ServiCover📌 Key Takeaway: Expect roughly $5,650-$9,800 for a full system with standard options and $10,770-$15,060 with premium features. High-efficiency, variable-speed systems can run $12,000-$18,000+, and total costs can reach $22,000 for complex installs.
Cost by Efficiency Tier
| Tier | Typical Full-System Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $5,000-$9,000 | Single-stage equipment at or near minimum efficiency |
| Mid-range | $7,500-$12,500 | Two-stage equipment, better comfort and efficiency |
| High-efficiency | $12,000-$18,000+ | Variable-speed, highest SEER2/AFUE, quietest operation |
Cost by System Type
| Equipment | Installed Range |
|---|---|
| Central AC only | $3,900-$7,900 |
| Gas furnace only | $3,800-$10,000 |
| Electric furnace | $1,700-$7,100 |
| Air-source heat pump | $4,500-$8,000 |
| Hybrid (dual-fuel) system | $2,500-$10,000+ depending on existing equipment |
| Ductless mini-split | $2,000-$14,500 (by number of zones) |
Add-Ons That Show Up on Quotes
- Labor — roughly $1,500 on a typical install, included in most bundled quotes.
- Ductwork — $1-$13 per linear foot; full new duct systems average around $3,500.
- Permits — $50-$500 depending on your municipality.
- Thermostat — $120-$260 for a new unit; smart thermostats sit at the top of that range.
- Electrical work — heat pumps and larger condensers sometimes need panel or circuit upgrades.
How to Save in 2026
- Utility rebates — many utilities offer rebates on high-efficiency heat pumps and AC.
- State programs — some states run home-electrification rebate programs; availability depends on where you live and your income.
- Off-season timing — spring and fall installs often come with better scheduling and pricing than peak summer or winter emergencies.
- Right-size the system — an oversized unit costs more and short-cycles; insist on a Manual J load calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace my AC and furnace at the same time?
Often, yes — matched systems are designed to work together, and a single install visit usually costs less than two separate ones. If one unit is fairly new, replacing only the failed unit can make sense.
Why do HVAC quotes vary so much?
Differences in brand, efficiency tier, whether ductwork or electrical changes are included, and the contractor's labor rates and warranty offering.