Homeowners replacing both a furnace and an air conditioner typically pay between $6,000 and $18,000 depending on unit size, efficiency, and ductwork. This article answers how much a furnace and air conditioner cost and what drives the price so readers can budget and compare quotes.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combined Furnace + AC Replacement | $6,000 | $10,500 | $18,000 | Assumptions: 2–3 ton AC, 80–95% AFUE furnace, standard ducts, suburban area. |
| Furnace Only | $1,800 | $3,800 | $7,500 | Per unit, depends on AFUE and gas vs. electric. |
| AC Condenser Only | $2,000 | $4,500 | $9,000 | Per unit, depends on tonnage and SEER. |
| Ductwork Repair/Replacement | $700 | $3,000 | $10,000+ | Major driver when replacing both systems. |
Typical Total Price For Replacing Both Furnace And AC In A Medium Home
For a 1,800–2,400 sq ft home, most full-system replacements run $6,000-$15,000 with an average near $10,500. This total usually includes new furnace, outdoor condenser, basic thermostat, standard installation labor, and one-year labor warranty.
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, 2–3 ton AC, 80–95% AFUE furnace, minimal duct modification.
Materials, Labor, Equipment, Permits And Disposal Costs
Breaking the combined quote into parts helps compare line items between contractors. Materials and labor usually make up the bulk of the price, with equipment costs rising for higher SEER/AFUE models.
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000-$9,000 | $1,200-$4,500 | $2,000-$9,000 | $50-$600 | $100-$800 |
| Furnace and coils, copper, refrigerant | Installation crew 4-12 hours typical | AC condenser, furnace, thermostat | Local mechanical permit | Old unit haul and recycling fees |
How Size, Efficiency Ratings, And Ductwork Change The Final Quote
Unit capacity, measured in tons or BTU, and efficiency ratings drive major price jumps: 1.5–2 ton systems are cheaper than 3–4 ton for larger homes. Choosing 14–16 SEER vs. 20+ SEER can add $1,000-$4,000 to the AC equipment cost; moving from 80% to 95% AFUE adds $700-$2,000 to the furnace.
Specific numeric thresholds: replacing for a home under 1,500 sq ft (1.5–2 ton) vs. 2,500+ sq ft (3–4 ton); duct replacement over 200 linear ft often adds $2,000-$6,000.
Practical Ways To Cut The Combined Replacement Price
Scope control and timing reduce cost: replace only what’s needed, schedule in shoulder seasons, and avoid emergency replacements. Accepting mid-range SEER (14–16) and AFUE (90–95%) models often reduces equipment cost by 10–30% with minimal comfort loss.
- Bundle furnace and AC with one contractor to reduce markup.
- Do basic prep (clear access, move items) to cut labor hours.
- Request separate line items for ductwork to compare exact scope.
- Get 3 written quotes and compare equipment models, warranties, and labor hours.
How Regional Markets Affect Furnace And AC Pricing
Labor and permit differences shift prices: urban and coastal markets run 10–25% higher than Midwest/rural markets. Expect a 15% premium in Northern cold climates for high-AFUE furnaces and a 10–20% premium in Southern hot climates for higher-SEER ACs.
| Region | Typical Delta vs. National Avg | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | +10% to +25% | Higher labor, stricter codes, heating-focused equipment |
| South | +5% to +15% | Higher AC capacity demand, higher SEER uptake |
| Midwest/Rural | -5% to -15% | Lower labor rates, less congestion |
Common Add-Ons, Removal Fees, And Scheduling That Increase Price
Unexpected add-ons can raise a quote: line-set replacement, refrigerant, electrical upgrades, or asbestos-containing insulation removal. Line-set and refrigerant recharge commonly add $300-$1,200; electrical service or disconnect upgrades can add $400-$2,500.
- Minimum or trip fees: $75-$150.
- Same-day or emergency replacement: add 10–25% or $200-$1,000.
- Old-unit disposal with recycling: $100-$400.
Three Real-World Replacement Quotes With Specs And Labor
These examples show how specs affect totals. Comparing full specs and labor hours reveals where savings appear—equipment vs. installation scope.
| Scenario | Specs | Labor Hrs | Equipment | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | 1.5 ton AC, 80% AFUE furnace, minor duct sealing | 8-12 | $2,500-$4,000 | $6,000-$7,500 |
| Average | 2.5 ton AC, 95% AFUE, some duct replacement (100 ft) | 12-20 | $5,000-$7,500 | $9,500-$12,000 |
| Premium | 3.5 ton AC 20+ SEER, 98% AFUE, full duct replacement | 20-40 | $8,000-$12,000 | $15,000-$23,000 |
Assumptions: Prices exclude major home electrical service upgrades and rare code-mandated ventilation changes.