Pricing
HVAC installation can cost as little as $370 and as much as $22,000.
Labor costs, HVAC system type and efficiency rating are the greatest cost determinants.
Your home’s size, age, ductwork requirements and existing system type will also affect installation costs.
Installing a new HVAC system can cost anywhere from $370 to $22,000 or more, depending on the type of system and installation method you choose. DIY installation for window or portable air conditioning units has the lowest total cost, while full-service heat pump installation by an HVAC contractor will have the highest cost of any new system.
The type of unit you install is the primary cost factor for installing a new HVAC system. Whether you need a portable air conditioning system or a geothermal heat pump, consider multiple options when choosing between brands and installers, paying close attention to efficiency and longevity.
Also, take the age and size of your home into account. Larger homes require more powerful units, while older homes could require new ductwork in addition to air conditioning or heating needs.
We’ve broken down HVAC system costs and all associated factors below. Whether you’re in the market for a DIY solution or a full-scale professional installation, you can find pricing data here.
What factors influence the cost of HVAC installation?
System type and size are the primary indicators of HVAC installation cost, with labor also being a significant factor. If you get quotes from HVAC professionals, they will inform you of different pricing options for installing extensions to existing ductwork and purchasing systems with varied energy efficiency ratings.
System type
Your HVAC system type will have the greatest influence on your total price. While some homeowners opt for heat pumps, which can handle both heating and cooling needs, others install separate heating and cooling systems. We’ve outlined average pricing for a few common HVAC system types here.
Cooling system types
Efficiency ratings aside, we’ve assembled some overall costs for air conditioners by type. Note that as of 2023, all new air conditioning and cooling systems were required to have a minimum seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 14, with 15 SEER being the standard in the southern United States.
At Lowe’s, price points start at $370 for a portable air conditioner designed to cover a maximum of 299 square feet and range up to $4,560 for a central AC unit that can cool 880 square feet of living space.
These rates represent system costs only, which may vary by retailer. You’ll have to get a personalized quote to determine labor costs, which will depend on your location and other factors.
| System Type | Average Low Cost* | Average High Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Portable AC unit | $370 | $800 |
| Window AC unit | $169 | $1,070 |
| Ductless mini split | $570 | $9,860 |
| Central AC system | $1,170 | $4,560 |
Heating system types
Heating system costs are largely determined by their output in British thermal units (Btu) and annual fuel usage efficiency (AFUE) ratings. Electric furnaces tend to be the least expensive, while natural gas and oil furnaces have higher unit costs. All electric furnaces have 100% AFUE ratings.
We collected data from Lowe’s and HVAC Direct, an online HVAC marketplace, for you to compare. Based on these prices, highly efficient natural gas furnaces can cost more than $500 more than less efficient ones.
| Furnace Type | 80%–85% AFUE rating* | 97%+ AFUE rating* |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | N/A | $975 |
| Natural gas | $985 | $2,519 |
| Oil | $2,599 | N/A |
Heat pumps are a more efficient option for most homeowners in warmer clients. Heat pumps function as dual heating and cooling units. According to Carrier, one of the leading HVAC manufacturers, heat pump installation can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 and up, depending on unit type, efficiency and installation labor needed.
Air-source heat pumps are the most affordable, with uninstalled costs starting around $500 for 12,000-Btu units and ranging up to $7,000 and beyond for multizone, 48,000-Btu systems, according to Home Depot.
Geothermal or ground-source heat pumps require excavation and permits to install. Labor costs often exceed the cost of the systems themselves, and a 60,000-Btu unit can cost more than $4,000 before labor.
System output
HVAC system output is measured interchangeably in Btu and tons. Both units measure energy or heat, with 12,000 Btu equaling 1 ton. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends sizing your air conditioner or heating unit to the square footage in your home with a formula of 20 Btu per square foot.
For example, a 1,200-square-foot home would require (at least) a 2-ton or 24,000-Btu system. Other factors, such as ceiling height, existing insulation and climate, can influence costs. To get a properly sized system, contact an HVAC professional.
Labor
We recommend getting professional assistance when installing an HVAC system that requires more technical know-how than simply plugging it in. Not only will a professional ensure safe and proper installation, but they might also offer service plans for maintenance after installation, which could protect you beyond any manufacturer’s warranty.
Labor rates vary by locale. Matthew Ferris, owner of New Hampshire-based Ferris Plumbing and 15-year industry pro, said, “For an average HVAC installation, our labor rates are $100 to $150 per hour, depending on the technician.
“As for the total labor cost, we tend to find projects fall between $1,200 and $3,000,” he continued.
Ductwork installation
In many cases, older homes will not come with existing ductwork. While air ducts aren’t completely necessary, they can make HVAC units in larger homes more efficient. Whether you’re installing central air conditioning or a furnace, an HVAC company should be able to include ductwork installation.
Associated costs are calculated based on the number of linear feet required, ease of access to the area needing ducts, and the material used for the ducts themselves.
According to Ferris, a noninsulated flex duct is the most affordable option, beginning at $1 per linear foot, with aluminum costs running up to $12 per foot and galvanized steel costing as much as $14 per linear foot.
| Duct Material | Low Cost per Linear Foot* | High Cost per Linear Foot* |
|---|---|---|
| Noninsulated flex duct | $1 | $6 |
| Insulated flex duct | $2 | $10 |
| Polyester | $3 | $7 |
| Fiberglass | $4 | $8 |
| Galvanized steel | $4 | $14 |
| Aluminum | $6 | $12 |
Location will influence pricing, too, Ferris said. Basem*nts offer easy access to areas under your subfloor, so total installation costs for ductwork there could start at $8 per linear foot. Crawl spaces are the most difficult areas for HVAC technicians to reach, so per-linear-foot pricing could range up to $30.
| Location | Low Cost per Linear Foot* | High Cost per Linear Foot* |
|---|---|---|
| Basem*nt | $8 | $18 |
| Attic | $10 | $20 |
| Wall | $12 | $25 |
| Crawl space | $15 | $30 |
Efficiency
HVAC systems with better efficiency ratings will incur a higher upfront cost, but can help you save money through lower energy bills long-term. As of 2023, all new air conditioning systems sold were required to have a SEER rating of at least 14 to receive Energy Star status. This rating is calculated by dividing total cooling output by overall energy consumption. Possible SEER ratings range up to 28.
Heating systems have an AFUE rating, which is a calculation of the total fuel input converted to heat. All electric furnaces have an AFUE of 100% since all their energy is converted to heat, while oil furnaces often have ratings in the mid-80% range.
When should you replace your HVAC system?
If you’re considering replacing your HVAC system, look out for the following key warning signs of a failing system:
- More frequent service calls for your air conditioner or heating unit
- Declining air quality and increased dust in your home
- Increased humidity indoors
- Unusual noises coming from your unit or system
Energy Star’s guidelines recommend that you consider replacing an air conditioner or heat pump at the 10-year mark and possibly replacing your furnace or boiler after 15 years. Contact an HVAC pro for an inspection if you’re unsure.
Final take: Get multiple quotes from HVAC professionals before booking a replacement or new installation
Consulting at least three HVAC companies in your area will help you get a full understanding of your costs for both labor and materials. Beyond this, purchasing a high-efficiency unit with a competitive warranty plan will ensure that your system has a longer life span and will save you money in the long run.
During any quote, ask your technician for a detailed breakdown of costs and to outline a general regular DIY or professional maintenance plan for whichever system you choose.
