How Much Does a New HVAC System Cost?

No homeowner looks forward to the day their HVAC system fails. It’s likely one of the most dreaded home system replacements. But, you shouldn’t fear the HVAC system replacement cost so much that it discourages you from pursuing a new heating or cooling unit.

“How much does a new HVAC system cost?” is one of the most common questions homeowners ask. More often than not, homeowners find themselves asking this question when their system breaks down. And while the answer should always be “it depends,” there are things you should consider before just jumping to purchase a new unit.

HVAC System Costs

The average cost to replace an HVAC unit is $4,820 to $9,350. It includes the fee for a new gas furnace and a new central air conditioner unit. On average, homeowners spend $7,770 to replace a gas furnace and an air conditioner. However, the cost can be as low as $2,415 or as high as $12,835, depending on geographical location and the type of HVAC unit you choose.

HVAC Unit Installation Costs

The costs associated with HVAC unit replacement can exceed $10,000 if you opt to hire professionals. The fee is usually contingent on the location of your home and the brand or type of new system you want. Generally, homeowners spend around $4,820 to $9,350 for installing an HVAC system.

If you need to install an HVAC unit with ductwork, the average cost ranges from $6,820 to $12,350. Remember, most HVAC system installation jobs usually need new ductwork. If you need an HVAC system replacement, you should replace your ductwork at the same time. Homeowners spend an average of $8,170 to $14,100 on ductwork replacement.

What Factors Affect HVAC Replacement Cost?

It would be best if you first asked for second opinions, both from your HVAC technician and other contractors. You want to make sure that the issue is related to the unit itself. Otherwise, you could avoid unnecessary replacement costs.

Once you confirm that you need to install a new system, it’s time to consider what type of heating or cooling unit you’ll need. If you can’t determine it by the installation time, there are many types of units available on the market today.

Here are some common factors associated with the cost:

Size: The size of the unit needs to be determined by considering how large or small your space is and how much heat or cold it can accommodate.

Energy Efficiency: Because energy costs are continuously rising, you’ll want to find a heating or cooling unit that will save money on your monthly bills. You can look for units with high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings (SEER).

Features: Some units may include additional features, like wireless thermostats or touch screens. Price can increase with these added features.

Current ductwork conditions: If your HVAC unit is not suitable for the space, there might be a need to update your duct system. However, it can increase costs as well.

Local climate conditions: You may need to equip corrosion-resistant materials for your HVAC system if you’re in a coastal area. Prices may also increase if you reside where the temperature frequently drops below freezing because of heating needs.

Installation costs: Installation costs typically run around $300 to $600, which is in addition to the price of your unit itself.

How Often Should HVAC Be Replaced?

Many factors can affect the lifespan of your HVAC unit. The amount of usage, location, and climate conditions are just some examples. If you’re still not sure if it’s time to replace your unit, consider these key signs:

Source of food for rodents is easy to find

Rodents like raccoons and squirrels can infest your duct system, which typically leads to more severe issues. When this happens, you’ll be able to see rodent droppings and other debris around the unit.

HVAC smells strange

If your old system emits a strange smell, it could indicate mould or mildew growth inside the ductwork or even in the inner workings of the unit itself. An unclean system provides an excellent breeding ground for harmful bacteria and other microorganisms, making you sick when inhaled by humans. If you notice any unusual odours coming from your unit, it’s best to get it inspected right away.

HVAC equipment is ten years or older

If your unit is already ten years or older, then you should consider replacing it soon. On average, units last between 13 and 15 years before needing replacement. If your equipment is beyond this age bracket, repairing costs can be costly compared to the price of a new system.

Unusually high energy bills

Suppose you notice that your monthly energy bills are much higher than usual for no good reason. In that case, it’s time to have the HVAC unit inspected right away to look for any issues with airflow or lack thereof due to dirty filters causing poor air quality within the system. If technicians find no problems with airflow but your energy bills remain high, it could mean that it’s time to replace your current system.

How To Calculate HVAC Installation Costs

HVAC installation costs will depend on the size of your unit, how many units you need, and if there are any ductwork modifications required. If your home is an average size with a single floor and no attic or crawlspace, you can expect to pay around $3,770 for a 16-SEER system. Keep in mind that this estimate does not include related fees like permits or other required building materials.

The two main factors in the price of a new HVAC system are labour and material. Labour includes all of the work done by technicians during HVAC installation such as setting up equipment, moving furniture out of the way, installing insulation products, running wiring from the thermostat location to the furnace or air handler location, making any required electrical or plumbing connections, and checking for leaks.

The cost of materials primarily depends on the type of equipment you choose. It includes items like your furnace, ductwork material, inner lining insulation, outer jacketing insulation, filters, wires, and other HVAC installation materials.