Quick answer: A complete HVAC installation often costs about $5,000 to $12,500 for a typical furnace-and-central-air system, while broader replacement projects can range from about $5,000 to $22,000. New ductwork can add roughly $2,000 to $7,500.
HVAC Installation Cost at a Glance
| Project | Typical 2026 planning range |
|---|---|
| Combined furnace + central AC replacement | $5,000–$12,500 |
| Broader HVAC replacement range | $5,000–$22,000 |
| Central AC replacement | $3,887–$8,073 |
| Heat pump installation | $4,237–$7,943 |
| Ductless HVAC installation | $4,350–$12,250 |
| New furnace installation | $2,823–$6,896 |
| New ductwork | $2,000–$7,500 |
These are national planning ranges, not quotes for a specific home. Your price depends on system type, capacity, efficiency, duct condition, electrical work, permits, access, and local labor rates.
If you are replacing an existing system, see our HVAC replacement cost guide. For cooling-only projects, see air conditioner replacement cost.
What Is Included in HVAC Installation?
HVAC installation can include much more than setting new equipment in place. A complete scope may include removing old equipment, sizing the new system, connecting or modifying ducts, installing refrigerant lines, making electrical or gas connections, adding drains, installing controls, obtaining permits, starting the system, testing airflow, and disposing of old equipment.
- Heating and cooling equipment
- Labor and old-equipment removal
- Refrigerant piping and condensate drainage
- Electrical, gas, venting, and control work when needed
- Duct modifications or replacement
- Permits, inspections, startup, and testing
HVAC Installation Cost by System Type
Furnace and Central Air Conditioner
A combined furnace-and-air-conditioner replacement commonly costs about $5,000 to $12,500. Costs rise when the project requires duct changes, electrical work, venting changes, higher-efficiency equipment, zoning, or difficult access.
Heat Pump
Professional heat-pump installation commonly falls around $4,237 to $7,943, although larger or more complex projects can cost much more. Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, so they should be compared with the combined cost and function of a furnace-plus-AC system. See our heat pump replacement cost guide.
Ductless Mini-Split
Ductless HVAC installations commonly cost about $4,350 to $12,250. The number of indoor zones is a major cost driver, so a single-zone system may cost far less than a whole-home multi-zone installation.
Furnace Only
A new furnace installation commonly costs about $2,823 to $6,896. Fuel type, furnace capacity, efficiency, venting, gas or electrical work, and duct condition all affect the final price.
How Much Does New Ductwork Add?
New ductwork can add roughly $2,000 to $7,500. Home size, duct material, layout, access, and whether walls or ceilings must be opened all matter.
ACCA’s design process separates the major tasks: Manual J calculates heating and cooling loads, Manual S selects appropriate equipment, and Manual D addresses duct-system design. A high-efficiency unit connected to badly sized or poorly performing ducts can still deliver poor comfort and efficiency.
The Biggest HVAC Installation Cost Factors
| Cost factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| System type | Furnace/AC, heat pump, ductless, and other configurations use different equipment and labor. |
| Capacity | Larger loads usually require larger, more expensive equipment. |
| Efficiency | Higher-efficiency equipment often costs more upfront. |
| Ductwork | New, leaking, or poorly sized ducts can add thousands of dollars. |
| Electrical work | New circuits, breakers, disconnects, wiring, or panel upgrades increase cost. |
| Fuel and venting | Gas furnaces may require gas piping, venting, and condensate work. |
| Access | Attics, crawl spaces, rooftops, and tight mechanical rooms increase labor. |
| Permits and inspections | Requirements and fees vary by jurisdiction. |
Do Not Size HVAC Equipment by Square Footage Alone
Square footage is useful for early budgeting, but it is not enough to select equipment. ACCA Manual J is the ANSI-recognized residential method for calculating heating and cooling loads. It considers climate, insulation, air leakage, windows, orientation, and other building characteristics.
