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HVAC Replacement Planner

System type, tonnage and duct scope → installed budget range, trade sequence and commissioning checklist.

System
3 ton
Budget & schedule
1.00×
$

Budget range

$12,978

to $16,150 · 2–5 weeks
Line items
CategoryLowHigh
Equipment (matched system)$10,620$13,216
Line set & pad$855$1,064
Electrical disconnect / whip$585$728
Thermostat$378$470
Permit & inspection$198$246
Startup, charge & commissioning$342$426
Trade sequence
Remove old equipment → Rough duct / line set → Set equipment → Commission & inspect
Trades involved
HVAC contractor, Electrician (if panel work), Sheet metal / duct crew
Materials to spec in the contract
ItemQuantity
Outdoor unit / heat pump3 ton — model # in contract
Indoor air handler or furnaceMatched AHRI listing
Refrigerant line setNew copper — size per spec
Filter rack & door1 — size labeled on unit
Thermostat1 — wire type noted

Likely hidden costs

Panel upgrade for new heat pump load · Asbestos wrap on old duct · Drywall repair after duct chase · Crane or rooftop rigging

Quick answer

A matched residential HVAC changeout often lands near $5,000–$12,000+ for a 2–4 ton system when ducts are reused; full duct replacement or premium heat pumps push higher. Use tonnage, system type, and duct scope below for a planning-range breakdown, inspection points, and AHRI-matching questions before you sign.

What this assumes

  • Illustrative defaults — replace with your actual costs and local rules.

Understanding the result

How to use this

System type, tonnage and duct scope → installed budget range, trade sequence and commissioning checklist.

How the math works

System type, tonnage, duct scope, line set, and thermostat choices drive equipment and labor benchmarks. The planner totals matched-system install, duct work if selected, electrical whip, permit, and commissioning — then outputs duration, inspections, and contractor questions tied to AHRI matching.

Where to find each input

  • Tonnage — from Manual J load calc or nameplate on existing unit (verify, do not upsize blindly)
  • System type — heat pump vs split changes equipment and rebate eligibility
  • Duct scope — quote should say reuse, partial, or full replace
  • Line set — many bids assume reuse; replacement adds copper and penetration work
  • Thermostat — C-wire and smart stat compatibility on quote

Worked examples

3-ton split reuse ducts

AC + furnace changeout, reuse ducts, new line set and stat, mid tier.

Often mid-four to low-five figures installed nationally. Compare three bids with identical SEER2/HSPF2 tiers and labor warranty.

3-ton heat pump full ducts

Full duct replace, heat pump, premium tier.

Duct labor dominates calendar (multi-week). Panel capacity check before signing — heat pumps can need larger circuits.

AC-only 2.5 ton

Outdoor + coil, reuse furnace, reuse line set.

Lower than full split but verify coil match and refrigerant type. Low bids missing line set replacement may fail inspection.

What this does not include

  • Manual J load calculation file
  • Duct cleaning only (no replace)
  • Zoning damper redesign
  • Asbestos abatement on old duct wrap
  • Utility rebate filing unless contractor offers it

Regional adjustment

Heat-pump adoption and cold-climate performance standards vary by state; northern installs may need auxiliary heat and higher HSPF2 targets. Labor runs 20–35% above median in dense coastal metros. Rebates change yearly — confirm program ID on `/home/cost/hvac-replacement` and utility sites.

Accuracy and references

Equipment and install bands reference RSMeans HVAC residential medians and AHRI directory requirements for matched systems. Refrigerant type must follow EPA and manufacturer spec for the unit selected.

Counterpart bridge

Pricing this on the contractor side?

This page interprets quotes and budgets from the buyer’s chair. The matching pro tool uses the same scope logic to build a defensible price.

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For trade owners

Pricing this job as a contractor?

Homeowners see national ranges on this page. If you are building the estimate, use the same scope assumptions — then price to burdened labor, overhead recovery and a real margin.

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Common questions

Is this free?
Yes — runs in your browser, no account required.
Do I need new ducts?
Reuse is fine when sized correctly and sealed; replace when collapsed, moldy, or undersized for added tonnage.
What is AHRI matching?
Outdoor and indoor units must appear on AHRI as a rated pair — mismatched pairs can void rebates and efficiency claims.
How long is install?
Changeout often 1–3 days; full duct jobs can run 1–3 weeks with drywall repair.
Should line set be replaced?
Many manufacturers recommend new line set on conversion or after acid burnout — ask explicitly.
What inspections apply?
Electrical disconnect, gas if furnace, and mechanical final — varies by city.
Can I phase furnace and AC?
Yes, but matched efficiency and rebates may require simultaneous upgrade — model both in planner scenarios.
What warranty matters?
Labor warranty (1–2 years) separate from parts — get both in writing.
Why do bids spread so much?
Equipment tier, duct scope, line set, and warranty drive spread — normalize scope before price.
Is bigger tonnage better?
No — oversizing short-cycles, hurts comfort and humidity control. Size from load calc.
Does this include rebates?
No — subtract eligible rebates after you confirm equipment SKU with your utility.

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