HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator by Brand & Size
HVAC prices vary wildly by brand and size. A Carrier 3-ton system might cost $12,000 installed while a Goodman runs $6,500 for the same house. Use this calculator to see what you'll actually pay - including tax credits that can save you up to $2,000.
Equipment Selection
Not sure about size? Enter your home square footage below for a recommendation
Installation Details
Additional Options
Enter any applicable federal tax credit (up to $2,000 for qualifying high-efficiency systems)
Quick Tips
- •High-efficiency systems qualify for a $2,000 federal tax credit
- •Replace furnace and AC together - saves 10-15% on labor
- •Premium brands come with 10-12 year warranties vs 5-7 for budget brands
- •Get a proper load calculation - wrong size wastes thousands in energy
Why HVAC Prices Vary So Much by Brand
Walk into any HVAC shop and you'll see price tags ranging from $3,500 to $15,000 for what looks like the same equipment. Here's what you're actually paying for.
Premium brands like Carrier, Trane, and Lennox cost more because they use heavier-gauge materials, quieter compressors, and more advanced controls. You're also paying for longer warranties - typically 10-12 years instead of 5-7. Expect to spend $8,000-$15,000 installed. These make sense if you're staying in your house long-term and want lower utility bills.
Budget brands like Goodman, Amana, and Coleman use standard components that'll keep your house comfortable but won't win any efficiency awards. They cost $3,500-$7,000 installed. Perfect if you're selling soon, renting the place out, or just need something that works without breaking the bank.
What Each Brand Actually Costs
Premium Tier
- Carrier: $8,500-$15,000
- Trane: $8,200-$14,500
- Lennox: $8,000-$14,000
- American Standard: $7,800-$13,500
- Bryant: $7,500-$13,000
Best for: Long-term homeowners who want the quietest, most efficient systems
Mid-Tier
- Rheem: $6,000-$9,000
- Ruud: $5,800-$8,800
- York: $5,500-$8,500
- Daikin: $6,200-$9,200
Best for: Good quality without the premium price tag
Budget Tier
- Goodman: $3,500-$7,000
- Amana: $3,400-$6,800
- Payne: $3,300-$6,500
- Coleman: $3,400-$6,700
Best for: Rentals, flips, or tight budgets
Getting the Size Right (This Matters More Than Brand)
Wrong size = wasted money. An oversized system short-cycles and never dehumidifies properly. An undersized one runs constantly and still can't keep up. Get a professional residential load calculation to avoid costly mistakes - neither scenario saves you anything.
AC/Heat Pump Sizing
- 600-1,000 sq ft: 1.5 tons
- 1,000-1,300 sq ft: 2.0 tons
- 1,300-1,600 sq ft: 2.5 tons
- 1,600-1,900 sq ft: 3.0 tons
- 1,900-2,200 sq ft: 3.5 tons
- 2,200-2,600 sq ft: 4.0 tons
- 2,600-3,200 sq ft: 5.0 tons
Furnace Sizing
- 600-1,000 sq ft: 40,000 BTU
- 1,000-1,500 sq ft: 60,000 BTU
- 1,500-2,000 sq ft: 80,000 BTU
- 2,000-2,500 sq ft: 100,000 BTU
- 2,500-3,000 sq ft: 120,000 BTU
Important: These are ballpark numbers based on average homes. Your actual size depends on insulation, how many windows you have, ceiling height, and whether you're in Minnesota or Arizona. Use our equipment sizing calculator to get accurate tonnage recommendations or pay for a professional load calculation - it's worth the $200-300 most contractors charge.
Tax Credits Can Save You $2,000
The government will give you up to $2,000 back if you install a high-efficiency system. It's a tax credit, not a deduction - meaning it comes straight off what you owe the IRS.
What Qualifies for the $2,000 Credit:
- Central AC: 16 SEER2 or higher
- Heat Pumps: 15 SEER2 / 8.5 HSPF2 or higher
- Gas Furnaces: 95% AFUE or higher
- Boilers: 90% AFUE or higher
Important: Keep all receipts and Energy Star certification documents for tax filing.
