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HVAC Cost Calculator

Estimate heating and cooling installation, replacement, and repair costs based on service type, home size, system type, and location.

Installation, replacement, or repair

sq ft

Total living area square footage

Type of heating/cooling system

Location affects labor and permit costs

Enter your home details, then click Estimate to see costs.

How HVAC Costs Are Estimated

What Affects HVAC Costs?

HVAC installation and repair costs depend on the service type, your home size, system type, and location. A simple repair might cost $150–$1,500, while a full system replacement can range from $5,000–$15,000+.

Cost Components

HVAC costs break down into three categories:

  • Equipment: The AC unit, furnace, heat pump, or other hardware (35–55% of total)
  • Labor: Installation, ductwork modification, electrical/gas connections (35–50% of total)
  • Permits & Inspection: Building permits and required inspections (5–10% of total)

Home Size Impact

Larger homes need larger HVAC systems, which cost more for both equipment and installation. This calculator uses your home’s square footage to scale estimates. A 1,200 sq ft home might need a 2-ton system, while a 3,000 sq ft home could need 5 tons.

System Type Differences

  • Central / Forced Air: Most common, moderate cost, requires ductwork
  • Ductless Mini-Split: Lower cost per zone, no ductwork needed, great for additions
  • Heat Pump: Higher upfront cost, lower operating costs, heats and cools
  • Geothermal: Highest upfront cost (2x+ others), lowest operating costs, 30% tax credit available

Regional Pricing

Labor rates and permit costs vary significantly by state. High-cost regions like the Northeast and West Coast can be 30–50% more expensive than the South and Midwest.

Frequently asked questions

A complete HVAC system (AC + furnace) typically costs $5,000–$15,000 installed. Central AC alone runs $3,500–$7,500. Furnaces cost $2,500–$6,500. Heat pumps range from $4,000–$10,000. Geothermal systems are the most expensive at $10,000–$30,000 but have the lowest operating costs.

Central AC units last 15–20 years, furnaces 15–25 years, heat pumps 10–15 years, and geothermal systems 20–25 years for the indoor components (ground loops can last 50+ years). Regular maintenance — annual tune-ups, filter changes, and duct cleaning — significantly extends system life.

The best time is spring or fall, when HVAC companies are less busy and may offer off-season discounts of 10–20%. Avoid replacing during peak summer or winter when demand drives up prices and wait times. Plan ahead if your system is 15+ years old rather than waiting for an emergency failure.

HVAC sizing is measured in tons (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr). A general rule: 1 ton per 500–600 sq ft of living space in moderate climates, or 1 ton per 400–500 sq ft in hot climates. However, a proper Manual J load calculation by an HVAC professional is the most accurate way to size your system.

Heat pumps cost 15–30% more upfront than traditional AC + furnace combos, but they can reduce heating costs by 30–50% since they move heat rather than generate it. They’re most cost-effective in moderate climates. In very cold climates (below 25°F regularly), a dual-fuel system (heat pump + gas furnace backup) may be the best option.

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