Buyers typically pay $800-$3,500 for a First Company air handler unit, with installation adding $600-$2,200 depending on complexity. This article lists typical First Company air handlers price ranges, installation assumptions, and the main variables that change a final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit Only (small residential) | $400 | $900 | $1,800 | Assumptions: single-stage, 1–2 tons, basic controls. |
| Unit Only (larger/upgrade) | $1,200 | $2,000 | $3,200 | Assumptions: multi-speed, variable fan, cabinet options. |
| Installed (typical) | $1,400 | $3,000 | $5,700 | Assumptions: replace-in-place, 2–3 tons, standard duct access. |
| High-Complexity Install | $2,200 | $4,200 | $7,500 | Assumptions: crawlspace/attic work, electrical upgrades, new ducts. |
First Company Air Handler Typical Price For A 2-Ton Residential Replacement
For a common 2-ton First Company air handler, buyers usually see a unit price of $700-$1,800 and an installed price of $1,500-$3,500. Expect the average installed price for a straight swap in easy-access attics or closets to be about $2,500.
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, 2-ton capacity, single-stage or multi-speed fan, standard condensate and control hookup.
Breakdown Of Quote: Materials, Labor, Equipment, Delivery
Typical contractor quotes split into material, labor, equipment, and delivery/disposal charges; taxes and permits can add extra. Reading a quote line-by-line helps identify markups and optional items.
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Delivery/Disposal |
|---|---|---|---|
| $400-$2,000 (unit, filters, controls) | $500-$1,800 ( — see labor rates below) | $50-$300 (lifts, rigging, special tools) | $75-$450 (old unit disposal, crate fees) |
How Unit Size, CFM, And Cabinet Options Change The Price
Unit capacity and delivered airflow are primary price drivers: 1–1.5 ton units: $400-$1,100; 2–3 ton: $700-$2,000; 4+ ton commercial: $1,600-$3,500+. Each extra ton typically raises unit price by $300-$700 and can increase labor 1–3 hours.
Cabinet options (insulation, drain pans, sound attenuation) add $100-$800. Assumptions: price deltas reflect material grade and factory-installed options.
Practical Ways To Reduce First Company Air Handler Price On A Replacement
Choose scope that minimizes duct alteration, avoid optional premium sound packages, and keep the same electrical and control connections when possible. Replacing only the fan coil (repair vs. full unit swap) can save $300-$900 when compatible.
Obtain 3 written quotes, schedule off-season installs for lower rates, and combine with nearby HVAC work to reduce mobilization fees.
Regional Price Differences For First Company Units Across The U.S.
Coastal metro areas and high-cost states typically add 10%–35% above national average; rural Midwest and South often run 5%–20% lower. A $2,500 installed average in the Midwest may be $2,900-$3,400 in California or the Northeast.
Include local permit fees ($0-$500) and sales tax differences when budgeting. Assumptions: percentages reflect labor and overhead differences, not product MSRP.
Installation Time, Crew Size, And Typical Labor Rates
Standard replacement: 3–6 hours with a two-person crew; complex installs: 8–16 hours. Hourly labor rates for HVAC technicians range $75-$125 per hour.
Use the rough formula: labor_hours × hourly_rate to estimate labor line items. Assumptions: includes travel and basic clean-up; excludes major ductwork or electrical upgrades.
Add-Ons, Removal Fees, And Common Extras That Inflate The Final Quote
Common extras include condensate pump ($120-$350), control or thermostat upgrade ($80-$450), drain pan replacement ($150-$600), and refrigerant recovery or recharge ($150-$600). Unexpected duct repairs or HVAC code-related electrical upgrades can add $400-$2,000.
Disposal of an old coil or reclaiming refrigerant adds $75-$300 depending on local rules and refrigerant type.
Three Real-World Quote Examples With Specs And Totals
Example A: Small condo swap — 1.5-ton unit only $650; install 3 hours × $90/hr = $270; disposal $100; total $1,020. Good access, same controls, no ductwork.
Example B: Suburban home upgrade — 2.5-ton variable-speed unit $1,900; install 8 hours × $95/hr = $760; pump and new control $400; disposal $150; total $3,210.
Example C: Attic-to-basement complex — 3-ton high-efficiency unit $2,400; install 14 hours × $110/hr = $1,540; duct modifications $1,200; electrical subpanel work $900; total $6,040.