Free · Job cost estimators
HVAC Replacement Cost Estimator
Pick the system type, size, efficiency tier and the condition of the house, and get a 2026 installed price range with every cost line shown. Useful for a homeowner budgeting, or a contractor checking a quote against the market.
The house
Installed price range
$10,000 – $15,500
Midpoint
$12,800
typical quote
Per ton
$3,333 – $5,167
Typical installed ranges and what drives them: HVAC System Replacement Cost (2026) →
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What drives HVAC replacement cost
Equipment is about half of the price; labor, materials, permit, removal and the contractor's overhead and margin make up the rest. The estimator starts from a national installed-price range for the system type and efficiency tier at 3 tons, adjusts about $800 per ton in either direction, then adds the line items that are actually separate quotes on most estimates: duct repair or replacement, electrical work and hard-access labor. The region factor reflects labor rates and permit costs.
| System (3 ton, average region) | Standard | Mid-efficiency | High-efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC + gas furnace | $7,500 – $12,500 | $10,000 – $15,500 | $13,500 – $20,000 |
| Heat pump | $7,000 – $11,500 | $9,000 – $14,000 | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| AC only | $5,500 – $8,500 | $7,000 – $10,500 | $9,500 – $14,000 |
| Packaged unit | $7,500 – $11,500 | $9,500 – $14,000 | $12,500 – $18,000 |
Why the range is wide
- Brand and dealer tier. Premium brands installed by a dealer with a showroom cost 20–30% more than a value brand from a two-truck shop, for similar equipment.
- Efficiency. Going from 14.3 to 18 SEER2 roughly doubles the equipment cost. Utility rebates and lower bills recover part of it.
- Ductwork. A new duct system on a 3-ton house is about $2,700–$5,700 by itself in an accessible attic or basement, more in crawlspaces and walls. Leaky ducts undo the efficiency you paid for, so most contractors at least seal and test.
- Access. Attic air handlers, rooftop condensers and crawlspaces add hours and sometimes a crane.
For contractors
Use this to sanity-check a quote against the market, or to give a homeowner a range on the phone before the site visit. It is not a price book. Build the actual estimate from your equipment costs and burdened labor with the markup calculator, and present it as three options with the good-better-best calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace an HVAC system in 2026?
At 3 tons on existing ducts, a full AC and furnace replacement runs about $7,500–$12,500 installed for standard-efficiency equipment, $10,000–$15,500 for two-stage and $13,500–$20,000 for variable-speed. Heat pump systems run slightly less. Replacing the ductwork adds about $2,700–$5,700 on an average house.
How much does a 3-ton AC unit cost installed?
About $5,500–$8,500 for a standard-efficiency condenser and coil installed on an existing furnace, $7,000–$10,500 for a two-stage 16 SEER2 unit, and $9,500–$14,000 for a variable-speed 18+ SEER2 system.
Is a heat pump cheaper than an AC and furnace?
Slightly, on installed cost: a heat pump replaces both, so you buy one outdoor unit and one air handler instead of a condenser plus a furnace. The bigger difference is utility and state rebates, which favor heat pumps; the federal 25C credit ended for installs after December 31, 2025.
Does the price include removing the old system?
Yes. Removal, refrigerant recovery and disposal are part of any legitimate installed price, along with the permit and startup. Line items the estimator shows separately are the ones contractors usually quote separately: duct work, electrical and hard access.
Why did I get quotes $5,000 apart for the same job?
Different equipment tiers and brands, different scope on ductwork and electrical, and different overhead. Compare the model numbers, the SEER2 and AFUE ratings, the warranty terms and exactly what is being replaced before comparing the totals.