HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator

HVAC systems are sized in tons of cooling capacity (most homes need 2–5 tons). Efficiency level and ductwork condition drive the price. Enter your system size to see a planning range.

Typical cost (US average)$11,500 – $16,0003 tons (about 1,500–1,800 sq ft), mid-range finishes. Includes labor, permits, disposal, tax, and a 10% contingency.

Your project

Your citySets local labor rates, permit costs, and sales tax

Project size (tons (capacity))

tons (capacity)

Contingency cushion

Finish level

Scope included in estimateUncheck items you plan to keep or handle yourself

Outdoor Condenser & Indoor UnitMatched outdoor heat pump/AC and indoor furnace or air handler.

Refrigerant Line Set & FlushFlushing or running new insulated copper line set and testing nitrogen pressure.

New Electrical Disconnect & WhipOutdoor weatherproof disconnect box, surge protector, and flexible conduit whip.

Composite Pad & Float Safety SwitchVibration-dampening outdoor equipment pad, primary/secondary condensate drain with float kill switch.

Smart Thermostat & CommissioningWi-Fi smart thermostat (Ecobee or Honeywell), airflow balancing, and static pressure test.

Mechanical Permit & HERS RatingMunicipal mechanical permit and required municipal duct leakage test.

Often forgotten

What am I forgetting?

Ductwork leakage and undersized return air ($800 - $2,200): Attic duct leaks make a new 18 SEER unit perform like a 10 SEER unit ($800 - $2,200 for sealing).
Attic access ladder or ceiling enlargement ($350 - $750): If the modern high-efficiency unit is larger than the old attic hatchway ($350 - $750).

Quote checklist

Your contractor's quote should list

AHRI Certified Reference Number proving matched indoor and outdoor coil system
SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2 efficiency ratings documented
Load calculation performed (Manual J) to prevent oversizing
10-year parts and labor warranty terms
Refrigerant type (R-410A vs newer R-32 or R-454B low-GWP refrigerants)

HVAC replacement cost by system size

Home size	Size	Mid-range cost
Small home	2 tons (about 1,000–1,200 sq ft)	$7,900 – $11,000
Average home	3 tons (about 1,500–1,800 sq ft)	$11,500 – $16,000
Large home	5 tons (about 2,500–3,000 sq ft)	$19,000 – $25,500

National-average prices from our calculator with its default scope. Your quotes will vary with site conditions and exact products.

HVAC cost by efficiency level

Finish level	Per ton	3 tons (capacity) total
Standard 14 SEER2 Single StageStandard single-stage condenser and 80% AFUE gas furnace or basic electric air handler.	$3,060 – $4,200	$9,200 – $12,500
High Efficiency 16-17 SEER2 Two-StageQuiet two-stage compressor, variable-speed blower motor, high-efficiency filtration, qualifies for tax credits.	$3,840 – $5,270	$11,500 – $16,000
Ultra Inverter 18-22+ SEER2 VariableTrue modulating variable-speed inverter (Bosch, Mitsubishi, Carrier Infinity), whole-home dehumidification.	$5,620 – $7,710	$17,000 – $23,000

HVAC quote watchouts

Load calculation A proper Manual J calculation sizes the system. A contractor who just matches your old unit may oversize it.
Matched system The outdoor and indoor units should be a matched, rated pair to get the promised efficiency and warranty.
Ductwork Leaky or undersized ducts make a new system perform poorly. Ask for a duct inspection.

Questions

HVAC Replacement cost FAQ

How much does a new HVAC system cost in 2026?

Our calculator puts a new HVAC system (3 tons, mid-range finishes) at about $11,500 – $16,000 at national-average prices. Size, finish level, and local labor rates move the total, so enter your own numbers above for an itemized range.

What does a new HVAC system cost per ton?

Installed cost runs from about $3,060 per ton (Standard 14 SEER2 Single Stage) up to about $7,710 per ton (Ultra Inverter 18-22+ SEER2 Variable), including labor, permits, disposal, tax, and a 10% contingency.

What size HVAC system do I need?

A rough rule is one ton per 500–600 sq ft, but climate, insulation, and windows change it a lot. Ask installers for a Manual J load calculation.

Should I replace my AC and furnace at the same time?

If both are over 12–15 years old, replacing them together usually costs less than two separate jobs and ensures a matched, efficient system.