 years, and AC units have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, so you may have a good 10 years left before needing to replace the furnace.

How Long Does an HVAC System Last?

The Department of Energy recommendation is to replace your HVAC system every 10 to 15 years to have the most energy efficient system available. Each component has a different lifespan:

How Long Does an HVAC System Last?

Component	Lasts (Years)
Furnace	15 – 30
AC Unit	15 – 20
Heat Pump	10 – 20

When Should You Replace Your HVAC System?

You should replace your HVAC system if:

1. Your AC is older than 10 years old, and the HVAC repair bill would be more than 30% of the cost of a new AC unit.
2. Your power bills keep going up and up.
3. Your house is dusty, and the air quality seems poor.
4. You can’t maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.
5. Odd smells and sounds are emanating from the units.

Return to Top

Getting HVAC Quotes

Before you sign a contract, get 3 to 5 quotes from reputable HVAC contractors and choose the best one. It’s never a good idea to select the lowest quote as they may be unlicensed or inexperienced.

• Don’t accept a quote from a contractor who didn’t come out to your home to give an accurate bid.
• Make sure the quote you do accept comes from a contractor who is licensed, bonded, and insured.
• Check online reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Choose a company that has been installing HVAC systems for at least five years.
• Choose the best warranty on labor.
• Make sure the system that has been recommended for your home is the correct size, and it doesn’t have more add-ons than you need.

Tips to Save Money

• Be careful with HVAC change-outs.
  While a change-out may be the cheaper option, it’s not always the best solution. Many contractors push this solution because it’s a quick and easy job for them. If you choose a change-out, make sure your ductwork is in excellent condition.
• Asbestos Removal
  If your contractor finds asbestos in your home, you must hire an asbestos removal company to get rid of it. In some states, it is against the law to have anyone else do it. If it’s not done right, it can be dangerous to your health. Protect your home and hire the professional. Asbestos removal costs about $500 – $1,000. 
• Select a maximum of 16 SEER units in most scenarios.
  Installing appliances with a SEER number higher than 16 can significantly increase the cost. The 16 rating is sufficient for saving on your power bill.
• Tonnage will increase the price by about $300 – $400 per extra ton of cooling.
  Just be sure you purchase the correct size system for your home, and you won’t be spending this extra money.
• Look for a company that does residential and commercial HVAC.
  Technicians who work in both residential and commercial applications will have the most knowledge and experience.
• Be careful of dishonest HVAC contractors.
  It can be hard to know who is honest and dishonest, but in general, if a bid is substantially lower than all the other bids, stay away from it. Proposals prepared by reputable companies will come within a similar range of each other.

Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted HVAC installers:

Get free estimates