Average cost of furnace and air conditioner replacement


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of HVAC unit?

Determining the best type of HVAC for your home depends on your specific needs, the climate in your area, your budget, and your house’s compatibility. In general, heat pumps offer the most efficient HVAC systems since they convert temperatures from the air, water, or ground to condition the air that circulates throughout your home, requiring less gas or electricity.

However, they may not be best for homeowners living in colder climates, with temperatures consistently dropping below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. They can also be more expensive than other HVAC options. We recommend consulting with an HVAC professional to help determine which system makes the most sense for your home.

What size AC unit do I need?

Since the size of your home determines how many BTUs your air conditioner should have, the size of the unit you need will vary depending on your house’s exact square footage. Choosing an AC unit with the right amount of BTUs is important to ensure you’re getting efficient energy use.

For example, while some small rooms with 100–200 square feet may only need a unit with around 5,000 BTUs, larger homes with more than 2,000 square feet will likely require a unit with 34,000 BTUs or more.

What SEER rating should I consider?

The best SEER rating for your HVAC unit can vary depending on your budget. High-efficiency units are typically more expensive but can save you money in the long run by helping you save on your monthly energy bills.

Depending on where you live, the DOE enforces a minimum SEER rating of 13 or 14, but you can find air conditioners with up to 22 or 23 SEER ratios. You can also get federal tax credits for purchasing split systems higher than 16 SEER and package systems higher than 14 SEER.

Can I install an HVAC unit by myself?

While you may be able to install window AC units on your own, we don’t recommend installing central air conditioners, furnaces, or heat pumps without professional training and proper equipment.

Why is my energy bill so high?

Your HVAC could likely be the cause of an abnormally high energy bill. This can be caused by several issues, including dirty air filters, duct leaks, failing motors or other parts, low refrigerant, lack of maintenance, and simple aging of the appliance. If you notice a substantial increase in your energy bill, we recommend reaching out to an HVAC pro to help determine if there’s something wrong with your heating and cooling system.

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Average cost of furnace and air conditioner replacement

Controlling temperature and humidity levels in your home is the key to maintaining its livability. A functional air conditioner and heater do exactly that. Opting for an air conditioner and heater should be considered a priority, and not a matter of choice. Both your air conditioner and heater work round the clock to maintain a consistent and comfortable house temperature.  So It makes sense to replace both units at the same time with a “matched” furnace and air conditioner designed to work together to deliver the energy efficiency and indoor comfort that matches your climate and/or budget requirements. This should be done when both Furnaces and air conditioners are approaching the end of their useful life. Most furnaces and ACs have an effective life of 15 years.

AC and furnaces can be classified into three groups – basic, better, and best depending on their efficiency and performance.

This guide gives complete details with the current heating (furnace) and ac unit combo costs for basic, better and best equipment. We have also completed a Furnace Prices Guide and a Central AC Prices Guide that provide more detail on current costs, properly sizing your HVAC system, brands and choosing the right size and efficiency for your purposes.

Let’s get right to the cost ranges for basic, better and best equipment. From there, we discuss cost factors and other details that will assist you in making an informed decision on a heating and AC split system.

Heating and AC Unit Combo Tiers

Tier Furnace AFUE Furnace Type AC SEER AC Type Installed Cost
Basic 80% to 93% Single- Stage 13 to 15 SEER Single Stage $3,600 to $6,000
Better 94% to 97% Single or Two Stage 16 to 20 SEER Single or Two Stage $4,500 to $8,250
Best 97% to 98.5% Variable – Capacity 19 to 26 SEER Variable – Capacity $6,300 to $ 11, 750

Basic:

The category consists of single-stage furnaces and ACs. The AFUE of basic furnaces is usually between 80 and 93 percent, whereas basic ACs provide 13-15 SEER. The installed cost of a basic system is usually between $3,600 and $6,000. Though the initial cost of a basic system is less, their operating cost is quite high (due to their low efficiency). Basic systems offer very few performance features. While many basic furnaces have a single-speed blower motor that runs at maximum speed when on, some come equipped with a multi-speed motor that speeds up and down in multiple steps.

Better:

Two-stage furnaces and air conditioners offer a combination of moderate cost with improved performance that appeals to homeowners. They run on low up to 65% of the time to maximize efficiency and climate control. Two-stage systems run on high when a significant boost in heating or cooling is required due to rapidly changing outside temperatures or an adjustment to the thermostat.

Variable-capacity blowers slowly speed up and slow down as the furnace heats up and cools off during the cycle.

Thermostat must support two-stage heating and cooling. Any brand can be used including nest, ecobee, Lux, etc.

Best:

Best furnaces and ACs are variable-capacity systems. Best ACs provide 19-26 SEER. Known for their high efficiency, best furnaces provide 97-98.5percent AFUE. Their installed cost is usually between $6,300 and $11,750. Though their initial cost is the highest, expect to save more in the long run. These systems are famed for their superior efficiency and are designed to deliver the best climate control.

Furnace and AC Combo Cost Factors

These are some factors that will impact your furnace and AC combination cost.

