Furnace & AC Replacement Cost Calculator
Estimate what it really costs to replace your furnace, air conditioner, or full HVAC system in 2026 — before you call a contractor.
Replacing both at once is usually cheaper per unit than two separate jobs.
Used to estimate the system size (tonnage/BTU) you need. Don't include unfinished basements or garages.
Your Estimated Replacement Cost
📍 In the Kansas City metro? Get your exact price.
The figures above are national averages. If you're in the Kansas City area and ready to move forward, Cross Mechanical — a licensed, locally owned HVAC company (5.0★ from 45+ reviews) — will give you a real, no-pressure quote. Honest $85 service call.
Get My Real Quote →⭐ Before You Replace — Maintenance That Buys You Years
Three items that often delay a $10,000 system replacement by 3-5 years if you stay on top of them. We use them on our own systems.
MERV 13 Pleated HVAC Filters
The #1 cause of premature HVAC failure is dirty filters that restrict airflow and overwork the blower. MERV 13 filters change every 60-90 days — set a phone reminder. This single change adds years to your equipment.
View on Amazon →Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat
A learning thermostat (Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell T9) reduces HVAC runtime by 10-15% just by not running the system when you're not home or asleep. Less runtime = less wear = later replacement. They also catch problems early through Wi-Fi alerts.
View on Amazon →Furnace Tune-Up Kit (igniter, capacitor, contactor)
Three small parts cause the majority of furnace and AC failures: the hot-surface igniter, the run capacitor on the outdoor unit, and the contactor. A spare-parts kit means a $30 fix instead of a $300 weekend service call. Worth keeping in the basement.
View on Amazon →As an Amazon affiliate, HomeCalc Tools earns a small commission if you purchase through these links — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we would actually use ourselves.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Furnace and AC?
Replacing your HVAC system is one of the biggest home expenses most owners face. In 2026, a full furnace-and-AC replacement typically runs $7,000–$14,000 installed for standard-efficiency equipment, with high-efficiency systems reaching $10,000–$20,000. The exact price depends on the size of your home, the efficiency tier you choose, and whether your existing ductwork can be reused. Our calculator gives you a realistic ballpark so you can budget and spot an overpriced quote.
Furnace Replacement Cost
A new gas furnace alone costs about $3,000–$7,500 installed for a standard 80% AFUE unit, and $5,000–$10,000 for a high-efficiency 95%+ AFUE model. Bigger homes need higher-BTU furnaces, and high-efficiency condensing furnaces require special venting that can add to labor. Electric furnaces cost less upfront but more to run.
Central AC Replacement Cost
Replacing a central air conditioner generally costs $3,800–$7,500 installed for a standard-SEER2 unit, rising to $6,000–$12,000 for high-efficiency systems. Each additional ton of cooling capacity adds roughly $500–$1,200. If your coil or line set also needs replacing, expect the higher end of the range.
Repair or Replace? When It's Time for a New System
The rule of thumb: if your system is over 12–15 years old and a repair costs more than a third of a new unit, replacement is usually the smarter money. Other signs include rising energy bills, uneven temperatures, frequent breakdowns, R-22 refrigerant (phased out), and a furnace or AC that can no longer keep up on extreme days.
How to Save: Rebates, Tax Credits & Financing
High-efficiency systems and heat pumps qualify for federal tax credits and rebates of $2,000–$8,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus many utilities offer their own rebates. Most HVAC contractors also offer financing, which spreads a $10,000 system into manageable monthly payments. Always get the equipment model numbers in writing so you can verify efficiency ratings and rebate eligibility.