HVAC Replacement Cost Estimator
Estimate the total installed cost to replace a residential or light-commercial HVAC system, including equipment, labor, materials, and disposal fees.
1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr. Typical home: 1.5–5 tons.
Formula
Total Cost = Equipment Cost + Labor Cost + Ductwork Cost + Materials Cost + Permit Fee + Disposal Fee
- Equipment Cost = Base Rate ($/ton) × Capacity (tons)
Base rates vary by system type and efficiency tier (e.g., standard central AC: $650/ton; ultra-high-efficiency heat pump: $1,800/ton). - Labor Cost = Labor Rate ($/ton) × Capacity × Regional Multiplier
Regional multipliers: 0.85 (rural/South) → 1.45 (CA/NY metro). - Ductwork Cost = Equipment Cost × Duct Fraction × Regional Multiplier
Duct fractions: 0% (good), 10% (minor repair), 25% (major repair), 50% (full replacement). - Materials = ($150 + $45 × Capacity) × Regional Multiplier
Covers refrigerant (R-410A/R-32), line sets, electrical connections, and misc. supplies. - Permit Fee = $250 × Regional Multiplier (if selected)
- Disposal Fee = $150 × Regional Multiplier (if selected; includes refrigerant recovery)
- Efficiency Payback = (High-Eff Cost − Standard Cost) ÷ Annual Energy Savings
Annual savings: ~$225/yr (high-efficiency), ~$350/yr (ultra-high-efficiency).