Before installing an air conditioning unit or HVAC system in your home, it’s essential to research the installation costs and the cost of the actual companies — which can vary by type, manufacturer and retailer.
AC and HVAC installation costs can also vary depending on what you need to get done in your home. For example, here’s a look at the national average prices of standard AC and HVAC installation services.
Most homeowners who are looking at replacing an HVAC system will be able to check what their old heating and cooling unit types were to decide as to which HVAC unit works best for their home. However, there are many combinations of heating units and cooling units that you can choose from depending on your local climate and home size needs. We have broken out below the average costs to install each different type of HVAC unit to give you an idea on pricing:
HVAC installation costs $6,820 to $12,350 on average which includes new ductwork, a new central air conditioner, and a new gas furnace. Replacing an HVAC system without ductwork costs between $4,820 and $9,350 depending on the size of your home, and the brand and grade of equipment chosen. Get free estimates from HVAC contractors near you or check our out cost guide below.
The average cost to replace an HVAC system is $4,820 to $9,350, which includes the combination of a new central air conditioner unit and a new gas furnace. Installation of a new HVAC system with ductwork costs between $6,820 and $12,350 in total.
Pricing depends on the size of your house, the brand and efficiency rating of your new HVAC unit, the length of your ductwork, and labour expenses. Ductwork alone costs $2,000 to $3,000 to install, and upgrades like a humidifier, zoning system, or air cleaner will increase the price by $2,000 to $4,000 more.
These prices might sound like a lot, but they do include the cost of installation as well as the units themselves. And when you think about how regularly you’ll use your HVAC system, the price seems more reasonable.
There are a lot of other factors that can affect how much your HVAC repair will cost. Let’s take a look at some of them.Our exclusive range of HVAC Services Melbourne will help you in many services, including Installation, or Maintenance, or Service & Repair.
HVAC Installation Costs
The HVAC installation costs in the chart below are based on a single residential unit, whereas two units will be about double the price. Labour costs typically make up 40% to 50% of the value of the unit(s) which are included in this pricing.
When shopping for HVAC equipment, you’ll come across a variety of air conditioning types at different price levels. Whole-house ACs, packaged units, split systems, heat pumps and central air conditioners found at home improvement stores can vary in cost based on the manufacturer (i.e. MRCOOL, Winchester, Goodman, Royalton and more), unit size, SEER rating and other factors.
There are three types of HVAC installation packages: the change-out, which includes a new air conditioner installation and a new heating system, the full structure which includes all the HVAC equipment and ductwork, and the full install that includes additional features such as a zoning system.
Change-Out HVAC Installation Cost
Cost: $4,820 – $9,350
Job Time: 1 Day
Replacing your HVAC system costs between $4,820 and $9,350 and takes about a day to complete. A change-out is simply replacing out the main components of your HVAC system without any new ductwork. You should only get a change-out if your ductwork is in excellent condition.
Keep in mind, over 80% of HVAC installation jobs will require new ductwork. HVAC contractors will try and push change-outs because installing ductwork is the most time-consuming and challenging part of the job.
Cost to Install HVAC System with Ductwork
Cost: $6,820 – $12,350
Job Time: 3 – 5 Days
The cost to install an HVAC system with ductwork ranges from $6,820 – $12,350. Ductwork installation adds 2 to 4 days of labour and $2,000 to $3,000 to the total cost of your new system. If it’s time to replace your HVAC system, you should get ductwork replaced at the same time.
If the ductwork has been there as long as the system that just wore out, it’s a good bet the ductwork is in poor condition. New ductwork has no leaks, nor has it accumulated dust and allergens. New ductwork goes a long way toward lowering your energy bills.
Like other installations, putting in ductwork varies based on the installer and the location. Customers have paid about $3,400, on average, to install ducts and vents when getting central air conditioning services.
