HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator
Estimate HVAC replacement cost by system size in tons. Compare central AC, AC with furnace and heat pumps, with a low, typical and high installed price.
Estimated total
- Low
- $4,000
- Typical
- $5,950
- High
- $8,600
$1,983 per ton all-in (range $1,333–$2,867)
Where the money goes (typical)
- Materials
- $3,135 (53%)
- Labor
- $2,565 (43%)
- Permits & fees
- $250 (4%)
Line items (typical)
| Central AC only (standard efficiency) | $5,700 |
| Mechanical permit | $250 |
Replaces the outdoor condenser and indoor coil; keeps your furnace.
General U.S. estimates for installed cost, not quotes. We compared them with Angi's and HomeGuide's 2026 AC and HVAC replacement ranges (about $4,000 to $8,000 for central AC and $5,000 to $11,000 or more for a full system). Prices reviewed November 2026. Get at least three local quotes before you commit.
HVAC systems are sized in tons of cooling capacity, and equipment price scales with size. A contractor's quote covers the equipment, refrigerant line work, electrical connections, removal of the old system and labor. Efficiency rating, brand and how hard the job is to reach all move the price.
Enter your system size, choose the type of system and add ductwork or a thermostat if needed. The estimator gives a low, typical and high installed cost with the labor and equipment split.
How the HVAC replacement cost estimate works
- Enter the system size in tons.
- Multiply it by the installed price per ton for the material you chose.
- Adjust for installation and your local cost level.
- Add the extras you ticked, such as removal, and any permit fee.
- Show the result as a low, typical and high total, split into materials, labor and fees.
Your current size is on the outdoor unit's model number: the digits 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48 or 60 mean 1.5 to 5 tons (thousands of BTU ÷ 12). As a rough guide, homes need about 1 ton per 500 to 600 sq ft, but a Manual J load calculation is the right way to size a new system.
HVAC Replacement Cost by material
| Material | Installed per ton | Labor share | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central AC only (standard efficiency) | $1,300–$2,700 | 45% | Replaces the outdoor condenser and indoor coil; keeps your furnace. |
| AC plus gas furnace | $2,200–$4,600 | 45% | Full split-system replacement for homes with natural gas. |
| Heat pump (standard) | $2,300–$5,000 | 45% | Heats and cools with electricity. Often qualifies for rebates. |
| High-efficiency variable-speed heat pump | $3,500–$7,000 | 40% | Quieter, more even comfort and cold-climate performance. |
HVAC Replacement Cost by size
Typical total with the low–high range below it. Assumes straight swap in the same location; average u.s.; mechanical permit.
| System size | Central AC only (standard efficiency) | AC plus gas furnace | Heat pump (standard) | High-efficiency variable-speed heat pump |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 tons | $3,100$2,050–$4,550 | $5,200$3,400–$7,400 | $5,500$3,550–$8,000 | $7,750$5,350–$11,000 |
| 2 tons | $4,050$2,700–$5,900 | $6,850$4,500–$9,700 | $7,250$4,700–$10,500 | $10,250$7,100–$14,500 |
| 2.5 tons | $5,000$3,350–$7,250 | $8,500$5,600–$12,000 | $9,000$5,850–$13,000 | $12,750$8,850–$18,000 |
| 3 tons | $5,950$4,000–$8,600 | $10,150$6,700–$14,300 | $10,750$7,000–$15,500 | $15,250$10,600–$21,500 |
| 4 tons | $7,850$5,300–$11,300 | $13,450$8,900–$18,900 | $14,250$9,300–$20,500 | $20,250$14,100–$28,500 |
| 5 tons | $9,750$6,600–$14,000 | $16,750$11,100–$23,500 | $17,750$11,600–$25,500 | $25,250$17,600–$35,500 |
What affects HVAC replacement cost
- System type. Replacing only the AC is cheapest. A full AC and furnace swap or a heat pump costs more, and high-efficiency variable-speed equipment costs the most.
- Size. Bigger systems cost more, but not proportionally: labor and accessories are similar for a 2 ton and a 4 ton job.
- Ductwork. Leaky or undersized ducts may need sealing, modification or full replacement, which can add thousands.
- Access and location. Equipment in tight attics or crawl spaces takes longer to remove and install. Moving equipment needs new line sets and wiring.
- Rebates and credits. Utility rebates and state programs can cut the cost of high-efficiency heat pumps substantially. Check before choosing equipment.
Frequently asked questions
How much does HVAC replacement cost?
For a typical 3 ton system, replacing just the AC usually costs $4,000 to $8,600, a full AC and gas furnace replacement $6,700 to $14,300, and a standard heat pump $7,000 to $15,500, including a permit.
How much does HVAC cost per ton?
Installed cost runs roughly $1,300 to $2,700 per ton for central AC alone and $2,200 to $5,000 per ton for a full system or heat pump. High-efficiency heat pumps can reach $7,000 per ton.
What size HVAC system do I need?
A rough rule is 1 ton per 500 to 600 square feet, so a 1,800 square foot home often needs 3 to 3.5 tons. Climate, insulation and windows matter, so ask for a Manual J load calculation.
Should I replace the AC and furnace at the same time?
If both are over 15 years old, replacing them together usually saves on labor and ensures the indoor and outdoor equipment are matched for rated efficiency.
About these figures
General U.S. estimates for installed cost, not quotes. We compared them with Angi's and HomeGuide's 2026 AC and HVAC replacement ranges (about $4,000 to $8,000 for central AC and $5,000 to $11,000 or more for a full system). Last reviewed November 2026. Your price depends on your home, your region and the contractor, so treat this as a budget range and compare it with written quotes.