HVAC costs cover a wide range depending on whether you need routine maintenance, a repair, or a full system replacement. An annual AC tune-up runs $75–$200. Repairs average $150–$650. A full system replacement is a major investment at $3,000–$10,000+. This guide explains what to expect at each level.
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| AC tune-up / maintenance | $75–$200 |
| Furnace tune-up / maintenance | $80–$200 |
| AC repair (minor, e.g. capacitor) | $150–$400 |
| AC repair (major, e.g. compressor) | $400–$1,200 |
| Furnace repair | $150–$600 |
| New central AC installation | $3,000–$7,500 |
| New furnace installation | $2,500–$6,000 |
| New full HVAC system (AC + furnace) | $5,500–$14,000 |
Emergency and after-hours service adds $75–$150 to any repair. Replacement costs depend heavily on equipment brand, efficiency rating, and home size.
Routine maintenance is the cheapest HVAC expense. Minor repairs cost a few hundred dollars. Major repairs (compressor, heat exchanger) can approach replacement cost.
Larger homes need larger-capacity systems. A 5-ton unit for a 3,000 sq ft home costs significantly more than a 2-ton unit for a 1,200 sq ft home.
Older systems (10+ years) may need more expensive parts that are harder to find. Systems over 15 years old are often better candidates for replacement than repair.
High-efficiency systems (SEER2 18+) cost 20–40% more upfront but reduce energy bills significantly over time.
Emergency calls during a heat wave or cold snap add $75–$150. Off-season maintenance (spring AC checkup, fall furnace checkup) is usually cheaper and gets faster scheduling.
HVAC technician labor rates vary from $75–$200/hour depending on your region.
High-cost metros
$180–$300/hour labor
New York, California, Pacific Northwest, Boston
Mid-size cities
$100–$175/hour labor
Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix
Smaller cities & rural
$75–$120/hour labor
Rural Midwest, rural South, smaller towns
Regional ranges are approximate and vary by city, neighborhood, and individual contractor.
Try our free calculator. Adjust the options to see an instant price estimate for your situation.
Prices update in real time as you adjust options.
Estimated Price
$95.00
Updates in real time as you adjust options above
This is a free estimate tool. Prices are illustrative — not a formal quote.
Once a year at minimum — AC in spring, furnace in fall. Twice a year if you're running both systems heavily. Regular tune-ups catch problems early, extend equipment life, and maintain efficiency. Most HVAC companies offer annual maintenance plans for $100–$250 that include priority scheduling.
Start with a diagnostic from an HVAC technician. Common causes of warm air include a dirty filter (cheap fix), low refrigerant (moderate repair), or a failed compressor (major repair that may justify replacement). The technician will tell you whether repair or replacement makes more financial sense.
SEER2 (the current efficiency standard as of 2023) of 14–16 is the standard range for new installations. SEER2 18+ is considered high-efficiency. Higher SEER2 costs more upfront but reduces monthly energy bills — the payback period is usually 5–8 years in most climates.
A common rule: if the repair costs more than 50% of a new system's price, or the system is over 10–12 years old, replacement often makes more sense. You'll save on ongoing repairs and energy costs. Your technician can help you run the numbers.
Give your customers instant price estimates. Capture leads automatically. No code required.