How much does HVAC system installation cost?
A complete HVAC system — furnace plus central AC — typically costs $5,500–$13,000 installed when ductwork is in place. High-efficiency equipment, larger homes, or new ductwork push a full job to $15,000–$20,000+.
Ranges are typical planning guides — actual price varies by region, access, materials and your local pro. Always get a written quote.
| Configuration | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas furnace + AC, standard | $5,500–$9,000 | 80% AFUE + SEER2 14 |
| High-efficiency combo | $9,000–$13,000 | 96% AFUE + SEER2 16+ |
| Heat pump + air handler | $6,000–$12,000 | All-electric alternative |
| Add new ductwork | +$3,000–$7,000 | If ducts are shot or absent |
What affects the price
Equipment tier
Builder-grade single-stage equipment sits at the bottom of the range; two-stage and variable-speed systems add $2,000–$5,000 but run quieter and cheaper.
Home size
A 1,200 sq ft home needs a 2-ton AC and 60k BTU furnace; a 3,000 sq ft home needs double that in capacity — and pays for it in equipment.
Replacing both at once
Doing the furnace and AC together shares one labor bill and gets matched, warrantied equipment — usually $1,000–$2,000 cheaper than two separate installs.
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How much does HVAC system installation cost?
Typically $5,500–$13,000 for a complete furnace-and-AC system installed with existing ductwork. Add $3,000–$7,000 if ducts need replacing.
How long does a full HVAC installation take?
1–3 days for a straight replacement with existing ducts; up to a week if ductwork is being added or replaced.
What lasts longer, a furnace or an AC?
Furnaces typically last 15–20 years, central AC 12–15. If both are past 12 years, replacing them together as a matched system is usually the smart money.