HVAC · United States
How much does hvac cost nationally?
$11,988typical · fair range $10,519 to $13,570
That is the modeled cost to deliver plus a fair contractor margin for hvac in the United States, not a sales quote. Built from BLS wage data, Craftsman bills of materials, and verified permit fees. 2026-07-11
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How $11,988 is built
Labor$958
Materials$5,402
Permit fee$110
Direct cost$6,470
Overhead (24% of revenue)$2,920
Cost to deliver (break even)$9,390
Contractor margin (21.7%)$2,598
Typical fair price$11,988
The margin is the gap between break even and a typical quote, not a markup we invent. Margins float by trade and city, with most fair jobs at a 15 to 22 percent margin on the bid, about 18 to 28 percent over the cost to deliver. Nobody works for free. Full methodology.
How this number is calculated
TheFatBook models hvac from Craftsman labor hours, BLS regional wages, burden, PPI-adjusted materials, permit data where available, and contractor overhead benchmarks. Cost index version: 2026-07-11. Updated Jul 2026.
See costs near you
Enter your ZIP code for the closest tracked metro.
We route your ZIP to the nearest tracked city and show city-level bid fairness, true cost, margin, and lowest realistic price data.
Atlanta $11,959Austin $11,997Boston $13,531Chicago $12,714Dallas $11,571Denver $12,305Houston $11,527Kansas City $11,340Atlanta $11,959Austin $11,997Boston $13,531Chicago $12,714Dallas $11,571Denver $12,305Houston $11,527Kansas City $11,340
Updated Monthly
Federal labor and material data, refreshed on a monthly release cycle
Expert Reviewed
Reviewed by Leonard "Chuck" Thompson, LC Thompson Construction Co., Owner (retired)
Proprietary benchmarks · BLS · FRED · Census · Craftsman
Estimate Scope
What the hvac benchmark includes.
Included in the benchmark
- Central HVAC System (Gas) as the headline cost-index scope
- labor-hour assumptions, regional wage inputs, materials, overhead, and permit data where available
- low, average, high, lowest realistic price, margin, and savings benchmarks from the FatBook cost index
Not included automatically
- hidden damage, change orders, emergency service premiums, or unusual site access conditions
- contractor financing approval, warranties, provider recommendations, or guaranteed final quotes
- permit rulings for a specific address unless the city permit panel lists verified local data
True Cost Data
National benchmarks.
Embed this chart on your site (free, with attribution)
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Air Conditioning Installation · 3 ton | $10,081 | $11,487 | $13,002 |
| Furnace Installation | $3,970 | $4,517 | $5,105 |
| Mini-Split AC Installation · 1 ton | $5,113 | $5,819 | $6,579 |
| Heat Pump Installation · 3 ton | $10,746 | $12,246 | $13,861 |
| Central HVAC System (Gas) | $10,519 | $11,988 | $13,570 |
| Mini-Split Heat Pump Installation · 1 ton | $5,113 | $5,819 | $6,579 |
| Remove Heating System | $288 | $329 | $373 |
| Baseboard Heater Installation | $1,073 | $1,211 | $1,360 |
Specialty tool
HVAC sizing calculator
Estimate AC tons, BTU load, and ductwork CFM, then see what an installer charges for that scope in your city.
Open sizing calculator →
Top Markets
Cost by city.
Additional Markets
Guides
Latest research.
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Cost Guide
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Cost in 2026: The Unit is the Bill
A single-zone 12,000 BTU ductless mini-split heat pump averages $4,092 installed. The unit is the biggest line and labor
Common Questions
Questions homeowners ask about hvac.
Note: dollar figures below are national averages from our v3 cost index (Craftsman labor hours x BLS regional wages + PPI-adjusted materials + verified permit fees + NAHB overhead). Where an answer references general industry estimates instead (timing, lifespan, resale recoup percentages, scope items outside our index), it says so explicitly. For metro-specific numbers, see the cost-index pages.
How much does a new HVAC system cost?+
A complete system replacement averages $11,988 nationally in our cost index (range $10,519 to $13,570). That is a full gas system: a new AC condenser, coil, and an 80,000 BTU gas furnace sharing one blower and your existing ducts. An all-electric heat pump system runs about $12,246. If your furnace is fine and only the AC died, replacing just the AC is around $11,487.
How much does AC installation cost?+
Central air conditioning averages $11,487 nationally (range $10,081 to $13,002) for a complete cooling system: condenser, coil, lineset, and connections, reusing the existing furnace blower. A ductless mini-split runs about $5,819. Major duct rework is priced separately.
How much does a furnace cost?+
A standard gas furnace swap averages $4,517 nationally (range $3,970 to $5,105): a new 80,000 BTU unit, venting, and basic controls, reusing your existing ducts. High-efficiency units (95%+ AFUE) add roughly $1,000 to $2,000 in equipment.
How much does a heat pump cost?+
A ducted heat pump that replaces your whole system averages $12,246 nationally (range $10,746 to $13,861) and handles both heating and cooling. A single-zone ductless mini-split heat pump is far cheaper at about $5,819. Geothermal is a different scope at $15,000 to $35,000 or more.
How long does an AC unit last?+
Central AC averages 15 to 20 years, heat pumps 12 to 15, furnaces 15 to 25. Annual maintenance can buy you another 3 to 5 years.
What size AC do I need?+
Rough rule of thumb is 1 ton per 500 sq ft, so a 2,000 sq ft home needs around 4 tons. Real sizing requires a Manual J load calc. Insulation, windows, climate, and duct condition all push it up or down.
Is a heat pump worth it?+
In moderate climates (DOE zones 4 to 7), heat pumps usually pay back. They are 2 to 3x more efficient than gas furnaces on heating. In severe cold, a dual-fuel setup (heat pump + gas backup) is the more reliable answer.
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Cost index built by David Olson, Creator of the Cost Index & Permit Dataset · Methodology reviewed by Leonard "Chuck" Thompson, LC Thompson Construction Co., Owner (retired) · 2026-07-11