Most homeowners replacing both a gas furnace and central air conditioner pay between $6,500 and $12,500 for the combined install; the cost depends on system size, efficiency, and ductwork. This article lists typical cost ranges, per-unit prices, and the main drivers of the total cost for the cost of gas furnace and air conditioner projects.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furnace + AC Full Replace | $4,500 | $8,500 | $15,000 | Includes mid-efficiency furnace and 3-ton AC, basic duct repair |
| Gas Furnace Alone | $2,000 | $4,000 | $7,500 | Depends on AFUE and brand |
| Air Conditioner Alone | $1,800 | $4,500 | $9,000 | Depends on tonnage and SEER |
| Minor Duct Repair | $300 | $900 | $2,500 | Sealing and short runs |
Typical Total Price For Replacing Furnace And Split AC
For a common U.S. single-family home (2,000 sq ft) replacing a 70% AFUE gas furnace and a 10 SEER 3-ton AC: total price usually runs $6,500-$11,500. Average combined replacement in suburban markets is about $8,500 with standard 3-ton equipment and minimal duct changes.
Assumptions: 3-ton cooling (36,000 BTU), 80%–95% AFUE furnace, standard single-family home, normal attic/crawlspace access, Midwest labor rates.
Per-unit examples behind that average: furnace $3,000-$5,000; AC condensing unit + coil $2,500-$5,500; basic installation labor $1,200-$2,500.
Breakdown Of Major Quote Parts: Materials, Labor, Equipment, Permits, Delivery/Disposal
Buyers should expect the contractor quote to group charges into equipment, labor, and ancillary fees; each line affects the final price. Equipment and labor typically make up 75%-90% of the total invoice.
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,800-$6,000 (furnace/coil/filters) | $1,200-$3,500 () | $2,500-$7,500 (AC condensing unit, furnace) | $50-$400 (local) | $100-$600 (old unit disposal) |
How Equipment Size, SEER Rating, And AFUE Change The Final Quote
System size, efficiency, and accessory specs are the largest price levers: moving from 2.5 to 4 tons adds $800-$2,000; upgrading from 14 SEER to 20 SEER adds $1,200-$3,500; shifting from 80% to 95% AFUE adds $600-$1,800. Choosing a larger cooling capacity or higher SEER can raise equipment costs by 20%-40%.
Two niche drivers: ductwork condition — full duct replacement adds $3,000-$8,000; long refrigerant line set (>50 ft) or high vertical run adds $300-$1,200.
Site Conditions And Labor Variables That Shift Quotes
Tight access, multi-story homes, and prevailing local wages change labor significantly: expect $75-$150 per hour for experienced HVAC crews; a typical combined replace job takes 10-20 crew hours. Remote or second-story installs commonly add 10%-30% in labor charges.
Assumptions: 2 technicians, normal materials, standard installation route.
Practical Ways To Lower The Furnace+AC Price
Control scope by replacing only failed components when reasonable, scheduling during shoulder seasons for lower labor rates, and accepting a mid-efficiency model instead of premium tiers. Comparing 3-5 written quotes and asking for itemized bids regularly saves 8%-18%.
- Keep existing ductwork if in good condition to avoid full replacement.
- Buy equipment with standard warranty and purchase extended only if you keep proof of maintenance.
- Bundle with other home projects to leverage contractor travel/labor efficiency.
How Prices Differ Across Regions And Climate Zones
Urban Northeast and West Coast prices are typically 10%-25% higher than Midwest and South; colder climates push buyers toward higher AFUE furnaces which adds 5%-15% to equipment cost. A $8,500 national average can be $7,000 in low-cost markets and $10,500 in high-cost metros.
| Region | Typical Combined Replace | Delta vs National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Midwest/South | $6,500-$9,000 | -10% to -15% |
| Northeast | $8,000-$12,000 | +0% to +20% |
| West Coast | $9,000-$14,000 | +15% to +40% |
Three Real-World Quote Examples With Specs And Hours
Example bids help set expectations for exact numbers and labor.
| Scenario | Specs | Labor Hours | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Replace | 2.5-ton AC, 80% AFUE furnace, reuse ducts | 10-12 hours | $4,500-$6,000 |
| Standard Replace | 3-ton AC 16 SEER, 90% AFUE, minor duct sealing | 12-16 hours | $7,500-$9,500 |
| Premium Install | 3.5-ton AC 20 SEER, 95% AFUE, new ducts | 18-30 hours | $11,500-$16,000 |
Common Add-Ons, Permits, And Unexpected Fees To Budget
Expect add-ons such as electrical upgrades ($300-$1,200), condensate pumps ($150-$450), or permit/inspection fees ($50-$400). Set aside a 10%-15% contingency for unforeseen repairs when getting a quote.
Typical diagnostic or trip fees range $75-$200; rush or emergency installs can add 15%-40% to labor costs.
