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HVAC Replacement: Costs & System Choices

Replacing heating and cooling equipment is a major project priced by system type, home size, efficiency, and whether ductwork is involved. Estimate yours below. For diagnosing a problem first, see our HVAC troubleshooting guides.

A heat pump provides both heating and cooling. Mini-splits are ductless and priced per zone.

sq ft

Approximate conditioned square footage. Used to size the equipment (ton estimate).

Higher-efficiency equipment costs more upfront but lowers ongoing energy bills.

New ductwork significantly increases cost. Toggle on if existing ducts are missing, damaged, or improperly sized.

zones

Only applies to mini-split systems. Each zone is one indoor air handler.

Adjusts the estimate by an illustrative regional factor. State-level only — not ZIP-precise.

Estimated project cost

$5,750

Typical. Range $2,800 – $11,100

Materials: 51%Labor: 39%Fees: 10%
Materials
$2,650
Labor
$2,050
Contingency
+10%

Main cost drivers

  1. Central AC unit (standard efficiency)$2,200
  2. Equipment installation labor$1,600
  3. Electrical connections$450

Illustrative estimate — not verified market pricing

These figures are planning estimates for demonstration, not current verified prices. Actual costs vary by region, materials, and contractor. Always get written quotes. See the methodology and sources below.

Want real numbers for your project? Compare written quotes from local pros.

Request contractor quotes

Choosing a system

Options include central AC, a furnace, a combined AC-and-furnace system, a heat pump, or ductless mini-splits. The right choice depends on your climate, existing ductwork, and efficiency goals.

Proper sizing matters more than brand. An oversized or undersized system runs inefficiently and wears out faster — insist on a load calculation, not a rule-of-thumb swap.

Repair, replace, or troubleshoot first

If your system is failing, start by diagnosing the problem — some issues are inexpensive fixes. Our HVAC troubleshooting guides and the HVAC service-call cost guide cover that. Replacement makes sense when equipment is old, inefficient, or repeatedly failing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does HVAC equipment last?

Many systems last roughly 10–20 years depending on type, maintenance, and climate. Regular maintenance extends life. Have a pro evaluate your specific unit.

Do I need new ductwork?

Not always. Existing ducts can often be reused if they’re in good shape and properly sized. New or modified ductwork adds significant cost.

Are these verified prices?

No — illustrative estimates. Get written quotes from licensed HVAC contractors.

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