Cost to Install a New Furnace and Central Air: Typical Prices 2026

Most U.S. homeowners pay between $6,000 and $14,000 to install a new furnace and central air system; the combined cost depends on unit capacity, efficiency, ductwork condition, and installation complexity. This article breaks down the price of a new furnace and central air, with low-average-high ranges and the main drivers that change the final price.

Typical Total Price For Furnace Plus Central Air In A 1,800–2,400 Sq Ft Home

Combined furnace and central AC installed for a typical U.S. house generally runs $6,000-$14,000, with averages near $9,500 for mid-efficiency equipment and standard labor. Expect higher quotes when upgrading to high-efficiency furnaces (95%+ AFUE) and multi-stage or variable-speed AC units (16-20+ SEER).

Assumptions: Mixed-climate region, gas furnace, 3-ton AC for ~2,000 sq ft, existing usable ductwork.

Breakdown Of Major Cost Components In Typical Quotes

A homeowner’s quote usually separates parts and services into materials, labor, equipment, permits, and disposal; understanding each column helps evaluate apples-to-apples bids.

Material and equipment often make up 60%-80% of the parts cost; labor and permit fees vary most by region and job complexity.

How System Size, SEER, And AFUE Change The Final Quote

Three primary variables—capacity (tons), SEER rating for AC, and AFUE for the furnace—drive large price swings. Upgrading from a 13 SEER to 18 SEER AC typically adds $1,200-$3,500; moving from 80% AFUE to 95% AFUE furnace adds $700-$2,500.

Numeric thresholds: capacity changes at 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0 tons; SEER tiers often priced at 13-14, 15-16, 17-20, and 20+; AFUE tiers commonly 80%, 90%, 95%+. Assumptions: quoted equipment compatible with home duct sizing.

Common Site Conditions And Installation Tasks That Increase Price

Tight attic access, single-stage to two-stage conversions, long refrigerant lines, or asbestos/lead remediation raise labor and containment costs. Examples: long refrigerant runs over 60 ft add $400-$1,200; attic or crawlspace installs can add $300-$1,000 in labor per access difficulty tier.

Also expect $500-$3,000 extra for full duct replacement and $300-$900 for gas line upgrades or conversion parts.

Practical Ways To Lower The Price For Furnace And AC Replacement

Homeowners can control scope, timing, and material choices to cut costs without sacrificing safety. Options include keeping existing ducts if they’re in good shape, choosing a single-stage unit over variable-speed, and scheduling installs in shoulder seasons for lower labor rates.

• Get 3 written quotes with identical equipment specs.
• Bundle furnace and AC replacement to save on labor mobilization.
• Perform simple prep (clear attic access, remove old equipment) to reduce contractor time.
• Accept manufacturer-standard warranty and avoid expensive optional extended warranties if budget constrained.

How Regional Markets Affect Pricing Across The U.S.

Labor and permit differences create regional deltas: Northeast and West Coast often run 10%-25% above the national average; Midwest and South usually 5%-15% below or near average. Expect contractor rates roughly $75-$125 per hour in urban coastal areas and $50-$90 per hour in many inland regions.

Assumptions: regional delta based on urban vs. rural contractor availability and local code requirements.

Typical Add-Ons, Removal Fees, And Timeline Estimates

Common add-ons include thermostat upgrades ($80-$400), UV air purifiers ($300-$900), and refrigerant recharge ($150-$450). Removal and disposal of old furnace/AC typically cost $100-$600 depending on weight and hazardous-material handling.

Three Real-World Quote Examples With Specs And Totals

Concrete scenarios help match expectations to your house size and choices.

Assumptions: includes basic permits and disposal; regional labor affects totals.