  • Efficiency and performance: The higher the efficiency of your system, the more its cost.
  • Capacity: The more heating and cooling capacity the system has, the more it will cost. Central air conditioners range in size from 1.5 tons (18,000 BTU) to 5.0 tons (60,000 BTU) capacity. Furnaces start at about 45,000 BTU and range up to 150,000 BTU.
  • Ease of installation: Expect to pay more to get a furnace installed in difficult areas such as a tight crawlspace or attic.
  • The cost of living in your city: People living in expensive cities may have to pay more to get their system installed.

Sizing your Furnace and AC System

The benefits of having a perfectly sized furnace and AC cannot be emphasized enough. It’s crucial that your furnace and air conditioner are sized properly to adequately heat and cool your home.

A perfectly sized furnace and AC will work the way you expect it to. An undersized AC and furnace, on the other hand, will fail to deliver optimum comfort. Additionally, undersized furnaces and air conditioners have to put in a lot of work, which means high heating and cooling costs for you. And if you think bigger is better, think again!

Some common problems caused by an oversized furnace or AC include:

  • Improper cooling/heat distribution
  • Heat exchanger problems
  • Reduced efficiency and system lifespan

How to Correctly Size Your Furnace and AC

    • Calculate the Square Footage Area of Your Home

      Measure the length and width of your rooms (exclude the ones that do not have vents or the rooms that you do not intend to heat or cool). Multiply these measurements (length X width). To get the total square footage of your home, add up all measurements.

    • Calculate a Rough Estimate

      Most AC’s and furnaces have their capacity rated in BTUs (British Thermal Units). To find out what capacity furnace you need, multiply the total square footage of your home with BTUs per square foot. If, for instance, you decide to allow 30-45BTUs per square foot (for say a 2,000 square feet home), your furnace size would be 2,000X30/45 BTU =60,000-90,000 BTU.

    • Consult an Installation Expert

      Remember that this is a rough estimate. Even if your calculations are accurate, there are several factors such as your local climate, your home’s layout, and the amount of insulation that must be considered. An HVAC expert can help you account for these and other factors.

Types of AC and Furnace Combos and Their Costs

Apart from the furnace and AC combo, you have two other central HVAC choices– heat pump and air handler, and heat pump and gas furnace.

Heat pumps and dual fuel systems (heat pump and gas furnace) like furnaces and AC’s can be classified into three categories – basic, better, and best.

Heat pump and air handler: These systems are growing in popularity in warm and moderate climates. Newer ultra-efficient heat pumps are also suitable for cold climates.

Heat pump and gas furnace: Also called a dual fuel system, the heat pump in this type of HVAC system handles the heating duties when temperatures are above freezing. The system switches to furnace heating in below-freezing temperatures, the range where heat pumps lose efficiency and can become ineffective.

The cost of replacing a basic heat pump is between $3,850 and $6,400, whereas dual fuel system replacement can cost you between $4,150 and $6,825.

Expect to pay between $4,925 and $8,785 to get a better heat pump replaced. Getting your better dual fuel system replaced can cost you between $5,250 and $9,100.

If you want to get a high-performance heat pump replaced, expect to pay between $6,775 and $12,100. Best dual fuel system replacement usually costs between $7,150 and $12,450.

How to Get the Best Furnace and Air Conditioner Prices

  • Firstly, keep in mind that installation quality is always the most important thing for residential HVAC project. So never sacrifice contractor quality for lower price.
  • Secondly, remember to look up the latest tax credit and rebates as we talked above.
  • Thirdly, ask for at least 3 bids before you make the decision. You can click here to get 3 free estimates for your local contractor, and this estimate already takes rebates and tax credit into consideration and filter unqualified contractors automatically.

Never settle for an amateur. A self-proclaimed know-all expert will charge you less, however, it’s highly likely that they will commit a mistake, and you will end up spending more on maintenance. No matter how complex your HVAC replacement project, our team at Leonard Splaine will come up with a tailor-made solution. To talk to an HVAC expert, call at  703-494-2855

Is it cheaper to replace AC and furnace together?

Replacing both your furnace and your air conditioner can also be more cost-effective. On its own, a replacement air conditioner can cost between $4,350 - $12,095. A lone replacement furnace can cost between $3,000 - $7,600. (Both of these ranges include the cost of the equipment, labor and other fees.)

How much does a new HVAC system cost 2022?

The cost to replace an HVAC system averages $7,000, with a typical range of $5,000 to $10,000. This translates into $25 to $60 per square foot of coverage, depending on the brand and size. For a new installation, you can expect to pay $1,500 to $12,500.

How much is a HVAC system for a 2000 sq ft house?

On average, when looking to replace your HVAC system, the cost for the unit itself will range between $4,850 and $9,400. ... HVAC Installation Cost Per Square Foot..

What is the labor cost to install a furnace and air conditioner?

Prices depend on the size and brand of the HVAC system, the size of the house, ductwork length, and the new unit's efficiency rating. For new installations, expect to pay from $1,500 to $12,500. HVAC installation prices typically include labor costs of between $500 and $2,500.