HVAC Size and Cost Estimator
Choose the system you are replacing and your home size to see a 2026 installed price range for a heat pump, AC and furnace, or either one alone.
Estimate at a glance2026
Pick the system and your home size. The estimator starts from 2026 installed ranges for a typical 2,000-square-foot home and scales them for larger or smaller homes. The low end fits minimum-efficiency, straightforward jobs; the high end fits high-efficiency systems and harder installs. It saves nothing.
Calculator
Heating and cooling is the most expensive system most homeowners replace, and the one most often bought in a hurry. This estimator gives you a planning range before the first contractor visits, so you know roughly what a fair quote looks like.
How the estimator works
- System. Each option starts from a 2026 installed price range for a typical 2,000-square-foot home.
- Home size. The range is scaled up or down for your home size. Bigger homes need more capacity, but equipment cost does not rise in a straight line with floor area, so the adjustments are moderate.
The low figure fits a minimum-efficiency system on existing, sound ductwork with a straightforward installation. The high figure fits high-efficiency, variable-speed equipment and more complex installs.
The numbers behind it
| System | 2026 installed range, about 2,000 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Ducted heat pump | $7,750 to $16,000 |
| Central AC plus gas furnace | $10,350 to $20,200 |
| Gas furnace only | $4,000 to $10,500 |
| Central AC only | $5,500 to $16,000 |
| Home size | Adjustment used |
|---|---|
| Under 1,200 sq ft | 0.80 x |
| 1,200 to 1,800 sq ft | 0.92 x |
| 1,800 to 2,400 sq ft | 1.00 x |
| 2,400 to 3,200 sq ft | 1.12 x |
| Over 3,200 sq ft | 1.25 x |
The size adjustments are planning approximations, not published figures. The right system size for your home comes from a room-by-room load calculation, which a good contractor should do before quoting. See what size HVAC system you need.
What the estimator does not include
- New or replacement ductwork
- Electrical panel or wiring upgrades
- Ductless mini-splits, which are priced per zone
- Local price differences between regions and cities
- Rebates: there is no federal tax credit for heat pumps or AC installed in 2026, but some states and utilities still offer rebates
Next steps
If you are choosing between a heat pump and a gas furnace, the installed price is only half the story. Our heat pump vs. furnace guide shows the running-cost math with 2026 energy prices. If you are replacing an air conditioner, read central AC installation cost for the ten lines every AC quote should include. The full picture is in our heating and cooling costs guide.
Questions homeowners ask
How much does a new HVAC system cost in 2026?
For a typical 2,000-square-foot home, a ducted heat pump runs about $7,750 to $16,000 installed and a central AC with a gas furnace about $10,350 to $20,200, before ductwork or electrical upgrades.
Does the estimator include ductwork?
No. It assumes existing, sound ductwork. New ductwork is the biggest add-on to any HVAC job and is priced separately.
Why does the estimate change with home size?
Larger homes usually need more heating and cooling capacity. The estimator applies moderate size adjustments; a room-by-room load calculation gives the exact size.
Is my information saved?
No. The estimator runs in your browser and stores nothing.
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