How Much Does HVAC / A/C Replacement Cost?
Replacing a central A/C, heat pump, or full HVAC system.
- Typical price (US)
- $10,000
- Typical range
- $8,700–$15,000
- Reports
- 67
- Last report
- Aug 2026
View as table
| Price range | Reports |
|---|---|
| $4,300 – $6,888 | 9 |
| $6,888 – $9,475 | 16 |
| $9,475 – $12,063 | 16 |
| $12,063 – $14,650 | 9 |
| $14,650 – $17,238 | 4 |
| $17,238 – $19,825 | 4 |
These numbers come from every report nationwide, so your city can sit well above or below them. The local pages carry the number that actually matters for your quote.
What the numbers say
- Prices vary widely here: the middle half of reports runs $8,700 to $15,000, so two honest quotes for similar work can differ by $6,300. This is a service where shopping around genuinely pays.
- 54 of the 67 reports were paid within the last 12 months.
- Among cities with full data, Atlanta, GA runs lowest (typically $9,000) and Phoenix, AZ highest ($14,500) — a 61% gap for the same work.
Prices by city
Cities collecting their first reports
Latest reports
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- Window Replacement — typically $13,000 nationwide (about 1.3× the typical hvac / a/c replacement price)
What drives the price of HVAC / A/C Replacement
Three things set the size of an HVAC bill: system capacity, equipment type, and efficiency tier. Capacity should come from a Manual J load calculation, not the old unit's tonnage. A heat pump, straight-cool condenser, single-stage system, and variable-capacity system are different jobs. Duct changes, a refrigerant line set, electrical upgrades, condensate drainage, and difficult attic or rooftop access can make installation cost as much as the equipment.
When two bids look wildly different, check the scope first. One proposal may replace only the outdoor condenser, while another includes the indoor coil, furnace or air handler, thermostat, pad, permits, and duct corrections. The outdoor and indoor components should form an AHRI-rated matched system. A high-efficiency condenser paired with the wrong coil may not deliver its stated SEER2 rating or qualify for rebates.
Questions to ask the provider
Does this quote replace both indoor and outdoor equipment? What Manual J size and AHRI reference number are you using? Are permits, startup testing, and duct or line-set work included?
Red flags
Recommending a larger unit solely because the old one struggled, quoting before inspecting the electrical panel and ductwork, or promising a premium efficiency rating without identifying the matched indoor coil.