How Much Does a New HVAC System Cost?

Maybe you’re tired of the heat and the cold and are looking to install an HVAC system for the first time. Perhaps your existing HVAC system is about to bite the proverbial dust? In any case, you’re looking to install a new HVAC system.

The question is: how much does a new HVAC system cost? That’s a great question and one that we can answer as well. So, here’s everything you need to know about HVAC system pricing.

New HVAC System Cost: The Averages

The cost of a new HVAC system is dependent on a variety of factors. As such, the exact cost is not going to be the same for everyone. That said, most will pay somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000, with the average hovering around $7,000.

It’s important to note, however, that if you’re paying to have a duct system installed as well, your costs will likely exceed $1,250. To give you a clearer picture of your costs, we’re going to discuss some of the individual ones below.

Cost to Install Central AC

If you’re replacing a central AC unit, you can expect to pay around $4,500 counting installation. If you’re installing central AC anew, and ductwork needs to be installed, you’ll likely pay around $7,000.

Cost to Install a Ductless Mini-Split System

A ductless mini-split system is an air conditioning unit that works in one room. It doesn’t cool an entire house but is effective in cooling the small area that surrounds it. A unit such as this generally costs around $2,500 to have installed.

Gas Furnace

There are several ways to heat a home, the most popular of which is the gas furnace. If you have a new gas furnace installed, expect to pay around $3,000.

Oil Furnace

There are also oil furnaces available. Note, though, that they’re more expensive than gas ones, both in terms of the installation price and the operational costs. Generally speaking, an oil furnace costs around $5,000.

Electric Furnace

Another furnace option is the electric furnace. These are fairly cheap to install (costing only around $2,000), but can be extremely expensive to run. Electricity costs are generally much higher than gas costs.

Boiler

There’s also the option to use radiator heat. To do this, you’ll need both a boiler and a radiator system. A boiler alone will cost around $4,000 to install. However, having to install a new radiator system could set you back as much as $10,000.

Heat Pump

An option that can be used for both cooling and heating is the heat pump. This will cost around $6,500 without the duct system. The duct system will knock the price up to around $9,000.

Factors That Affect the Cost of an HVAC System

The numbers discussed above are averages. But, in truth, costs can fluctuate substantially. They fluctuate based on these factors.

Components Installed

The aspect that will most seismically impact the cost of your HVAC installation is the specific components that are installed. You’re going to pay more for both a furnace and an air conditioner than you would for just an air conditioner, for example. Or, for example, if you install just a single ductless, mini-split system, you’ll pay much less than you would for central AC.

There is tons of variation here. Adding even one more component can increase your costs by several thousands of dollars.

The Brand of Components You Buy

Another factor that will affect your HVAC system pricing is the brand of components that you buy. Some brands are more reputable than others, thus allowing them to sell at higher prices.

Note, though, that these brands are also the safer bet. So, it’s not always a bad idea to pay more for a trusted name.

The Nature of the Installation

The nature of the HVAC installation can affect pricing as well. For instance, residential HVAC installs are generally cheaper than commercial HVAC installs. For another example, installing an HVAC system in a mansion is generally going to cost more than installing one in a 2-bedroom house.

The Company You Hire to Facilitate the Installation

Some HVAC companies are just beginning. Others have been in business for years. Generally speaking, you’re going to spend more money on experienced companies than you will on new companies.

Experienced companies have proven their ability to get the job done, and have gained a reputation in their respective areas. New companies have no history and so must charge lower rates in order to find their first clients.

Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you should choose a new company. While a new company could get the job done, it could also make a huge mistake, costing you time and money. This is a big, important project after all.

Experienced companies, on the other hand, have gotten the job done correctly countless times. There’s no reason to expect that they won’t do the same for you. So, while you may be paying them more initially, you could actually be getting a better deal in the long run.

The Cost-of-Living in Your Area

Generally speaking, the area in which you live will affect HVAC costs as well. For instance, those in New York City will generally have to pay more for HVAC costs than will those in rural Ohio. This is because HVAC companies in New York City face a higher cost of living, and thus must pass that cost onto the customer.

There’s not much you can do to avoid this influence. Just know that, if you’re in a high-cost-of-living area, you’re likely going to pay more than the averages reviewed above. If you’re in the opposite, you’ll likely pay less than the averages reviewed above.

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