Interior temperature and air quality are important elements of a healthy and comfortable home, so repeated problems with an aging or malfunctioning HVAC system should be addressed. If the equipment needs frequent repairs, it may be less expensive in the long run to install a new unit. The life expectancy of an HVAC system varies by type and operating conditions. A heat pump or air conditioner that receives regular maintenance can be expected to last for at least 10 years; a boiler or furnace may reach 15 years of age or more before failing. Average Cost of HVAC Unit Replacement The cost of HVAC units varies greatly; pricing depends on a number of factors such as the size and type of system and the energy efficiency rating. In addition to the equipment itself, buyers must also consider the cost of installation and any required modifications to the building like additional ductwork. Replacing an existing system costs less than a new installation if there is already functional ductwork in place.

Here are the most common types of HVAC equipment types and their average costs. Split systems consist of both indoor and outdoor components. The outdoor unit is an air conditioner to provide cooling; the indoor unit is a furnace to produce heat. Split systems usually cost between $2,000 and $11,000; the average cost is $6,625. Costs will vary based on the type of units included. A central HVAC unit may cost as little as $1,000 or as much as $4,000 for a large unit; the average cost is $2,600. This system is an option for homes without existing ductwork. Costs for a ductless system range from $2,000 to $7,000; the average cost is $4,500. A standalone gas furnace typically costs between $1,000 and $5,000; the average cost is $2,400. Regular efficiency boilers range in price from $2,500 to $4,000 with an average cost of $3,250. High-efficiency models cost between $5,000 and $9,000 with an average cost of $7,000. Most air handlers cost between $1,000 and $3,500;

the average price is $1,700. Commercial HVAC systems are much larger, and pricing will depend on the square footage of the building and other factors. Most commercial systems will cost more than $15,000. The cost of installation is highly variable and depends on the type of system, the choice of contractor and the complexity of the required work. ac not cooling ice on unitInstallation charges for a typical home range from $3,000 to $6,000 with an average cost of about $4,700. ac unit getting wetAdditional ductwork or repairs can increase the installation fees by several thousand dollars.12 ton ac unit for sale In conclusion, the average homeowner can expect to pay between $5,000 and $11,000 for a completely installed HVAC system. Variables Affecting HVAC Replacement Cost

HVAC Capacity is measured in BTUs and tons. These refer to a unit’s heating and cooling abilities. The square footage of the home, the local climate and other variables determine what size HVAC unit is required. More powerful units are more expensive, but installing a unit that does not have a high enough capacity can cause early equipment failure and increased energy costs. Energy efficiency is another important variable that affects cost. Air conditioners are assigned a seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER). Alternative measurements for heat pump efficiency include the average fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) and the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). Higher ratings denote more efficient systems, and these generally cost more. However, they save homeowners money in the long run by using less energy. Each HVAC equipment retailer will have specific equipment and installation charges. Discounts and special offers may be available; it is advisable to check several different retailers to find the best prices.

Major national brands may be more expensive than lesser-known ones. Before purchasing, buyers should thoroughly research brand names, models and available features to get the best quality system for their money. Programmable thermostats, air purifiers, humidity control features and UV lamps are optional features that will increase cost. Used or refurbished equipment may be available at a discounted price. Some complex systems may only need individual components or units replaced; this decreases the cost of equipment and labor. Colder regions require more powerful systems to maintain desirable temperatures in winter. Units with higher BTU ranges are best for cold climates while systems in the lower BTU ranges are more appropriate for warmer areas. Whether replacing an old HVAC system or purchasing a new one, homeowners should obtain careful measurements of the entire house and record any technical information about existing HVAC equipment. With the required information in hand, professional HVAC retailers and installers can help buyers find the system that best meets their needs at a reasonable price.

Need an HVAC System Pro Near You? Find Local HVAC Experts & Get Free HVAC System Price Quotes. No Obligations & No Credit Card Needed. Find Us on Facebook Browse through our complete library of HVAC related articles. Home > Home Improvement > HVAC > HVAC System Cost How Much Does an HVAC System Cost? Heating, Ventilation and Cooling Prices HVAC—short for Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning—refers to equipment that is used to regulate the temperature, humidity and air quality of a residential or commercial building. In this guide you’ll learn more about the components of a home HVAC system in addition to how much it costs to install one. Parts of an HVAC System In new construction, an HVAC system almost always refers to central air conditioning and heating units (furnaces), the ductwork that delivers the cooled and heated air, and the intake and outtake vents. Generally speaking, however, home HVAC systems may include any interior climate control installations, including things like baseboard heaters and ceiling fans.

This buying guide, however, will focus on the main HVAC system components. They include the following: Furnace: The heat in an HVAC system is typically supplied by a natural gas or oil fired furnace housed inside a designated closet space, basement, or attic. Contained within the furnace unit is a heat exchanger, the device responsible for the actual warming of the air. Air Conditioner: The air conditioning unit, unlike the furnace, is placed outside of the home and powered by electricity. It uses a compressor and coolant to remove the heat from air, and the hot air is discharged outside. Ductwork: Ventilation ductwork is responsible for moving heated and cooled air evenly throughout the interior of the home. Thermostat: Thermostats are the “brain” of an HVAC system, as they are responsible for turning it on and off. They can be operated manually or set to a predetermined temperature that the system then maintains. HVAC System Average Costs Estimating the cost of heating and cooling systems is difficult due to the large number of factors that come into play.

There is not only the size of the home to consider, but the size, quality, and energy efficiency of the equipment to be installed in addition to upgrades such as multiple thermostats, programmable thermostats, and electronic air cleaners. Further, it is crucial to keep in mind that the majority of HVAC system cost comes not from the equipment itself, but from installation charges. Thus, if your home presents installation challenges (i.e. an unusual layout or difficult to access areas), you can expect to pay more than a homeowner who buys a comparable system but whose home doesn’t pose such problems. For a 1,000 square foot home, the cost of an HVAC system is $6,000 to $12,000, including a new furnace, air conditioning unit, and ductwork. For larger homes and more complex setups, however, the price could be significantly higher. For central air-conditioning, you’ll pay $3,000 to $5,000 and up for a 2,000 square foot home. A new furnace in a central heating system costs $2,500 to $7,500 or more.