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HVAC / AC Replacement Cost Calculator

See what a new central AC, heat pump, or AC + furnace system should cost installed in your home.

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A new HVAC system is a $5,000 – $15,000 decision. Use this calculator to size your equipment correctly and walk into contractor quotes with a defensible number — so nobody can pad the bill.

HVAC replacement cost

Estimated total
$3,400 – $6,300
Suggested capacity: ~3 tons (36,000 BTU/hr)
  • Equipment$2,200 – $3,800
  • Installation labor$1,200 – $2,500

Always insist on a Manual J load calculation — sq-ft sizing is only a rough check. Federal heat-pump rebates may reduce cost significantly.

Frequently asked

How is HVAC sized?

Roughly 20 BTU per square foot of conditioned space, then converted to "tons" (12,000 BTU = 1 ton). A 1,800 sq ft home typically needs a 3-ton system. Always insist on a Manual J load calculation for the actual install.

Is a heat pump cheaper than AC + furnace?

Equipment costs more, but a heat pump replaces both heating and cooling in one unit. With current federal rebates (Inflation Reduction Act), net cost is often lower than a separate AC + furnace.

What does SEER2 mean?

SEER2 is the new (2023+) cooling efficiency rating. Higher = more efficient. Standard is 14–15, premium variable-speed systems hit 19+.