Manual S then uses those loads and manufacturer performance data to select equipment. Oversizing can cause short cycling, humidity problems, higher operating costs, and unnecessary wear. One of the most useful questions to ask a contractor is: “Can you show me the load calculation you used to choose this equipment?”
Replacement vs. Installing HVAC Where None Existed
A change-out is usually less expensive because the home may already have ducts, electrical service, refrigerant-line pathways, drains, equipment pads, gas service, and thermostat wiring. A first-time installation may need all of those items plus wall penetrations, platforms, structural work, and finish repairs.
When comparing published “average HVAC cost” figures, check whether the number describes a simple equipment replacement or a complete new installation.
A 2026 Refrigerant Rule Homeowners Should Understand
EPA’s current Technology Transitions rules generally limit newly manufactured or imported residential and light-commercial air-conditioning and heat-pump systems to refrigerants with a global-warming potential below 700. EPA’s May 2026 reconsideration also allows certain pre-2025 higher-GWP inventory to continue to be installed until that inventory is exhausted.
Existing R-410A systems do not suddenly become illegal. EPA says homeowners may continue maintaining and repairing existing systems, including replacing failed components with compatible R-410A components. If you are buying a complete system, ask which refrigerant it uses and whether it is current-production equipment or qualifying older inventory.
What Should an HVAC Installation Quote Include?
- Manufacturer, model numbers, capacity, and efficiency ratings
- The load calculation used to select system size
- Exactly what duct, electrical, gas, venting, drain, and control work is included
- Refrigerant type and line-set requirements
- Permit and inspection responsibility
- Old-equipment removal and disposal
- Manufacturer and labor warranties
- Total installed price plus exclusions
How to Compare HVAC Installation Quotes
Do not compare only the bottom-line numbers. A $9,500 quote that includes duct corrections, permits, electrical work, load calculations, startup testing, and a strong labor warranty may not be more expensive than an $8,000 quote that excludes those items.
- Confirm that each contractor is pricing comparable capacity and efficiency.
- Compare the included duct, electrical, fuel, venting, and control work.
- Confirm permit and inspection responsibility.
- Compare both manufacturer and labor warranties.
- Ask how the system was sized.
Repair or Install a New System?
If existing equipment is still serviceable, repair can be much less expensive than replacement. The decision depends on the failed component, system age, efficiency, refrigerant, warranty status, duct condition, and likely future repairs. See our HVAC repair cost guide and air conditioner repair cost guide.
HVAC Installation Cost: Bottom Line
For planning purposes, a conventional furnace-and-central-air installation often lands around $5,000 to $12,500, while broader HVAC replacement projects can reach roughly $5,000 to $22,000. New ductwork alone can add about $2,000 to $7,500.
The most useful number is not the national average. It is the cost of a correctly sized system for your home, installed with the ducts, electrical work, controls, venting, permits, and testing the property actually requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a full HVAC installation cost?
A typical combined furnace-and-central-air replacement commonly costs about $5,000 to $12,500. Broader projects can cost substantially more.
How much does ductwork add?
New ductwork commonly adds about $2,000 to $7,500, depending on home size, layout, access, and materials.
Is a heat pump cheaper than a furnace and AC?
Sometimes. Current 2026 heat-pump installation data commonly falls around $4,237 to $7,943, while combined furnace-and-AC replacement commonly falls around $5,000 to $12,500. The correct comparison depends on climate, ducts, electrical capacity, fuel availability, and project scope.
Does HVAC installation include new ductwork?
Not necessarily. A standard equipment change-out often reuses existing ducts. Ask the contractor to state clearly whether duct inspection, sealing, modification, or replacement is included.
Can an existing R-410A system still be repaired in 2026?
Yes. EPA says homeowners can continue maintaining and repairing existing R-410A systems, including replacing failed components with compatible components.
More RefitZen Cost Guides
Related guides: HVAC Replacement Cost, Air Conditioner Replacement Cost, Heat Pump Replacement Cost, Furnace Replacement Cost, and Air Conditioner Installation Cost. Browse the full RefitZen Costs library.
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