An HVAC system — short for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning — controls temperature, humidity, and air quality to keep your environment comfortable year-round. On average, the cost to install an HVAC system ranges between $2,170 and $10,840, including material and labor.
If you’re replacing an existing system, you won’t need to pay for ductwork unless it’s damaged or needs upgrades. Installing ductwork would cost an additional $2,100 to $4,900, depending on the size of your home.
We have estimated the price ranges in this article based on averages from our national survey of HVAC prices. Your actual costs will depend on the type of system you choose, the size of your home, and any additional add-ons.
Cost by Location
The cost of HVAC services can vary depending on the location of your home. If you live in an area with a high cost of living, you can expect to pay more for HVAC installation than someone who lives in a less expensive area.
Plus, if you live in an area prone to extreme weather conditions, the costs can be higher. Extreme heat or cold can put a strain on your HVAC system, which can lead to more frequent repairs or replacements.
See average installation prices from various locations around the US in the table below:
| Location | Average Cost (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $2,050 – $10,260 |
| New York, NY | $2,855 – $14,280 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $1,680 – $8,390 |
| Atlanta, GA | $1,775 – $8,875 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $2,335 – $11,680 |
| Chicago, IL | $2,475 – $12,370 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Corvallis, OR | $2,050 – $10,240 |
| Seattle, WA | $2,275 – $11,370 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Roswell, NM | $1,970 – $9,850 |
| San Diego, CA | $2,210 – $11,055 |
Cost by Home Size
The larger your home, the more expensive it will be to install an HVAC system. A bigger space means more work for the contractor, and more materials will be needed to complete the job. On average, installation costs range from $3 to $7 per square foot of area that needs to be heated and cooled.
Here is a quick breakdown of average HVAC installation costs by home square footage:
| Home/Condo Size | Average Cost(Including Material and Labor) |
| 800 square feet | $2,400 – $5,600 |
| 1,200 square feet | $3,600 – $8,400 |
| 1,500 square feet | $4,500 – $10,500 |
| 2,000 square feet | $6,000 – $14,000 |
Cost Per Ton
A ton of air conditioning is the cooling power of a system that can melt one ton (2,000 pounds) of ice in 24 hours. In other words, it’s how much heat a system can remove from a home in one day. The smaller the house, the less tonnage is required to cool it down.
Note: 1 ton equals 12,000 BTUs per hour. BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a unit of energy used to measure the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
| AC Size | Size in BTUs | Average Cost (Including Material and Labor) |
| 1.5 ton | 18,000 BTU/h | $2,825 – $5,625 |
| 2 tons | 24,000 BTU/h | $3,375 – $6,500 |
| 2.5 tons | 30,000 BTU/h | $3,600 – $6,500 |
| 3 tons | 36,000 BTU/h | $4,000 – $7,825 |
| 3.5 tons | 42,000 BTU/h | $4,275 – $8,350 |
| 4 tons | 48,000/h BTU/h | $5,225 – $9,550 |
| 5 tons | 60,000/h BTU/h | $5,900 – $11,000 |
Cost by Efficiency
The efficiency of your HVAC system will directly impact the cost of installation and operation. The most common type of residential HVAC system is a central air conditioner, which is typically paired with a natural gas or propane furnace. These systems are measured by their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which indicates how much energy they use to cool a home.
For example, a system with a SEER of 16 uses less energy than a system with a SEER of 13. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system and the lower the operating costs. However, systems with a higher SEER rating also tend to be more expensive to install.
The most common SEER rating for central air conditioners is 13, which is the minimum allowed by law. But you can find systems with a SEER of up to 24.
| SEER | Efficiency | Average Cost (Including Material and Labor) |
| 13 – 14 | Standard-Efficiency | $1,360 – $3,900 |
| 15 -16 | High-Efficiency | $1,900 – $5,250 |
| 17 – 18 | High-Efficiency | $2,340 – $6,050 |
| 19 – 21 | Very high-Efficiency | $2,975 – $7,050 |
| 22 – 24 | Maximum-Efficiency | $4,725 – $9,050 |
Cost by Type of System
An HVAC system is a complex piece of machinery with multiple components. So, the type of system you choose will significantly impact the cost. The most common types of residential HVAC systems are as:
Central Air Conditioner
A central air conditioner cools your home by circulating cooled air through a network of ducts. The main parts of a central AC system include an outdoor unit containing a compressor and condenser and an indoor unit with a furnace and evaporator coil.
The cost of a central air conditioner will depend on the size of the unit, its efficiency rating, and any special features. The average price to install a central air conditioner is between $7,473 and $12,755.
There are two main types of central air conditioners:
| Central Air Conditioner Type | Average Cost (Including Material and Labor) |
| Split-System Air Conditioner | $6,320 – $12,310 |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $8,625 – $13,200 |
- Split-system air conditioner: This system is a central air conditioner paired with a furnace and is the most common type of HVAC system in the US. It includes an outdoor unit (compressor/condenser) and an indoor unit (air handler/furnace). The two units are connected by copper tubing.
- Packaged heating and air: A packaged heating and air-conditioning unit is a single, self-contained system that is typically installed on the roof or on a concrete pad. These units are popular in warmer climates and are available in gas and electric models.
Ductless Mini-Split System
A duct-free or mini-split system is a great way to heat and cool your home without requiring ductwork. These systems are very efficient and can be installed in almost any home, regardless of the size or layout.