HVAC Installation Cost with Add-Ons
Cost: $13,000 – $17,000
Job Time: 4 – 7 Days
A new HVAC installation with additional features can cost from $13,000 to $17,000 and take 4 to 7 days to complete. Installing a zoning system can add $2,300 to $3,500 to your HVAC system installation. Additional upgrades include a variable speed fan, a whole-house humidifier, or UV lighting.
HVAC Unit Costs
A new HVAC unit costs about $1,900 without installation for a 1,000-square-foot home and up to $5,600 for a 3,000-square-foot home. The cost of the HVAC unit will mostly depend on the size of your house and the brand and efficiency rating of the new unit.
HVAC installation usually brings the total cost to 40% to 50% more than the unit prices. An HVAC unit doesn’t have one standard rate because it can be powered in many different ways. Prices below are for the unit and installation costs.
HVAC Replacement Costs
HVAC replacement costs $4,820 to $9,350 on average, which includes a new AC unit and a new furnace. When adding new ductwork, expect to spend between $6,820 and $12,350 depending on your home’s size, the brand of the HVAC system, and the length of your ductwork.
If problems exist with only a single component, replacement prices for parts and labour can cost a lot less depending on which interest is not functioning correctly. Your HVAC system could be working correctly, but your ductwork may be damaged, causing airflow problems.
Replacing a combination heating system and cooling system could involve getting a new compressor, fan or circuit board. These are some of the most common parts that malfunction. A compressor can cost around $645. It powers your air conditioning system, so if it fails, the system will no longer function.
What Factors Affect HVAC Replacement
HVAC installation costs will change depending on a few factors that are specific to your home and location. Here are the main things that your air conditioning contractor will assess to give you a total price quote for your replacement HVAC system:
- Local climate conditions
- Current ductwork conditions
- Home age and construction
- HVAC unit features such as size, brand, and energy efficiency (SEER)
- Top air conditioner brands & associated installation costs
House Size
Instead of guessing at the correct size unit for your size house, contractors will use a Manual J calculation to get just the right size HVAC system. If it’s too large, it won’t run long enough to dehumidify your home, leaving it cold and clammy. If it’s too small, it will run all the time but never achieve the cold climate you want. The newest Energy Star guidelines say that HVAC systems can’t be any more than 15% larger than the square footage calls for.
HVAC Installation Cost Factors
Additional cost factors that could affect your final installation cost include:
- The size and scope of the construction
- The brand and grade selected for each component
- The type of each component chosen—for example, natural gas vs. oil vs. geothermal for heating.
- The complexity of the installation—it’s harder for technicians to work in an attic or a crawlspace.
- Whether ductwork is required or not
- The length of the ductwork in your home (typically ranges from 30 to 90 feet)
- The quality of construction of your home, its age, the condition of the ductwork currently in place.
Keeping on top of your HVAC maintenance checklist will help you to get the most out of your system, but in some cases, getting a replacement is necessary.
Most AC units last for around ten years, but you could make this stretch for fifteen years with good maintenance. After fifteen years, you’ll need to replace your AC and your furnace as they will no longer run efficiently.
Often your HVAC system will let you know when something is wrong. Listening out for any changes in your current HVAC sounds can tell you if something is wrong with your system. Check out these other signs your HVAC system needs replacing for help understanding what’s happening in your home.
You may choose to upgrade your HVAC before this for a more energy-efficient model. This market is growing all the time, and manufacturers are making leaps and bounds in energy-efficient units. You could save money on gas bills in the long run by upgrading before your fifteen-years are up.
HVAC system costs can be high, so it’s essential to think about when you want to time yours. If you have some spare cash flow, it might be a good time to upgrade your system. Or you might want to plan it in advance so you can start saving up.
But just how much does an HVAC system cost?
Additional Features Will Cost Extra
There have been considerable advancements in the technology that you can get alongside your HVAC system. This is great, as it allows you to customize your units to suit your needs. This does come at an extra cost.Check out our range of air conditioner company to help with your problem.
For example, you might want to get a system featuring variable-speed technology. This allows the system’s blower motor and air-conditioning compressor to adjust automatically. This saves you a job and means that you are always comfortable.
