Key takeaways
- National range: $7,000–$12,000 for a combined AC and furnace replacement.
- Cheapest states: Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama. Most expensive: Hawaii, California and Alaska.
- Biggest price driver: System size (tonnage) — larger homes need bigger, pricier equipment.
- Best way to save: Get at least three quotes that list equipment model numbers, not just brand names.
How much does HVAC repair and replacement cost in 2026?
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AC + furnace replacement | $7,000–$12,000 | Average-size home, standard efficiency |
| Central AC replacement | $2,500–$9,000 | Higher-SEER2 units cost more up front |
| Furnace replacement | $2,000–$6,900 | 90%+ AFUE models run $3,300–$6,900 |
| Heat pump system | $5,000–$18,000+ | High-efficiency and multi-zone at the top end |
| Average AC repair | $250–$700 | National average about $375 |
| Capacitor replacement | $100–$400 | One of the most common summer repairs |
| Refrigerant leak repair | $200–$1,500 | Recharge alone $100–$600 after the leak is fixed |
| Compressor replacement | $600–$3,000 | Often triggers a replace-the-system decision |
| Evaporator coil replacement | $400–$2,700 | Coil leaks are common on older systems |
| Blower motor replacement | $300–$2,000 | Variable-speed motors cost more |
| Thermostat replacement | $150–$500 | Smart thermostats at the higher end |
HVAC Replacement Cost questions, answered
- What is the cost of AC + furnace replacement? The typical cost of AC + furnace replacement is $7,000–$12,000. Average-size home, standard efficiency.
- What is the cost of central AC replacement? The typical cost of central AC replacement is $2,500–$9,000. Higher-SEER2 units cost more up front.
- What is the cost of furnace replacement? The typical cost of furnace replacement is $2,000–$6,900. 90%+ AFUE models run $3,300–$6,900.
- What is the cost of heat pump system? The typical cost of heat pump system is $5,000–$18,000+. High-efficiency and multi-zone at the top end.
- What is the cost of average AC repair? The typical cost of average AC repair is $250–$700. National average about $375.
- What is the cost of capacitor replacement? The typical cost of capacitor replacement is $100–$400. One of the most common summer repairs.
- What is the cost of refrigerant leak repair? The typical cost of refrigerant leak repair is $200–$1,500. Recharge alone $100–$600 after the leak is fixed.
- What is the cost of compressor replacement? The typical cost of compressor replacement is $600–$3,000. Often triggers a replace-the-system decision.
- What is the cost of evaporator coil replacement? The typical cost of evaporator coil replacement is $400–$2,700. Coil leaks are common on older systems.
- What is the cost of blower motor replacement? The typical cost of blower motor replacement is $300–$2,000. Variable-speed motors cost more.
- What is the cost of thermostat replacement? The typical cost of thermostat replacement is $150–$500. Smart thermostats at the higher end.
What changes the price
- System size (tonnage) — larger homes need bigger, pricier equipment.
- Efficiency rating — higher SEER2 (cooling) and AFUE (heating) cost more but lower monthly bills.
- Ductwork condition — leaky or undersized ducts add cost and should be fixed during replacement.
- Refrigerant type — new systems use newer low-GWP refrigerants; older R-22 systems are expensive to service.
- Access and code upgrades — attic installs, electrical work, permits and line-set replacement add to the bill.
- Season — emergency calls in peak summer or winter cost more than spring or fall scheduling.
How to save without cutting corners
- Get at least three quotes that list equipment model numbers, not just brand names.
- Schedule replacement in spring or fall when contractors are less busy.
- Ask your utility about rebates for high-efficiency equipment.
- Ask for a load calculation (Manual J) so you don't pay for an oversized system.
- Keep up yearly maintenance to avoid emergency repair premiums.
HVAC Replacement Cost by state
Labor and material prices vary by region. These estimates apply each state's approximate cost index to the national range.
