Estimate a new HVAC system from home size, system type and whether ductwork is included.
Quick answer: A full HVAC system for a 2,000 sq ft home at a typical $6 per square foot comes to about $12,000 installed. Removing the old system adds roughly $400 and a permit about $250, so a 12% contingency puts the planning figure near $14,200. Heat pumps and new ductwork raise the number.
sq ft of home
$/sq
Typical U.S. range: $4–$12 per sq ft of living space
$
$
%
Estimated total
$14,168
2,000 sq ft of home at $6
Cost per sq
$7
Total divided by quantity
Cost breakdown
Materials (60% of base)$7,200
Labour (40% of base)$4,800
Old system removal$400
Permits & fees$250
Contingency (12%)$1,518
Estimated total$14,168
Plausible planning band: $11,480 to $17,528 — roughly ±20% around your unit price, before any regional or seasonal swing.
This is a planning estimate built from the unit price you enter. Real quotes depend on your region, season, site access and the contractor — get at least three.
Core facts
Typical U.S. range
$4–$12 per sq ft of living space
Priced by
Home size and the system you choose
Cost split
About 40% labor, 60% equipment
Often extra
Ductwork, electrical and thermostat
What is HVAC Cost Calculator?
Heating and cooling is quoted as a whole-system price rather than a per-room one, because the equipment has to be sized for the entire house. This calculator scales a typical installed cost by your home's living area, then lets you pick which part of the system you are buying: air conditioning alone, a furnace alone, a full system, a heat pump, or a package that includes new ductwork. New ductwork is the biggest single add-on, since it means opening walls or ceilings and running a new distribution system. Removal of the old equipment and any permit are separate editable lines.
Common uses for HVAC Cost Calculator
Budget a replacement furnace or air conditioner before quotes
Compare a furnace plus AC against a heat pump system
See how much adding new ductwork would change the job
Plan a heating and cooling upgrade for the whole house
Why square footage is only a starting point
The right system size depends on how much heat your house gains and loses, which is a product of insulation, window area and quality, air sealing, ceiling height and local climate. Two houses of identical size can need different equipment. Use area to set a rough budget, then insist on a room-by-room load calculation before you sign anything.
Ductwork: the hidden line item
Ducts are out of sight, and often out of the quote. If the existing ductwork is undersized, leaking or routed poorly, a new high-efficiency unit cannot deliver its rated performance. Replacing ducts means opening ceilings or walls, which is why it can rival the equipment cost. Ask whether the ducts will be tested and sealed. Sealed and balanced ducts often improve comfort more than a larger unit would.
Planning the replacement before it fails
Heating and cooling equipment rarely dies at a convenient time. If your system is old and has needed repeated repairs, budget for replacement in advance so you can compare quotes calmly rather than accepting an emergency price. Ask about warranties, refrigerant type and filter access, and remember that a slightly higher-efficiency unit only pays back if the ducts and the house envelope are in reasonable shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new HVAC system cost?
Typical installed figures run from roughly $4 to $12 per square foot of living space depending on the system, the region and whether ductwork is included. A straightforward replacement of an existing furnace or air conditioner costs far less than a full system with new ducts. Get several local quotes.
Is a heat pump cheaper to run than a furnace?
It depends on your climate, your electricity and gas rates and the efficiency of the equipment being compared. Heat pumps move heat rather than burning fuel, which is efficient in mild and moderate climates, while very cold regions need a cold-climate model or a backup source. Compare running costs, not just purchase price.
How do I know what size system I need?
Correct sizing comes from a load calculation that accounts for your home's insulation, windows, orientation and air leakage, not just square footage. Square footage is a rough planning proxy. An oversized system short-cycles and dehumidifies poorly, so ask any contractor for the calculation behind their recommendation.
How long does an HVAC installation take?
Replacing a furnace or air conditioner is usually a one-day job. A full system with new ductwork can take several days to over a week, because ducts run through walls, attics or crawl spaces. Permit inspection and equipment availability are the usual sources of delay.