Full HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator: Free Estimate Your Heating & Cooling Upgrade

Replacing your entire HVAC system is one of the most significant investments you can make for your home. Whether you’re updating an outdated system or upgrading to a high-efficiency solution, it’s critical to understand the full scope of costs involved. Our Full HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator gives you a clear, customizable estimate to budget confidently.

How to Calculate Full HVAC Replacement Cost By Use This Calculator Step by Step Guide

This tool is designed for homeowners to estimate complex HVAC projects with ease. Follow these steps for a custom quote:

Step 1: Choose Your System Type

Select from the dropdown:

AC + Furnace
Heat Pump + Air Handler
Dual Fuel (gas + electric combo)

Your selection determines the equipment and labor scope.

Step 2: Enter Home Square Footage

This scales the capacity of both AC and furnace, affecting:

Tonnage
BTUs
Ducting size

Step 3: Input Equipment Cost

Use:

A contractor quote
Average values provided (e.g., $9,500 for standard AC + furnace)

Step 4: Add Labor Rate and Total Hours

Customize labor rate per hour and expected installation time:

Average: 20–25 hours
Default rate: $100/hr

This calculates your labor portion of the estimate.

Step 5: Toggle Ductwork Replacement

Check if needed and input an estimate. If your ducts are in good shape, you can skip this.

Step 6: Input Permit Fees

Look up your city’s HVAC permit fee or use $400 as a starting estimate.

Step 7: Select Add-On Features

Pick upgrades such as:

Smart thermostat
Zoning system
Whole-home air filtration

These are automatically added to your total.

Step 8: Include Disposal and Contingency

Use the default $250 for old system disposal and 7% contingency to cushion unexpected changes.

Step 9: Click “Calculate Estimate”

The calculator generates:

Equipment Cost
Labor Estimate
Ductwork and Permit Fees
Add-On Totals
Final Cost Range (Low to High)

Step 10: Export Estimate as PDF

Use the Export to PDF button to save your estimate for:

Contractor bidding
Financing applications
Home improvement planning

Full HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator

Home Size (Sq Ft)

Furnace Type

AC Unit Type

SEER Rating (AC Efficiency)

AFUE Rating (Furnace Efficiency)

Ductwork Replacement?

Smart Thermostat Add-On?

Solar HVAC Offset Discount?

Preferred Brand

Labor Rate ($/hr)

Total Installation Time (hrs)

Permit Cost ($)

Rebate or Incentive ($)

Contingency (%)

Total Estimated HVAC Replacement Cost

Disclaimer: This calculator provides a general estimate. Final HVAC replacement costs vary based on equipment brand, layout complexity, regional labor rates, and local permit requirements.

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Main Cost Factors in the Full HVAC Replacement Calculator

The calculator breaks down every key element of a full HVAC replacement—covering both air conditioning and heating systems. Here’s what it includes:

1. System Type Selection

You can select your desired system combination:

AC + Gas Furnace (standard setup)
Heat Pump + Air Handler (all-electric)
Dual-Fuel System (heat pump + furnace)

Each system type affects overall equipment cost and labor intensity. The calculator adapts estimates accordingly.

2. Home Size (Square Footage)

Your home’s size determines:

AC unit tonnage (e.g., 2–5 tons)
Furnace BTU requirements (e.g., 60,000–100,000 BTUs)
Duct sizing and material needs

The calculator uses this input to auto-adjust equipment capacity and installation scope.

3. Equipment Costs

Input or choose average prices based on system type:

Standard AC & Furnace: $6,000–$10,000
Heat Pump Systems: $8,000–$12,000
High-efficiency Dual Fuel: $10,000–$14,000

You can use actual quotes or adjust based on brand and SEER rating.

4. Labor Rate and Total Hours

HVAC replacement typically takes 16 to 30 hours, depending on:

Crawlspace or attic access
Duct modifications
Electrical and gas line work

Labor rates range from $85–$150/hr (customizable). The calculator multiplies total hours × hourly rate.

5. Ductwork Replacement or Upgrades

Many older homes need partial or full ductwork updates:

Minor repairs: $500–$1,500
Full replacement: $2,000–$5,000

Toggle this cost in the calculator to see total project impact.

6. Permit & Inspection Fees

Most jurisdictions require HVAC permits, which can range from $200 to $700, depending on your location.

Includes mechanical, electrical, and gas inspections (if applicable)
Editable input field in the calculator

7. Add-On Options

Consider these optional upgrades:

Smart Thermostat Installation (+$250)
Zoning Control System (+$800)
Air Purification or UV System (+$600)

Each is selectable in the calculator and updates the total cost dynamically.

8. Disposal and Contingency

Old system disposal: $250 (standard)

7% contingency added to cover change orders, access issues, or code upgrades

Why Use a Full HVAC Replacement Cost Estimator?

Replacing both your heating and cooling system can be overwhelming. Our calculator helps you:

Avoid underestimating total cost
Compare quotes with confidence
Customize for your home’s size, location, and system needs

With the Full HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator, you’re equipped to plan, budget, and schedule your project without surprises.

Try it today to take control of your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.

Calculate Your Cost

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