| State | Estimated range | vs. U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $6,000–$10,300 | 14% below |
| Alaska | $8,500–$14,600 | 22% above |
| Arizona | $6,500–$11,200 | 7% below |
| Arkansas | $6,000–$10,200 | 15% below |
| California | $8,500–$14,600 | 22% above |
| Colorado | $7,000–$12,000 | about average |
| Connecticut | $7,800–$13,400 | 12% above |
| Delaware | $7,300–$12,500 | 4% above |
| District of Columbia | $7,700–$13,200 | 10% above |
| Florida | $6,400–$11,000 | 8% below |
| Georgia | $6,200–$10,700 | 11% below |
| Hawaii | $9,100–$15,600 | 30% above |
| Idaho | $6,400–$11,000 | 8% below |
| Illinois | $7,700–$13,200 | 10% above |
| Indiana | $6,600–$11,300 | 6% below |
| Iowa | $6,500–$11,200 | 7% below |
| Kansas | $6,300–$10,800 | 10% below |
| Kentucky | $6,300–$10,800 | 10% below |
| Louisiana | $6,100–$10,400 | 13% below |
| Maine | $6,700–$11,400 | 5% below |
| Maryland | $7,000–$12,000 | about average |
| Massachusetts | $8,300–$14,200 | 18% above |
| Michigan | $6,900–$11,800 | 2% below |
| Minnesota | $7,400–$12,700 | 6% above |
| Mississippi | $6,000–$10,200 | 15% below |
| Missouri | $6,800–$11,600 | 3% below |
| Montana | $6,500–$11,200 | 7% below |
| Nebraska | $6,300–$10,800 | 10% below |
| Nevada | $7,200–$12,400 | 3% above |
| New Hampshire | $7,000–$12,000 | about average |
| New Jersey | $8,200–$14,000 | 17% above |
| New Mexico | $6,200–$10,700 | 11% below |
| New York | $8,400–$14,400 | 20% above |
| North Carolina | $6,100–$10,400 | 13% below |
| North Dakota | $6,400–$11,000 | 8% below |
| Ohio | $6,700–$11,400 | 5% below |
| Oklahoma | $6,100–$10,400 | 13% below |
| Oregon | $7,400–$12,600 | 5% above |
| Pennsylvania | $7,300–$12,500 | 4% above |
| Rhode Island | $7,700–$13,200 | 10% above |
| South Carolina | $6,100–$10,400 | 13% below |
| South Dakota | $6,200–$10,600 | 12% below |
| Tennessee | $6,200–$10,700 | 11% below |
| Texas | $6,200–$10,700 | 11% below |
| Utah | $6,500–$11,200 | 7% below |
| Vermont | $6,700–$11,500 | 4% below |
| Virginia | $6,600–$11,300 | 6% below |
| Washington | $7,600–$13,000 | 8% above |
| West Virginia | $6,500–$11,200 | 7% below |
| Wisconsin | $7,000–$12,000 | about average |
| Wyoming | $6,400–$10,900 | 9% below |
More hvac questions
How much does a new AC unit cost for a 2,000 sq ft house?
Most 2,000 sq ft homes need a 3–4 ton system. A central AC replacement alone typically runs $2,500–$9,000 nationally, and replacing both the AC and furnace costs about $7,000–$12,000.
Is it worth repairing a 15-year-old AC?
Usually not. Use the $5,000 rule: multiply the unit's age by the repair cost. If the result is over $5,000, replacing is usually the better value. A $400 repair on a 15-year-old unit scores $6,000.
How long does an HVAC system last?
Furnaces typically last 15–20 years, and central air conditioners and heat pumps 10–15 years. Long cooling seasons and skipped maintenance shorten those lives.
What size AC do I need for my house?
A rough rule is one ton of cooling per 500–600 square feet, but insulation, windows, climate and ductwork change that. Ask for a Manual J load calculation instead of a square-footage guess.
Should I replace my AC and furnace at the same time?
Often yes when both are over 12–15 years old. A matched system runs more efficiently, and you pay for one installation visit and one permit instead of two.
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
The usual causes are a clogged filter, a frozen evaporator coil, a tripped outdoor unit, a failed capacitor or low refrigerant from a leak. Replace the filter and check the breaker first; if that doesn't fix it, call a technician.
How much does an AC tune-up cost?
A tune-up typically costs about $75–$200 per visit. Many companies offer maintenance plans that bundle a spring AC and fall furnace check.
Are there rebates for a new heat pump?
Federal energy tax credits changed in 2025, so check current IRS guidance. Utilities and some states still offer rebates for high-efficiency heat pumps, so ask installers which programs apply.
Timeline, permits and DIY
How long it takes
Most AC or furnace swaps take one day. A full system with new ductwork takes 2–5 days.
Permits
Replacing an AC, heat pump or furnace usually needs a mechanical permit, and the installer normally pulls it.
DIY or hire a pro?
Filters, clearing debris from the outdoor unit and flushing the condensate line are safe DIY jobs. Refrigerant, gas and electrical work need a licensed technician.
Questions to ask contractors
Ask every bidder the same questions so you can compare quotes apples to apples.
- Will you do a Manual J load calculation instead of sizing by square footage?
- What SEER2, HSPF2 or AFUE rating is quoted, and does it qualify for rebates or tax credits?
- Are the permit, haul-away and thermostat included?
- What is the labor warranty, separate from the parts warranty?
Maintenance that prevents costly repairs
- Replace filters every 1–3 months
- Book a tune-up before each cooling and heating season
- Keep 2 feet of clearance around the outdoor unit
HVAC Replacement Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to replace an HVAC system?
Most homeowners pay $7,000–$12,000 to replace a central AC and furnace together. An AC alone is about $2,500–$9,000 and a furnace about $2,000–$6,900. Heat pump systems run roughly $5,000–$18,000+.
How much is an AC service call?
Most companies charge a diagnostic or trip fee starting around $75, often more after hours. Many apply it to the repair if you go ahead with the work.
Is it cheaper to replace the AC and furnace at the same time?
Usually yes. You pay for one installation visit, and matched indoor and outdoor equipment runs more efficiently and keeps warranties simple.
Why do HVAC quotes vary so much?
Quotes differ on equipment brand and efficiency, system size, ductwork changes, warranty length and labor rates. Compare quotes line by line using model numbers.
HVAC Replacement Cost in popular cities
Sources: PickHVAC — Furnace & AC replacement cost · Fixr — AC repair cost (2026). Ranges are rounded estimates; see our editorial policy.