How much does hvac cost in 2026?

Heating, cooling and heat pumps — repair, maintenance and replacement.

✓ We don’t provide services — we research them, so you can choose with confidence.

HVAC covers heating and cooling: furnaces, central air conditioning, heat pumps, ductwork and thermostats. In hot-climate cities the focus is cooling, while in cold-climate cities it is heating and furnaces, and many homes need both. Technicians handle repairs, seasonal maintenance and full system replacement. This page explains typical costs and how to choose a company for work that affects comfort and energy bills.

Typical hvac prices in the US

JobTypical rangeNotes
Repair / service call$150-$650Typical repair or diagnostic service call
Central AC only$3,800-$7,500New central air conditioning system, installed
Furnace only$2,800-$6,800New furnace, installed
Heat pump$4,500-$8,500New heat pump system, installed
Full system (AC + furnace)$7,000-$12,500Complete new heating and cooling system, installed

Typical US ranges based on published HomeAdvisor / Angi / Thumbtack cost guides, checked November 2026. Your quote will vary by city, home size and job scope -- always get 2-3 written quotes. Note: hot-climate cities = cooling, cold-climate cities = heating/furnaces.

What affects the price?

Price level by city

Labour is the biggest variable. These are broad levels, not quotes — the national ranges above are the starting point, and the direction below tells you which way your city usually moves them.

CityTypical price level vs US average
New York, NYHigher — big-city labour runs well above the US average
Los Angeles, CAAbout average for a big US city
Chicago, ILAbout average for a big US city
Houston, TXAbout average for a big US city
Phoenix, AZAbout average for a big US city
Dallas, TXAbout average for a big US city
San Antonio, TXAbout average for a big US city
San Diego, CAAbout average for a big US city
Austin, TXAbout average for a big US city
San Jose, CAHigher — big-city labour runs well above the US average
Local expert note: Change or clean the air filter regularly -- a clogged filter is one of the most common causes of poor heating and cooling, and it makes the system work harder and wear out faster. Annual maintenance before summer and winter also catches small problems early.

How to keep the cost down

  1. Confirm the company is licensed and insured for HVAC work
  2. Ask for a written quote that names the equipment brand and model
  3. Check reviews for honesty about repair versus replacement

Frequently asked questions about hvac costs

A repair or service call typically costs $150-$650, depending on the fault and the parts needed. Simple fixes such as a capacitor or thermostat are at the lower end, while a compressor or control board repair costs more. Ask for a diagnosis and a written quote first.

A new central AC system typically costs $3,800-$7,500 installed. A furnace alone runs $2,800-$6,800, a heat pump $4,500-$8,500, and a full system with both AC and furnace $7,000-$12,500. Home size and efficiency rating affect the price.

They are typical US ranges from published cost guides (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Thumbtack), checked November 2026. They are planning figures, not quotes — your actual price depends on your city, your home and the job. Always get two or three written quotes.

Read the full hvac guide ›

✓ We don’t provide services — we research them, so you can choose with confidence.