But this continuous adjustment could also save you in energy bills. It means that if you’re out at work, your home’s heating or cooling will sort itself out, so you don’t waste energy for a second.
You might also consider investing in noise reduction technology for your system. This is relatively self-explanatory – it means you won’t be bothered by the noise of your system running. There are several different types of noise reduction tools that you can install alongside your unit, including:
- Noise dampening strips
- Noise-reducing blades for your system’s fans
- An insulating cabinet for your furnace
- Compressor insulation or mounts
- An expert will install these alongside your HVAC system. You could also get them installed at a later date, but you’ll often save money if you do it all at one time.
HVAC Permit Cost
The cost of permits to install your HVAC system runs from $250 to $400. Check with your city’s planning and zoning office to see if you are required to have a permit before work can begin. A contractor who tells you a permit is not necessary when it actually is, is placing you in jeopardy. The city might require you to remove any installed equipment at your own expense if it was installed without a permit.
Evaluating Price Quotes for HVAC Installation
There are quite a few factors to consider when determining what could affect the cost of a new HVAC system installation price quote. Some factors may cause your initial cost estimate to be higher or lower. It is advised to get at least four local price quotes from different qualified HVAC contractors. Let Modernize help connect you to reliable local contractors.
High Priced AC Installations:
HVAC installation and replacements can vary drastically in price. These disparities could be due to the type of HVAC unit—how quiet an air conditioning system is, for example. We encourage homeowners to research their desired HVAC system and make sure it is the best suited for their homes and needs.
HVAC units can also vary in total cost depending on hardware other than the major companies themselves. The increasingly popular smart thermostat is often paired with a new residential HVAC unit, which could cost as little as $30 or as much as $300.
High-end heating and cooling contractors will likely have more equipment and overhead, which may be seen in your price quote.
HVAC unit warranties will also impact your total installation costs. Most HVAC installers offer manufacturer’s warranties that protect you from faulty system equipment. Some might provide additional guarantees for the complete HVAC installation as well, covering potential damage to your roof (if applicable.)
Research and be aware of potential hidden HVAC costs— like needing permits and possible fines for your installation. Your heating and cooling quote should include a proper breakdown of how local or federal regulation applies to you and what your HVAC contractor will or will not do in that regard.
For example, if your installed HVAC unit’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating is lower than 13, the Department of Energy might flag your HVAC contractor for selling it.
An HVAC system having an average SEER rating of 16 could mean saving upward of $400 annually in comparison to other lower efficiency options. Expect an analysis of what your bills should look like after your new HVAC installation, and how you should expect these heating and cooling energy costs to change in upcoming years.
Low Priced AC Installations:
If an HVAC contractor does not have proper insurance, they will often provide a lower bid. This may leave the homeowner responsible for HVAC labourer injuries or damages that occur. We recommend that homeowners always select a licensed HVAC contractor for their heating and cooling replacement projects.
Suppose a contractor doesn’t have a solid grasp of local policies or applicable local, regional, and federal incentives—like the ones found at the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency. In that case, they may leave that to you and subsequently lower their fees since they have less paperwork to worry about. While a contractor may charge you for help navigating the bureaucracy of air conditioning regulation, a right contractor will assure your energy compliance in your area and maximize your return on investment utilizing expertise you may lack.
Extremely low bidders may also be desperate for a new HVAC job leads, which is never a reassuring sign. Be sure to always vet your HVAC contractor before hiring for the job.
The Bottom Line
There’s no shortcut to finding the average cost of a furnace and air conditioner replacement. This price will vary from home to home, but one thing is for sure, they don’t come cheap!Wide range of air-conditioning service at Outline Air in Melbourne, Australia.
Nevertheless, think of your HVAC replacement as an investment. Going for a high-quality unit and using a reputable company to install it means you’ll have a system that will last for years to come.
Before you start Googling ‘HVAC repair near me’, check out our top tips on picking the best technician for the job. Or get in touch today to speak to an expert about your home’s heating.