How much does it cost to replace an HVAC system?

Most homes pay $5,000 to $22,000, about $7,500 on average (Angi, 2026 data). Replacing a central AC and furnace together in an average 2,000 sq ft home typically costs $7,000 to $20,000 (CBS News, May 27, 2026).

How much does a new central air conditioner cost?

About $3,900 to $7,900 installed, if your ducts and furnace stay. The price rises with size (tons) and efficiency rating, and with any electrical work the new unit needs.

Is a heat pump cheaper than an AC and furnace?

A heat pump alone runs about $4,200 to $7,600 installed, against $7,000 to $20,000 for an AC and furnace replaced together, because one outdoor unit does both heating and cooling. In very cold climates you may need a cold-climate model or a backup heat source, which costs more.

How much does ductwork cost?

New or replacement ducts cost about $1 to $13 per linear foot, and an average ductwork job about $3,500 (Angi). A 1,000 sq ft system averages $1,000 to $2,700.

How long does an HVAC system last?

Central air conditioners and heat pumps commonly last 10 to 15 years and gas furnaces 15 to 20 or more with regular maintenance. If a system near that age needs a major repair, compare the repair quote with the cost of replacing it.

Cost guide

How Much Does HVAC Replacement Cost in 2026?

Replacing a home HVAC system costs $5,000 to $22,000 in 2026, and about $7,500 on average (Angi, 2026 data). A central air conditioner alone runs $3,900 to $7,900 installed, a heat pump $4,200 to $7,600 and a gas furnace $3,800 to $10,000. Replacing the air conditioner and furnace together in an average 2,000 sq ft home typically costs $7,000 to $20,000 (CBS News, May 27, 2026). New ductwork, if you need it, is extra. Use the quick estimate below, then compare at least three itemized quotes.

By HomeGPT Editorial TeamPublished 2026-11-06Updated 2026-11-063 min read

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HVAC replacement cost by system type

Installed prices for the equipment and labor, as national ranges.

System	Installed cost	Good to know
Central air conditioner	$3,900 - $7,900	Cooling only; pairs with an existing furnace and ducts.
Heat pump	$4,200 - $7,600	Heats and cools with one outdoor unit; cold-climate models cost more.
Gas furnace	$3,800 - $10,000	Needs a gas line and venting; price rises with efficiency rating.
Electric furnace	$1,700 - $7,100	Cheaper to install, usually costlier to run.
Ductless mini-split	$2,000 - $14,500	From one room to several indoor heads; no ducts needed.
AC and furnace together	$7,000 - $20,000	Typical for an average 2,000 sq ft home (CBS News).

Sources: Angi (2026 data) and CBS News (May 27, 2026). The national average for a replacement is about $7,500.

Quick estimate

Uses this guide's 2026 price ranges. For exact quantities from your measurements, use the Home project calculators.

Systems to replace

Material

$7,000 – $20,000AC and furnace together: 1 systems at $7,000–$20,000 per system installed. Equipment and installation (Angi 2026 data; CBS News, May 27, 2026). New ductwork averages $3,500 extra.

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Editorial scope and methodology

Scope: US national installed-price ranges for replacing residential heating and cooling equipment. Home size, climate, efficiency rating, brand and ductwork condition change a real quote.

Method: Ranges are quoted from Angi’s HVAC replacement cost guide (marked 2026 data; the page shows no update date) and CBS News (updated 27 May 2026), both read 6 November 2026, rounded as published. The quick estimate multiplies the per-system range by the number of systems.

Sources checked

Ductwork costs

Item	Typical cost
New or replacement ductwork	$1 - $13 per linear foot
Average ductwork job	$3,500
Ducts for a 1,000 sq ft system	$1,000 - $2,700

Source: Angi (2026 data).

What changes the price

Size comes first. Equipment is sized in tons of cooling and BTUs of heating, and a contractor should size it with a load calculation (Manual J) for your house rather than copying the old unit, which may have been oversized.

Efficiency is the next lever. Higher SEER2 cooling ratings and higher AFUE furnace ratings cost more up front and less to run, and some qualifying heat pumps and furnaces may be eligible for tax credits or utility rebates in your area; check what applies before you sign.

Finally, the house itself: replacing both the indoor and outdoor units at once, moving equipment, adding ducts, upgrading the electrical panel for a heat pump, or a hard-to-reach attic install all add labor.

How to compare HVAC quotes

Same size and rating
Make sure every quote is for the same tonnage and efficiency rating, or the prices are not comparable.
A load calculation
Ask whether the size comes from a Manual J calculation for your house.
What is included
Thermostat, line set, pad, permits, haul-away and any duct sealing should be listed.
Warranty terms
Note the parts warranty, the labor warranty and whether registration is required.

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