HVAC replacement cost per ton (2026)
US-average hvac replacement pricing per ton (12,000 BTU), broken out by variant. Multiply by your project size for a total, or use the calculator below.
| Variant | Low per ton | Typical per ton | High per ton |
|---|---|---|---|
Central AC only Coil and condenser. Keeps the existing furnace. | $1,870 | $2,550 | $3,740 |
Central AC plus gas furnace Full split system. The default replacement. | $2,200 | $3,000 | $4,400 |
Air-source heat pump Replaces both AC and furnace. Federal tax credit may apply. | $2,530 | $3,450 | $5,060 |
Cold-climate heat pump Rated for sub-zero heating. Premium models. | $3,190 | $4,350 | $6,380 |
Geothermal heat pump Loop field plus indoor equipment. Lowest operating cost. | $9,900 | $13,500 | $19,800 |
National averages. State and metro multipliers shift these 12 to 55% in either direction.
Calculate your total
Enter project size and variant; the total updates instantly.
Estimate your cost
US national averageAdjust the variant and size. Numbers update live.
Most US homes need 2 to 5 tons. A Manual J load calc beats square-footage rules of thumb.
- Variant
- Central AC plus gas furnace
- Size
- 3 tons
- Region factor
- 1.00x
Free, no obligation. We hand you off to vetted local pros.
See per-unit pricing for your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently asked questions
How long does an HVAC replacement take?+
A standard split-system swap takes one full day. Heat pump conversions, ductwork add-ons, or panel upgrades extend the job to two or three days.
What size HVAC do I need?+
Plan for 20 to 25 BTU per square foot of conditioned space in most US climates. A 2000 sq ft home typically needs a 3 to 4 ton system. Get a Manual J load calculation before sizing.
Are there tax credits for HVAC replacement?+
The federal 25C credit covers up to 2000 dollars for qualifying heat pumps and 600 dollars for high-efficiency AC and furnaces through 2032. Many states stack additional rebates.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace HVAC?+
Replace if the unit is over 12 years old, the repair quote exceeds half the replacement cost, or the refrigerant is R-22 (no longer manufactured).
Can I finance an HVAC replacement?+
Most contractors offer 0 percent for 12 to 18 months through Synchrony or GreenSky. Manufacturer rebates often require financing through approved lenders.