Furnace and AC replacement cost (2026)

If your AC died and your furnace is the same age, a contractor will probably quote you both. Here's what published sources say a combined furnace and central AC replacement costs, what moves the price, and how to tell if your quote is in a reasonable spot.

Published price ranges

For comparison, here's what the same sources list for each piece on its own:

HVACFIND's typical combined price ($11,650) is less than its furnace and AC prices added together ($12,400). Angi also says installing both at once can cost less than doing them separately, since the crew, permit and duct and electrical work are shared.

These are published estimates from third parties, not HVAC Quote Check data. They measure slightly different things, and your price depends on your home, region and scope. See our separate guides for furnace and central AC replacement costs.

What moves the price

Size. Bigger homes need more cooling tons and more furnace BTUs. A proper load calculation (ACCA Manual J) should set the size, not the old unit's label. ASHRAE warns that rules of thumb almost always lead to oversized systems.

AC efficiency (SEER2). Since January 1, 2023, DOE requires new split-system ACs to meet at least 13.4 SEER2 in the North. In the Southeast and Southwest, it's 14.3 SEER2 for systems under 45,000 Btu/h and 13.8 SEER2 for larger ones. Higher-SEER2 and two-stage or variable-speed units cost more upfront.

Furnace efficiency (AFUE) and venting. High-efficiency (90%+ AFUE) condensing furnaces need PVC venting and a condensate drain. Switching from an 80% furnace can add venting work.

Furnace staging and blower. Single-stage is cheapest. Two-stage and modulating furnaces, and variable-speed blowers, cost more but run quieter and more evenly.

Brand and tier. Angi says lower-cost brands can come in around $3,000 for the system while premium brands are often $6,000 or more, before labor.

Scope. Is the indoor coil included? New line set? Pad? Thermostat? Duct changes? Gas line work? Permit? Haul-away? Each one moves the total.

Labor and location. Angi estimates labor around $1,500. BLS data shows HVAC technician pay varies a lot by state, from a mean of $24.67 an hour in Alabama to $37.91 in Washington (May 2025), versus $31.14 nationally.

Should you replace both at once?

Often it makes sense, but not always.

Reasons to do both:

• The furnace's blower moves air for the AC too. A new AC paired with an old furnace and coil may not hit its rated efficiency. The SEER2 rating is for a matched system, which you can check in the AHRI Directory.
• Shared labor, permit and setup can lower the combined price.
• Angi notes some manufacturers may not honor warranties on new equipment combined with older components.

Reasons to wait:

• The furnace is fairly new and working well. Angi says furnaces can last much longer than ACs.
• Budget. A working furnace you replace later isn't wasted money today.

Ask the contractor to quote both options: AC and coil only, and AC plus furnace. Then you can see what the furnace really adds.

Consider a heat pump quote too

When the AC and furnace both need replacing, it's worth getting one quote for a heat pump or a dual-fuel system (heat pump plus gas furnace backup). A heat pump replaces the AC and handles most or all of your heating. HVACFIND's typical heat pump replacement is $9,750, compared with $11,650 for AC plus furnace, though cold climates may need more capacity or backup heat. See is $15,000 too much for a heat pump? for how to read heat pump quotes.

Tax credits and rebates

The federal 25C credit used to cover 30% of a qualifying central AC or furnace, up to $600 each. The IRS says it isn't allowed for property placed in service after December 31, 2025, so it doesn't apply to a 2026 install.

Some utilities still offer discounts. In Iowa, MidAmerican Energy lists instant discounts on central ACs and gas furnaces through participating contractors. In New Jersey, PSE&G offers instant rebates and on-bill repayment for its customers. Check your state's full system cost page for what we've found.

What homeowners have posted

We collect full-system prices homeowners posted publicly on forums like Reddit and DIY Chatroom. We haven't verified them, and they don't count in our price ranges, but they show how wide quotes run. A few from our full HVAC system cost page:

• Northwest Alabama, 2023: $9,000 quoted for furnace and AC.
• Northern Iowa: $7,860 paid for a 95% furnace and a 1.5-ton AC.
• Michigan: $9,000 quoted for a two-stage 80,000 BTU furnace and a 2.5-ton AC.
• California, 2024: $14,150 quoted for a 5-ton AC, 80% furnace and coil with duct repairs, not counting $1,275 in permits and testing.
• Long Island, NY, 2025: three quotes from $17,300 to $18,500 for a two-stage furnace, AC and coil.

FAQ

How much does it cost to replace a furnace and AC together?

HVACFIND's 2026 index puts a typical AC and furnace replacement at $11,650 for a 1,500–2,500 sq ft home, with a range of $8,550 to $15,850. Angi reports a $7,500 average and a $5,000–$12,500 typical range.

Is it cheaper to replace the furnace and AC at the same time?

Usually it's cheaper than doing them separately later. HVACFIND's typical combined price is lower than its separate furnace and AC prices added together, and Angi says shared labor and setup can save money.

Should I replace my furnace if only my AC is broken?

Not always. If the furnace is newer and working well, replacing just the AC and indoor coil can make sense. Ask for both options in writing so you can compare.

Is there a tax credit for a new furnace or AC in 2026?

No federal one. The IRS says the 25C credit ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Some utilities still offer rebates or instant discounts.

What should a furnace and AC quote include?

Model numbers for the furnace, coil and condenser; tonnage, SEER2 and AFUE; line set, pad, electrical, venting, thermostat, permit, haul-away and the labor warranty. See how to compare HVAC quotes.

Full HVAC system (AC + furnace or air handler) cost by state

Heating mix, HVAC labor pay and current rebate status for each state, with sources, plus any quotes homeowners there have posted:

Sources

Updated 2026-10-21.