How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace an HVAC System in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Installing or replacing an HVAC system costs around $7,500 on average, with most homeowners paying between $5,000 and $12,500 for both the unit and labor. Factors like your location, system size and quality, and installation complexity influence the total cost. Expect to pay $25 to $60 per square foot, depending on your home's size and needs. Regular maintenance and timely replacements improve your system's longevity and efficiency. Budgeting for this significant investment is crucial, and hiring a professional ensures proper installation and optimal performance.

Full HVAC Replacement Cost

If you're upgrading your central AC and furnace to more efficient models, expect to pay between $3,300 and $16,000 for the units, plus around $1,500 for labor. The total cost depends on your current system and the size of the new one. Replacing existing units usually costs less than installing a completely new system.

AC Replacement Cost

Replacing a central AC system costs between $3,900 and $7,900, depending on the unit's size and any necessary repairs to your existing system.

Furnace Replacement Cost

Furnace replacement costs range from $1,700 to $10,000, depending on the type. Electric furnaces cost $1,700–$7,100, while gas and oil furnaces cost $3,800–$10,000. You'll pay more for high-efficiency models or if your ductwork needs repair.

Heat Pump Replacement Cost

Heat pump installation costs between $4,200 and $7,600. These systems operate similarly to air conditioners but are larger and slightly more expensive.

Boiler Replacement Cost

Boiler replacement costs average between $3,700 and $8,300 and can reach up to $12,000 for high-efficiency models. The total depends on the BTUs and the system type.

HVAC Duct Replacement Cost

Replacing HVAC ducts costs between $1 and $13 per linear foot, averaging around $3,500 for a full replacement. If you only need to repair a section, expect to pay about $10 to $20 per linear foot.

New HVAC System Cost

A new HVAC system costs around $7,500 on average, with most prices between $5,000 and $12,500. You'll pay less for single units or those designed for smaller areas.

New HVAC Unit Cost

New HVAC unit prices range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the size and brand. An air conditioner costs $1,500 to $8,000, while a new furnace runs $1,000 to $4,000.

HVAC System Cost Per Square Foot

A new HVAC system costs $25 to $60 per square foot of coverage, including central air and a furnace. You'll pay less if you're installing only one component or buying a heat pump.

Most HVAC units measure output in BTUs. You'll need 20 to 60 BTUs per square foot, depending on the system and your location. For example, in Phoenix, you'll need more BTUs for cooling, while in Minneapolis, you'll need more for heating. A professional installer can help you choose the correct size for your space.

In the USA, BTUs measure both heating and cooling. Another important measure is the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), defined by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute. The SEER number shows how much energy and money your AC unit will use in a year.

Ductless Mini-Split HVAC Cost

The cost to install a ductless mini-split AC ranges from $2,000 to $14,500. The price depends on the system's size and how many air handlers you need. Most houses have 4 to 8 air handlers. It's ideal for buildings without ductwork or anyone who wants to set specific temperature zones.

This system relies on one exterior unit, typically an air conditioner or heat pump. It uses a thin conduit to cycle refrigerant to a series of air handlers located throughout the house. The heat exchange happens in each room, which means there's no ductwork.

High-Velocity HVAC System Cost

A high-velocity HVAC system costs $3,000 to $7,000. It circulates air through ductwork about 2 inches in diameter, making it ideal for retrofits or installation in tight spaces.

Geothermal

The price to install a geothermal heating or cooling system ranges from $3,700 to $17,000. This depends on the system's size and how complicated it is to place underground.

As an eco-friendly HVAC choice, this system uses a heat pump to move warmth inside or outside. With a range of 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, ground temperatures can be much cooler or warmer than the air outside. That makes a geothermal setup more effective and efficient than one that's air-source.

Attic Fans

Installing attic fans or vents costs $400 to $900. The price relates to the type of fan and its location.

Attic fans reduce the amount of heat that rises to the roof. They're ideal for homeowners who want to cut down on their air conditioning use in the summer. They also help to manage humidity and eliminate moisture above your ceiling.

Electric Baseboard Heaters

The cost to install an electric baseboard or wall heater ranges from $450 to $1,200. The total depends mostly on the number of units you need.

These are an affordable alternative to a whole-house heater if you don't want to install ducts and vents. They're also great for small apartments or condos if you need to warm one or two rooms.

Radiant Heating

Radiant floor heating costs $1,800 to $6,000, depending on the type of system and whether or not you have to remove existing flooring.