A duct-free system offers benefits like lower energy costs, better comfort, cleaner air, and easier installation. The cost to install a ductless mini-split system ranges between $2,210 and $11,050.
Cost by HVAC Units
The cost of your HVAC system also depends on the type of units you need installed. Here is a breakdown of some common HVAC units and their costs:
| HVAC Units | Average Cost (Including Material and Labor) |
| Window AC | $690 – $1,160 |
| Whole-House Fan Cost | $1,065 – $1,950 |
| HVAC Furnaces | $3,230 – $3,820 |
| Boiler | $3,500 – $8,500 |
| HVAC Heat Pumps | $6,275 – $7,865 |
- Window AC unit: A window AC can be a great option for cooling your home if you don’t have central air conditioning. Window AC units are less expensive than central AC units and relatively easy to install.
- Whole-house fan: A whole-house fan (also called an attic fan) cools your entire house by exhausting the hot air through the attic. In return, it draws cool air through open windows. Another advantage of this is it helps keeping your energy bills down.
- HVAC furnaces: Furnaces are typically powered by natural gas or electricity and use a blower to circulate warm air throughout your home. Several different types of HVAC furnaces are available. In general, electric gas furnaces are the most affordable option, followed by gas furnaces. Oil furnaces tend to have the highest initial price.
- Boiler: Boilers also fall in the category of HVAC units. A boiler is a unit that heats water and circulates it throughout your home to provide heat. The difference between a boiler and a furnace is that a boiler does not use air to circulate the heat.
- Heat pumps: A heat pump is a system that uses a refrigerant cycle to transfer heat from one place to another. The price tag for a heat pump is typically higher than a furnace, but heat pumps are much more energy-efficient, saving you up to 50% on your heating and cooling costs.
Among different types of heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps are one of the most efficient types of HVAC systems today. Air-source heat pumps are less efficient than geothermal ones but are much more affordable.
For detailed information on each type and its price, refer to our article: How Much Does a Heat Pump Cost?
Cost by HVAC Components
Various components make up an HVAC system, and the cost of each component will vary depending on the type of system you choose. Here is a breakdown of some common HVAC components and their costs:
| HVAC Components | Average Cost |
| Thermostat | $120 – $270 |
| Air Purifiers | $410 – $4,481 |
| Ductwork | $2,100 – $4,900 |
| Dehumidifiers | $2,850 – $3,370 |
- Thermostat: The thermostat is the control center for your HVAC system, and it is responsible for turning the system on and off, as well as regulating the temperature. You can save money by choosing a programmable thermostat, which can save you up to 10% on your energy bill.
- Ductwork: Ductwork is an important component of your HVAC system and is responsible for delivering fresh air to each room in your home. So, if your home does not have an existing system or the current ductwork is in poor condition, it will need to be replaced. Your ductwork cost depends on the size and layout of your home.
- Air purifiers: An air purifier can be a valuable addition to your HVAC system if you suffer from allergies or asthma. Air purifiers remove contaminants from the air, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander.
- Dehumidifiers: A dehumidifier is designed to remove excess moisture from the air. It can be an essential feature in homes in humid climates or homes with many indoor plants.
Labor Costs
The total cost of your HVAC system will also depend on installation labor rates. Installation labor costs can range from $1,125 to $2,500 per project, depending on the size and complexity of the system.
Some contractors charge by the hour, while others charge a flat rate. On average, expect to pay between $75 and $200 per hour for labor.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
In addition to size and efficiency, a few factors can impact the price of your HVAC system.
Permit
In some localities, a permit is required to install a new HVAC unit. If this applies to you, expect to pay between $210 and $360 to obtain the permit, but your HVAC contractor will assist you in completing all necessary formalities.
Removing the Existing System
If you are replacing an old system, your contractor may charge an additional fee for the removal service. On average, contractors charge between $138 and $167 to remove the old system and clean the area. This does not apply if you are installing an HVAC system for the first time.
Insulation
One way to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system is to ensure that your home is properly insulated. Proper insulation will help keep the heat in during winter and the cool air in during summer.
The insulation cost can vary depending on the type of insulation you need and the size of your home. On average, insulation costs between $1.20 and $2.70 per square foot, including materials and labor.
Weather Stripping
Another way to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system is to install weather stripping around your doors and windows. Weather stripping helps seal off gaps where air can escape, which can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
The cost of weather stripping is relatively low, and it is a quick and easy way to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. On average, weather stripping costs between $130 and $440 per project, and it can be installed in just a few minutes.
FAQ
No, you should not attempt to install your own HVAC system. HVAC installation is a complex process that only a qualified professional should handle. Trying to install your system could result in serious injury or damage to your home.
The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 15 to 20 years. However, this number can vary depending on the system type and the maintenance level it receives.
Some signs that your HVAC system may need to be replaced include increased energy bills, strange noises from the unit, and frequent repairs. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is best to call a professional to assess the situation.
Yes, rebates and subsidies are often available for energy-efficient HVAC systems. This can help offset the cost of a new system, making it more affordable. You can contact your local utility company to find out if any rebates or subsidies are available in your area.
Stay Comfortable All Year Round
Installing a new HVAC system can be a significant investment, but it saves you money in the long run. For a safe and proper installation, it’s always recommended to hire a professional.
Luckily, Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book licensed and skilled HVAC technicians and leave the rest to us. Our pros will assess your situation and recommend the best option for you.
Rahul Sattineni contributed to this article.
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Main Photo Credit: Vernon Air Conditioning / Flickr / License
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