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.
When do you need hvac?
- The air conditioner blows warm air or stops cooling
- The furnace will not start, or the heat is weak or uneven
- Energy bills have jumped without a change in use
- The system is noisy, short-cycles, or smells odd when it runs
- Some rooms are much hotter or colder than others
What does hvac cost in the US?
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Repair / service call | $150-$650 | Typical repair or diagnostic service call |
| Central AC only | $3,800-$7,500 | New central air conditioning system, installed |
| Furnace only | $2,800-$6,800 | New furnace, installed |
| Heat pump | $4,500-$8,500 | New heat pump system, installed |
| Full system (AC + furnace) | $7,000-$12,500 | Complete 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.
How to choose a hvac company
- Confirm the company is licensed and insured for HVAC work
- Ask for a written quote that names the equipment brand and model
- Check reviews for honesty about repair versus replacement
- Ask about the warranty on equipment and on the installation labor
- Compare at least two quotes for any replacement, and check efficiency ratings
Red flags to watch for
- A replacement pushed without a proper diagnosis of the fault
- A quote that does not name the equipment brand, model or efficiency rating
- No load calculation offered for a new system -- size should be matched to the home
- A price far below other quotes, often a sign of undersized or low-quality equipment
HVAC in your city
- HVAC in New York
- HVAC in Los Angeles
- HVAC in Chicago
- HVAC in Houston
- HVAC in Phoenix
- HVAC in Dallas
- HVAC in San Antonio
- HVAC in San Diego
- HVAC in Austin
- HVAC in San Jose
Frequently asked questions about hvac
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.
Repair usually makes sense when the system is under 10 years old and the fix is a common part. Replacement is often better when the system is over 15 years old, needs frequent repairs, or a major part such as the compressor has failed. Ask for a repair quote and a replacement quote to compare.
A heat pump heats and cools by moving heat rather than creating it, and it works well in mild and moderate climates. In very cold climates it may need backup heat. Your HVAC company can check whether a heat pump suits your home and climate.
Most manufacturers and technicians recommend servicing once a year for each system you use -- air conditioning in spring and heating in fall. Regular service keeps the system efficient, catches wear early, and is often required to keep the warranty valid.