These are fully installed prices including equipment, labor, and standard materials for 2025–2026:

• Central air conditioner (2–5 ton): $4,500–$9,500. A straight AC replacement where the furnace stays. Includes the condenser unit, evaporator coil, refrigerant lines, and labor.
• Gas furnace: $3,500–$8,000. Standard 80% efficiency units start lower; 96%+ high-efficiency models with variable-speed blowers hit the higher end.
• AC + furnace combo: $7,000–$15,000. The most common replacement — both units at once. Bundling typically saves $1,000–$2,000 versus replacing separately.
• Heat pump (ducted): $5,500–$12,000. Increasingly popular as efficiency improves. Qualifies for federal tax credits (up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act through 2032).
• Ductless mini-split: $3,000–$5,000 per zone. Great for additions, converted garages, or homes without ductwork. Multi-zone systems run $8,000–$20,000.
• Full system with ductwork: $12,000–$25,000+. If your home needs new or significantly modified ductwork, add $3,000–$10,000 to any of the above prices.

A legitimate HVAC quote should have all of these components — not just an equipment model and a total price:

• Manual J load calculation: This determines the right system size for your home. If a contractor just eyeballs it or bases sizing on your old system, they may install the wrong size. Oversized systems short-cycle and waste energy; undersized ones can't keep up.
• Equipment specifications: Exact model numbers, SEER2 ratings (for AC/heat pumps), and AFUE ratings (for furnaces). Don't accept "14 SEER equivalent" — get the actual rated numbers.
• Thermostat: Is a new thermostat included? Smart thermostats ($150–$300 value) are often thrown in on higher-end installs.
• Ductwork assessment: At minimum, the contractor should inspect accessible ductwork and note any needed repairs or sealing. Leaky ducts waste 20–30% of your heating and cooling.
• Permits and inspections: Most HVAC replacements require permits. The quote should specify who pulls the permit and whether inspection fees are included.
• Warranty details: Both manufacturer warranty (usually 5–10 years on parts) and contractor workmanship warranty (should be at least 1 year, ideally 2–5).

• No load calculation: The biggest red flag. Sizing HVAC equipment without a Manual J calculation is like prescribing glasses without an eye exam. It's industry standard and takes 30–60 minutes. Skip any contractor who won't do one.
• Extreme urgency pressure: "This price is only good today" or "your system could be dangerous" without evidence. Yes, HVAC failures are urgent, but a good contractor gives you at least 24–48 hours to decide.
• Bottom-shelf equipment at premium prices: Some contractors install builder-grade equipment and charge premium prices. Check the model numbers — a quick search tells you the equipment tier.
• No mention of refrigerant line replacement: If you're replacing an old R-22 system with a new R-410A or R-454B system, the refrigerant lines should be replaced. Reusing old lines can cause premature system failure.
• Cash-only or large upfront deposits: Standard HVAC financing is widely available. Contractors demanding cash or more than 25% down may be uninsured or unlicensed.

• Federal tax credits: Heat pumps qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits. High-efficiency furnaces and central AC qualify for smaller credits. Check energystar.gov for current details.
• Utility rebates: Many utilities offer $200–$1,000+ rebates for high-efficiency installations. Ask your contractor and check your utility's website.
• Off-season installation: If you can plan ahead, scheduling installation in spring or fall (HVAC's slow season) can save 10–20%.
• Bundle replacements: Replacing AC and furnace together is cheaper than doing them separately.
• Get 3+ quotes: HVAC pricing varies dramatically between contractors — we routinely see $3,000–$5,000 differences for identical equipment and scope.