Typical U.S. buyers replacing both a gas furnace and central air conditioning commonly pay between $6,000 and $14,000 depending on equipment size, efficiency, and ductwork. This article breaks down the cost of new gas furnace and AC unit pricing, what drives quotes, and practical ways to lower the final expense.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furnace + AC Complete Replace | $6,000 | $9,500 | $14,500 | Assumptions: 2-3 ton AC, 80k-100k BTU furnace, standard ducts, suburban U.S. |
| Furnace Only | $2,500 | $4,500 | $8,000 | Assumes mid-efficiency, 80k-100k BTU, standard install. |
| AC Only (condensing + coil) | $2,900 | $5,000 | $9,000 | Assumes 2-4 ton split system, includes thermostat. |
| Duct Repair / Additions | $500 | $2,000 | $7,000 | Depends on linear feet and access. |
Typical Total Price For Replacing Furnace And Central AC In A Single-Family Home
Most homeowners replacing both units in a 1,800–2,400 sq ft single-family home see total project prices of $6,000-$14,500. Expect an average around $9,500 for mid-efficiency equipment with modest ductwork repairs.
Per-unit pricing: furnaces typically cost $2,500-$6,500 installed; air conditioners 2–4 tons cost $2,900-$7,000 installed. Assumptions: contiguous suburban access, no major code upgrades.
How Materials, Labor, Equipment, Permits, And Disposal Add Up
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,500-$9,000 (units, coils, lines) | $1,200-$4,000 (install crew) | $0-$600 (lift, specialty tools) | $50-$400 (local) | $100-$600 (old-unit haul) |
Materials and labor are the two largest line items, often 60–85% of the total.
Typical labor rates: $75-$125 per hour; job time 10-30 hours depending on complexity.
Key Variables That Change The Final Quote: Capacity, Efficiency, And Ductwork
Three main variables frequently alter price: furnace BTU, AC tonnage/SEER, and duct work scope. Upgrading from 2.5 tons to 4 tons or from 80k BTU to 120k BTU can raise costs by 20–40%.
Capacity and Efficiency Thresholds
- AC size: 2.0–2.5 tons ($2,900-$4,200); 3.0–3.5 tons ($4,000-$6,000); 4.0–5.0 tons ($5,500-$9,000).
- Furnace output: 60k–80k BTU ($2,500-$3,800); 90k–100k BTU ($3,500-$5,000); 110k+ BTU ($4,500-$8,000).
- Efficiency: 13–16 SEER is mid-range; 17–20+ SEER adds $800-$2,500; furnace AFUE 80% vs 95% adds $800-$2,000.
Practical Ways To Reduce The Price When Replacing Both Units
Controlling scope and timing yields the best savings: replace both units at once to cut mobilization, choose mid-efficiency models, and complete interior prep work yourself. Bundling furnace and AC in one contract typically saves 8–15% versus separate projects.
- Keep existing ducts if in good shape; full duct replacement can add $2,000-$7,000.
- Schedule during shoulder seasons (spring/fall) to avoid peak HVAC demand markup.
- Obtain 3 written quotes, compare identical specs and warranty terms.
How Region And Climate Affect Price Across The U.S.
Labor and permit cost differences change totals: urban Northeast and West Coast typically run 10–25% higher than Midwest and parts of the South. A $9,500 average in the Midwest could be $11,000–$12,000 in coastal metro areas.
| Region | Typical Adjustment | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Midwest | Baseline | Lower labor and permit costs |
| Northeast | +10% to +20% | Higher labor, stricter codes |
| West Coast | +15% to +30% | High labor and permit fees |
Common Add-Ons, Removal Fees, And Job Duration To Budget For
Expect add-ons that increase the quote: refrigerant recharge $150-$500, line-set replacement $200-$800, electrical upgrades $300-$1,200, and condensate/drain changes $150-$600. Minimum truck/dispatch or minimum charge often adds $200-$500 on small jobs.
Typical job duration: 10–18 hours for a straight swap; 18–36+ hours if ductwork or structural changes are needed. Crew size: 2–4 technicians for most residential installs.
Three Real-World Quote Examples With Specs And Totals
| Scenario | Equipment Specs | Labor Hours | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Suburban Replace | 80k BTU furnace + 2.5 ton 14 SEER AC | 12 hours | $6,200-$7,100 |
| Mid Upgrade | 95k BTU 95% AFUE + 3.5 ton 16 SEER AC, minor duct repair | 18 hours | $9,000-$10,500 |
| Premium Install | 110k BTU 98% AFUE + 4.5 ton 20 SEER AC, new ducts | 28 hours | $13,500-$16,500 |
These examples reflect realistic ranges so homeowners can compare quotes with matching specs and labor estimates.