Although it's not a traditional HVAC method, radiant heating is great for regions with mild winters. It's ideal for chilly nights when you don't want to walk across cold floors in your kitchen or bathroom.

HVAC Installation Cost

Labor for installing an HVAC unit is around $1,500 on average. The total depends on the type and the state of your existing system. It usually costs more to retrofit central air or forced-air heating into a home than to replace a current one.

Cost to Install HVAC System with Ductwork

You'll pay between $8,500 and $19,200 for a new HVAC system of this size with ductwork. You'll pay more if you're getting a separate furnace and air conditioner.

Installing a new system may take several days compared to a few hours for replacement. Putting in new ducts and vents takes most of that time since it may require cutting into walls.

Adding HVAC to a House

Adding HVAC to a house costs between $8,500 and $19,200, including ductwork installation. For example, you'll pay less to add central air to a home that already has a furnace and ductwork.

If you don't have ducts, it may be worthwhile to consider a ductless mini-split or high-velocity HVAC system. These options cost more for replacement, but the total may run less than a new installation with ductwork.

Commercial HVAC Installation Cost

Commercial HVAC installation costs range from $7,000 to $30,000, depending on the system and size. The higher price relates mostly to a larger output needed for a bigger building.

Cost to Add Zones to HVAC

Adding zones to existing HVAC costs $2,000 to $3,000. If you want to install a new system, you can expect to pay $7,500 to $12,500.

Zoned systems use a special thermostat to check various parts of your house. Dampers in the ducting open and close, so the airflow goes directly to the rooms that need heating or cooling.

Cost Factors for Choosing or Installing an HVAC System

Several factors can add $2,000 or more to your HVAC installation cost. Consider these aspects as you plan your project.

Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient HVAC systems cost 10 to 20 percent more than standard models. You can find these products by looking for the Energy Star rating.

To earn an Energy Star rating, a product or system must meet certain efficiency standards. Manufacturers earn this designation through testing by an EPA-approved third party.

Rebates

Rebates can help you save up to $3,000 on the purchase and installation of a new HVAC system. Your options depend on the year and the type of system.

Rebates usually save the most on larger, expensive systems like a geothermal heat pump because they can decrease your energy consumption by 50 to 75 percent.

Keep in mind that rebates and tax credits may expire yearly. You'll usually need a dated receipt to qualify. Be sure to confirm that it's still available before you buy.

SEER Rating

Units with a high SEER rating may cost $1,000 to $2,000 more than average. Comparing ratings helps you choose an air conditioner or heat pump that meets your needs.

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) tells you how much energy the unit uses in relation to cooling load. Since this also depends on your home and where you live, it isn't an exact prediction of system efficiency.

Unit Size

The size of the unit is the biggest determiner of price. For example, a 1.5-ton AC costs $2,000, a 2.5-ton AC costs $2,900, a 3-ton AC costs $3,000, and a 3.5-ton AC costs $3,500.

For HVAC, size doesn't usually refer to actual dimensions. It means output or capacity, typically set by tons or BTUs.

Bigger isn't necessarily better, and smaller isn't always more efficient. If your system is too small, it will run constantly to keep up with the temperature. Units that are too large won't run long enough to control the humidity.

Roof-Mounted

Roof-mounted HVAC costs up to $1,000 more for labor. These systems are harder to install because pros must find a spot that will support the weight. They also have to use more equipment to lift the unit.

Roof-mounted systems offer heating and cooling in one unit. They can be a great choice for properties with limited ground space. Some municipalities require owners to construct a parapet wall to shield the HVAC system from public viewing—ask your HVAC pro if installing a roof-mounted system.

Insulation

Insulation costs average $1,500. Proper insulation can decrease your heating and cooling costs by 10 to 15 percent.

Insulation isn't usually a part of your HVAC system installation. You may want to consider it if:

• You live in an older house.

• Your attic is stiflingly hot in summer.

• You have cold or drafty rooms in winter.

Thermostat

Installing a thermostat costs $120 to $260, depending on the type. Most HVAC technicians will include one with the purchase of a new AC, furnace, or heat pump. Plan to pay up to $100 extra for smart models or those that connect to your Wi-Fi.

Programmable thermostats are more efficient than manual thermostats. You create settings to adjust the temperature automatically at certain times.

Additional Considerations

Consider these additional cost factors:

• Multi-Stage Operation: Boosts energy efficiency by adjusting the system's speed.

• Filtration Systems: More effectively removes dust and allergens for better air quality.

• Humidity Control: Regulates moisture levels in very dry or humid climates to enhance comfort.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.