Replacing a gas furnace and central air conditioner together typically costs homeowners between $5,000 and $18,000 depending on capacity, equipment quality, and labor. This article gives practical pricing for gas furnace and AC replacement cost, with ranges for equipment, labor, permits, disposal, and regional variation.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combined Furnace + AC | $5,000 | $9,000 | $18,000 | Assumptions: 2-3 ton AC, 80k–100k BTU furnace, standard installation, suburban U.S. |
| AC Unit (per ton) | $1,200 | $2,300 | $4,000 | Per ton installed, includes condenser and coil. |
| Gas Furnace | $1,500 | $3,500 | $7,500 | Ranges reflect AFUE ratings and two-stage vs single-stage. |
| Labor | $1,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 | Depends on hours, crew size, and local rates. |
Typical Total Price For Replacing Both Furnace And AC In A 1,800 sq ft Home
For a typical 1,500–2,000 sq ft home, expect a combined replacement price of $6,000-$12,000 for mid-grade equipment and standard labor. Most homeowners pay around $9,000 for matched mid-efficiency furnace and 3-ton AC with basic ductwork adjustments.
Assumptions: 3-ton AC, 95k BTU furnace, single-family suburban home, normal attic/garage access.
Breakdown Of Major Quote Components For Furnace + AC Replacement
Quotes usually separate equipment, labor, permits, disposal, and extras like thermostat or ductwork. Understanding each line item helps compare bids accurately.
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,700-$10,000 | $1,000-$4,000 | $2,700-$10,000 | $50-$500 | $100-$500 |
Assumptions: Materials include furnace, condenser, coil, and line set; labor assumes 10–30 hours depending on complexity.
Key Variables That Change The Final Furnace And AC Price
System capacity, AFUE/SEER ratings, and ductwork condition are the biggest cost drivers. Upgrading AC from 13 SEER to 16 SEER typically adds $800-$2,000; moving furnace from 80% AFUE to 95% AFUE adds $600-$2,000.
Two niche drivers with thresholds: replacing ducts adds $1,000-$5,000 if more than 100 linear ft of duct needs repair; line-set replacement for long runs (over 50 ft) adds $300-$1,000.
How Labor, Crew Size, And Job Time Affect The Final Quote
Labor often runs $75-$125 per hour for HVAC techs; larger crews speed the job but increase total hours billed. An average full replacement takes 10-20 labor hours; expect 1-3 techs on site.
Assumptions: Typical install: 12 hours × $95/hr × 2 techs = labor estimate shown earlier.
Practical Ways To Lower Your Furnace And AC Replacement Price
Control scope, timing, and material choices to reduce cost: choose matched mid-efficiency units, replace one component only if necessary, and schedule in shoulder season. Repairing ducts instead of full replacement and accepting 14–15 SEER AC can save $1,000–$3,500.
- Get three written quotes with identical scope.
- Bundle with other home services for contractor discounts.
- Prep access: clear attic/garage to reduce labor hours.
- Avoid rush installs during heat waves; off-season rates can be 5–15% lower.
Regional Price Differences And What To Expect In Urban Vs Rural Markets
Prices vary by region: coastal and high-cost metro areas run 10–25% higher than the national average; rural areas can be 5–15% lower. Expect $9,000-$12,000 in high-cost metro areas for mid-grade installs versus $6,500-$9,000 in lower-cost regions.
Assumptions: Percent deltas based on labor and overhead differences, not equipment MSRP.
Three Real-World Quote Examples With Specs And Pricing
| Example | Spec | Labor Hours | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Replace | 2-ton AC (13 SEER), 80k BTU furnace (80% AFUE), minor duct repairs | 10 hrs | $5,200 |
| Typical Mid-Range | 3-ton AC (14–15 SEER), 95k BTU furnace (95% AFUE), small duct sealing | 16 hrs | $9,000 |
| High-End Install | 3.5-ton AC (18 SEER), 110k BTU modulating furnace, new ductwork | 24 hrs | $17,500 |
These examples show how capacity, efficiency, and ductwork drive the range between $5,200 and $17,500.