What a new HVAC system actually costs in 2026
Furnaces run $2,800 to $6,900. Central AC runs $3,900 to $8,000.
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What people are paying in 2026
| The job | Installed cost |
|---|---|
| Furnace onlyExisting AC stays | $2,800 to $6,900 |
| Central AC onlyExisting furnace stays | $3,900 to $8,000 |
| Furnace and AC togetherBoth units, one visit | $5,000 to $12,500 |
| Full system, 2,000 sq ftIncluding duct and airflow work | $7,000 to $20,000 |
The national average for a complete system sits around $11,600 to $14,100. A smaller home with sound ductwork should land well under that.
Why 2026 quotes run higher
As of January 1, 2026, new residential systems can no longer use refrigerants above a 700 global warming potential. That rules out R-410A, the standard for the last two decades, and moves everything to R-454B.
The new equipment needs leak detection sensors and revised refrigerant charge limits, which pushed manufacturing costs up roughly 15 to 20 percent. At retail the new systems are running about 8 to 10 percent above the outgoing generation. Installer pricing varies more than it used to, which is the main reason to compare more than one quote.
Repair it or replace it
- Under 10 yrsRepair. At this age a repair is almost always the better call, even a fairly expensive one.
- 10 to 15 yrsIt depends. Weigh the repair quote against how often you have already called someone out.
- Over 15 yrsUsually replace. Most systems last 15 to 20 years, so a major repair rarely pays for itself.
The 50 percent rule: if the repair quote is half or more of a new system, replace it. The 5,000 rule: multiply system age by repair cost, and if you clear 5,000, replacement is usually the smarter money.
See what installers near you charge
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