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HVAC Installation Cost Estimates for 2017

How much does installation cost when you buy a new HVAC system or individual component?

In this HVAC cost guide, we start with installation costs, and as a bonus throw in equipment costs for systems and components plus a section on extra costs. Our goal is to assist you in preparing a complete cost estimate, so you’ll know what to expect when you get estimates from local HVAC contractors.

2017 HVAC Installation Costs

These costs DO NOT include the equipment. Those costs are below.

2017 Complete HVAC System Installation Cost

These systems contain a heat source, either a gas furnace or central air conditioner, and an air conditioning source, either a central AC or a heat pump. If the system contains a heat pump, it will also have an air handler (standard system) or gas furnace (dual fuel/hybrid system).

Split systems cost more to install than package units because they contain two components, must be exhausted from the house (package units are installed outside) and require running refrigerant lines.

  • Split system HVAC system installation cost: $2,000 to $3,200
  • Package system HVAC system installation cost: $1,750 to $2,900

Now, let’s move on to the cost of installing components in a split system, important to know because often just one unit is replaced rather than an entire system.

2017 HVAC Component Installation Cost

If there’s no old unit to remove, the cost will be on the lower end of the spectrum, all else being equal.

  • Gas furnace installation cost: $1,100 to $1,950
  • Air handler installation cost: $850-$1,700
  • Central AC installation cost: $1,250 to $2,100
  • Heat pump installation cost: $1,250 to $2,300

HVAC Installation Extras Costs

Here’s a list of expenses to consider when putting together an estimate:

  • Venting a gas furnace: $150 to $400
  • Manufacturing & installing a furnace plenum: $125 to $250
  • Refrigerant lines installed for an AC or heat pump: $250 to $425
  • Running a gas line: $400 to $1,000
  • Pad for a heat pump or AC (optional): $35 (plastic) to $200 (poured concrete)
  • Permits: $0 to $150

Factors Affecting Installation Costs

Every item in the list has a range. Where your project falls in the range will be affected by:

  • How easy (1st floor utility room) or hard (attic/crawl space) installation is
  • Length of refrigerant lines required
  • Time of year – installation costs more during peak seasons like mid-summer and mid-winter
  • Competition where you live
  • Cost of living in your area
  • Whether you get estimates from installers that know they’re competing

HVAC Equipment Costs

OK, now you’ve got an idea of your installation costs based on your specific factors. Now, here are system and component costs apart from installation costs and extras.

The larger and more efficient your system is, the more it will cost.

Complete Split System Costs:

  • Gas or oil furnace and central AC: $1,800 to $6,500
  • Heat pump and air handler: $1,950 to $6,350
  • Gas or oil furnace and heat pump (dual fuel): $2,400 to $7,300

Complete Package Unit Costs:

  • Gas furnace and AC: $1,700 to $6,000
  • Heat pump and air handler: $1,950 to $6,100
  • Gas or oil furnace and heat pump (dual fuel): $2,250 to $6,800

Split System Component Costs:

  • Gas or oil furnace: $600 to $3,300
  • Air handler: $500 to $2,000
  • Central air conditioner: $700 to 3,700
  • Heat pump: $1,100 to $4,100

Who Should Install Your HVAC Equipment?

Most HVAC failures can be traced to bad installation rather than faulty equipment. That is a reality some local contractors try to hide, especially if they have a track record of faulty installation. Experienced installers aren’t afraid of the facts. That’s why it is vitally important that you work with one of the top HVAC contractors in your area. Do our due diligence by getting estimates from several of the best companies in your area. Interview them about the experience of the technicians who will install your unit or system – it’s irrelevant how long the owner has been in business if he or she isn’t on the job when your equipment is installed. Check out the companies’ reviews on Google+ and Yelp.

If you don’t have time to do all that, try out Get Free Estimates tab. You’ll receive written estimates from several top installers in your area. They are licensed, insured and experienced, and they are already prescreened. There is no cost or obligation, but you’ll have the peace of mind of working with knowledgeable and experience HVAC professionals.

Need System Advice or a Free Quote?
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