Home & Construction category
Material, utility, and project planning calculators for home jobs.
HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator
HVAC replacement is the second-biggest capex after the roof on most homes. This calculator sizes the installed budget across central AC, heat pump, geothermal, and mini-split systems with adjustments for SEER and ductwork.
1 ton = 12,000 BTU
Estimated total
$7,700
installed
Low end
$6,545
High end
$9,240
Equipment cost
$5,200
unit only
Ductwork cost
$0
How the math works
Central AC + furnace typically runs $6,000–$12,000 installed. Heat pumps add $1,500 to that range but replace both heating and cooling. Geothermal is 2–3× but operating cost is 50% lower and federal tax credits can offset 30% of the install.
SEER ratings above 18 add diminishing returns in most climates. Variable-speed and two-stage compressors improve comfort more than raw efficiency at that point. Match the system size to a Manual J load calculation, not to the existing unit.
EveryCalc calculators are designed for fast, practical estimates with transparent inputs and no required account. We use plain formulas, visible assumptions, and related tools so visitors can check the result from more than one angle.
Results are informational only. For financial, tax, legal, medical, construction, or other high-impact decisions, verify the output against primary sources or a qualified professional.
Learn more about our review process on the EveryCalc methodology page.
How this calculator works
What this page estimates
This HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator is built to give a quick, browser-based estimate for hvac replacement cost. HVAC replacement is the second-biggest capex after the roof on most homes. This calculator sizes the installed budget across central AC, heat pump, geothermal, and mini-split systems with adjustments for SEER and ductwork. The inputs stay on the page during normal use, and the result should be treated as an estimate for planning, comparison, or education rather than professional advice.
Calculation approach
The calculator applies the standard relationship implied by the inputs, then formats the answer so it can be checked and reused. For home & construction tools, the most important step is using consistent units, rates, time periods, and assumptions before comparing the result with another calculator or outside quote.
Example workflow
For example, start with a realistic value you already know, change one input at a time, and watch how the answer moves. That makes it easier to tell whether the result is being driven by the main amount, the rate, the time period, or a unit conversion.
Practical checks
- Use current, real-world numbers when the result affects money, health, tax, or legal decisions.
- Run a low, base, and high case when the inputs are estimates.
- Check the related calculators below when the next decision depends on a different assumption.
How to interpret the hvac replacement cost result
Best use
Use the result to size a project, compare materials, estimate a reserve, or decide whether a contractor quote is in the expected range.
Cross-check
Compare the estimate with local code, site measurements, supplier pricing, utility bills, permit rules, and contractor scopes before buying materials.
Watch for
Project estimates are sensitive to waste, labor, access, climate, soil, and existing conditions. Add contingency when the job cannot be measured cleanly.
This page belongs to the Home & Construction calculator library, so the answer should be read in the context of the decision you are modeling rather than as a universal rule.
Before relying on this hvac replacement cost estimate
Most calculator mistakes come from the inputs, not the arithmetic. Use this short audit before you reuse the answer in a spreadsheet, quote, application, or important conversation.
Measure the actual site
Square footage, slope, access, waste, existing conditions, and local material availability can change a project estimate quickly.
Add contingency
Cuts, breakage, delivery issues, weather, permits, and hidden repairs often make the real budget higher than a clean calculation.
Compare with local pricing
Supplier quotes, contractor scopes, code requirements, and permit fees should control the final budget.
Rerun this page after new measurements, contractor quotes, material price changes, permit comments, or scope changes.
Sources used for this calculator
These primary or official references help define the rules, terminology, safety checks, or source documents behind this estimate. Source links were checked in July 2026. They do not turn the calculator output into a quote, appraisal, tax determination, or professional opinion.
- Air-source heat pump buying guidance
ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR recommends that a contractor verify equipment size with a Manual J heating-and-cooling load calculation.
How to Use
- Size the system in tons. 1 ton per 500–700 sq ft is a rough rule; a Manual J load calc is better.
- Pick a system type. Heat pumps replace furnace and AC; mini-splits eliminate ductwork; geothermal has 2–3× upfront cost but lower lifecycle cost.
- Set SEER rating. 14 is the 2023 federal minimum in the South; 15 in the North. 18–20 is a comfortable premium tier.
- Indicate ductwork condition. New ductwork adds $4,000–$8,000 but often cuts operating cost by 15%.
- Adjust region factor up for California, NYC, and other HCOL metros.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heat pump vs central AC + furnace?
Heat pumps win in moderate and increasingly cold climates. Federal IRA tax credits up to $2,000 plus state rebates often close the upfront gap. Operating cost is lower than resistance electric and competitive with gas at current prices.
Is geothermal worth it?
With the 30% federal tax credit and typical payback of 10–15 years, geothermal makes sense on long holds (25+ years) or when running new construction that avoids retrofit ductwork. Operating cost is the lowest of any option.
How long does a new HVAC last?
Central AC and heat pumps: 12–18 years. Furnaces: 18–25 years. Geothermal indoor components: 20–25 years; loop: 50+. Matched system components (same manufacturer, year) live longer than mixed.
What if my ductwork is leaky?
Leaky ducts can lose 25–40% of conditioned air before it reaches rooms. Sealing costs $400–$1,500 and typically pays back in 2–4 years of energy savings. Consider before sizing up equipment.
Related Calculators
More Home & Construction Calculators
Browse all home & construction →Concrete Calculator
Estimate concrete for slabs, columns, walls, footings, and stairs. Add multiple sections, bag counts, waste, and ready-mix cost.
Paint Calculator
Estimate paint for walls and ceilings, subtract doors and windows, and total gallons, quarts, and project cost across multiple rooms.
Roof Replacement Budget Calculator
Estimate roof replacement cost by square footage, material (asphalt, metal, tile), and pitch complexity to size a sinking fund.
ADU Cost Calculator
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) construction cost — detached, attached, or garage-conversion — by sqft and scope.
Keep exploring
Next steps in Home & Construction
Previous calculator
ADU Cost Calculator
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) construction cost — detached, attached, or garage-conversion — by sqft and scope.
Next calculator
Roof Replacement Budget Calculator
Estimate roof replacement cost by square footage, material (asphalt, metal, tile), and pitch complexity to size a sinking fund.