Here's the catch: your equipment needs to hit minimum efficiency ratings. Central AC needs 16 SEER2 or higher. Heat pumps need 15 SEER2 and 8.5 HSPF2. Gas furnaces need 95% AFUE (which means condensing furnaces - the ones with PVC exhaust pipes).
Save every receipt and make sure your contractor gives you the Energy Star certification. You'll need it when you file taxes.
Why Your Neighbor Paid Less Than You
Where You Live Matters
- Northeast: +20% above national average
- West Coast: +20% above national average
- Southwest: +10% above national average
- Midwest: At national average
- Southeast: At national average
What Makes Installation Expensive
- Accessibility of installation location
- Existing ductwork condition
- Electrical or gas line upgrades needed
- Permits and inspection requirements
- Disposal of old equipment
- Thermostat compatibility and upgrades
Save 10-20%:
Don't wait until your system dies in July. Schedule replacement in spring or fall when contractors aren't slammed. You'll get better pricing, better installers, and they'll actually show up on time.
Common Questions About HVAC Replacement Costs
How accurate is this calculator?
It'll get you within 15% of what contractors will actually quote. Your real price depends on local labor rates, whether your install is straightforward or a nightmare, and how much profit your contractor wants to make. Get 3 quotes to see the real range.
What's the typical cost to replace an HVAC system?
Most people pay between $5,000 and $12,000 for a complete replacement. That's assuming a standard mid-efficiency system with no major surprises. Budget systems start around $3,500 while premium setups can hit $15,000+. The national average is around $7,500.
Which brand gives you the most bang for your buck?
Rheem and Ruud hit the sweet spot - good quality without the premium markup. If money's tight, Goodman is hard to beat for basic reliability at the lowest price. If you want the best and don't mind paying for it, Trane and Carrier deliver.
How much more does Carrier cost than Goodman?
Carrier costs 30-50% more. A 3-ton Carrier system installed runs $10,000-$12,000 while the same-size Goodman costs $6,000-$8,000. That's a $4,000-6,000 difference for a quieter compressor, better controls, and a longer warranty.
What size system does my house need?
Rule of thumb: 1 ton of cooling for every 400-600 square feet. So a 2,000 sq ft house typically needs 3.5-4 tons. But that assumes average insulation, normal ceiling height, and moderate climate. Don't guess on this - use our BTU calculator for accurate sizing or pay for a proper load calculation. An oversized or undersized system will cost you thousands in wasted energy.
Are high-efficiency systems worth the extra money?
Usually yes. They pay for themselves in 5-7 years through lower utility bills. Plus you get a $2,000 tax credit, better humidity control, and higher resale value. If you're keeping the house for more than 5 years, go high-efficiency.
What tax credits can I get?
Federal government gives you up to $2,000 for high-efficiency equipment. AC and heat pumps need 16 SEER2 or higher. Furnaces need 95% AFUE (the condensing models). This is a tax credit, not a deduction - it reduces what you owe dollar-for-dollar.
Should I replace the furnace and AC together?
Yes, especially if both are over 10 years old. You'll save 10-15% on labor since the crew's already there. Plus matched systems work better together, and you won't have to deal with another replacement in 3 years when the old one dies.
What's included in the installation price?
Standard install includes the equipment, labor, hauling away your old system, permits, a basic thermostat, refrigerant lines, electrical hookup, and startup. Major ductwork repairs, electrical panel upgrades, or fancy smart thermostats cost extra.
How long does the install take?
Straightforward replacement: 4-8 hours. Full system with furnace and AC: 1-2 days. If they're redoing ductwork or running into problems, expect 2-3 days. Most crews show up around 8am and leave by 4-5pm.
Can I finance this instead of paying cash?
Yep. Most contractors offer financing, usually through companies like GreenSky or Synchrony. You'll see deals like 0% for 12-24 months or longer-term loans at 6-9%. Read the fine print - some 0% deals have deferred interest that'll hammer you if you don't pay off in time.