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AC Install Cost

2026 pricing · all 50 states

What should your AC or HVAC job actually cost?

Pick your state and system. We estimate the installed price range before you ever talk to a contractor — no email required.

Choose a state and system to see the estimated range.

Sizing

What size do I need?
Flagship

HVAC Sizing Wizard

Manual J-lite load calc: BTU, tonnage, SEER2 tier and cost in 5 steps.

Cost

What will it cost?

Savings & planning

Is the upgrade worth it?

How much does HVAC installation cost in 2026?

Installing or replacing a heating and cooling system is one of the larger home expenses most owners face, and the price swings widely by system type, size, and where you live. A central air conditioner replacement commonly runs in the mid-four to low-five figures installed, a heat pump sits a step higher, and adding a furnace or new ductwork raises it further. Your state matters too: labor, permit costs, and climate all move the number, which is why our calculators price every estimate for your specific state rather than quoting a national average.

The fastest way to a realistic figure is to start with the HVAC sizing wizard to find the size your home actually needs, then check the installed price with the AC replacement cost calculator. If you are weighing efficiency, the SEER2 savings calculator shows whether a higher-efficiency system pays back in your climate. Every tool is free and needs no email.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to install a new HVAC system?

Most installed central AC replacements land in the mid-four to low-five figures, with heat pumps and full AC-plus-furnace systems costing more. Size, efficiency, ductwork, and your state's labor rates set the final price. Use the cost calculators for a state-specific range.

What size HVAC system do I need?

It depends on your square footage, climate zone, insulation, and windows, not square footage alone. The sizing wizard estimates your tonnage and BTU using a Manual J-lite model; confirm with a contractor's full load calculation before buying.

Is a heat pump cheaper than a gas furnace?

It depends on your electricity rate, gas price, and climate. In mild climates with reasonable power rates a heat pump usually costs less to run; in very cold areas with cheap gas a furnace can win. The heat pump vs furnace calculator compares both for your state.

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