Good (No repairs/replacement needed)
Fair (Minor repairs/sealing needed)
Poor (Significant repairs or full replacement needed)
Estimated Installation Cost
$0
This is an estimated cost. Actual prices may vary based on your specific location, chosen brands, contractor rates, and the complexity of the installation.
Understanding HVAC Installation Costs
Installing a new HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is a significant investment for any homeowner. The total cost can vary widely depending on several factors, from the size of your home to the type and efficiency of the system you choose. This calculator provides an estimated range to help you budget for your HVAC project.
Key Factors Influencing HVAC Installation Costs:
Home Size (Square Footage): Larger homes require more powerful (and typically more expensive) systems. The capacity of the HVAC unit is directly related to the square footage it needs to condition.
System Type: Different HVAC systems have different complexities and costs.
Central AC + Furnace: A common and often cost-effective option, combining separate heating and cooling units.
Heat Pump: Offers both heating and cooling from a single unit, generally more energy-efficient in moderate climates but can be more expensive upfront than traditional furnaces.
Ductless Mini-Splits: Ideal for homes without existing ductwork or for targeted room conditioning. They offer high efficiency but can be costly per zone.
Boiler + Radiators: Typically used for heating-only systems, often found in older homes. Installation can be complex if replacing an existing forced-air system.
Energy Efficiency Rating: Higher efficiency ratings (like SEER for cooling and AFUE for heating) mean lower energy bills over time but come with a higher initial purchase price.
Ductwork: The condition and type of your existing ductwork are crucial. If ductwork needs repair, sealing, or complete replacement, it adds significantly to the installation cost.
Additional Features: Options like smart thermostats, advanced air filtration, zoning systems, and extended warranties can increase the overall price.
Labor Costs: Installation complexity, local labor rates, and the contractor you choose will impact the final price.
How the Calculator Works:
Our calculator uses a baseline cost per square foot that varies based on the selected system type and efficiency. These base costs are then adjusted for ductwork condition. Finally, any additional features selected are added to the total.
The approximate base cost ranges used are:
Central AC + Furnace (Standard): $3.50 – $5.50 per sq ft
Central AC + Furnace (High Efficiency): $4.50 – $7.00 per sq ft
Central AC + Furnace (Premium): $6.00 – $9.00 per sq ft
Heat Pump (Standard): $4.00 – $6.00 per sq ft
Heat Pump (High Efficiency): $5.00 – $7.50 per sq ft
Heat Pump (Premium): $6.50 – $9.50 per sq ft
Ductless Mini-Split (per zone, assuming 1.5 zones per 1000 sq ft): $500 – $1000 per zone
Boiler + Radiators (Standard): $4.00 – $6.50 per sq ft
Boiler + Radiators (High Efficiency): $5.00 – $8.00 per sq ft
Ductwork adjustments:
Good: +0%
Fair: +5% to +15%
Poor: +15% to +30% (or more if full replacement is needed)
These are generalized figures and actual market prices may differ.
By inputting your home's details, you can get a realistic starting point for your HVAC replacement or new installation budget. Remember to get multiple quotes from reputable HVAC professionals in your area for the most accurate pricing.
function calculateHVACCost() {
var sqFt = parseFloat(document.getElementById("squareFootage").value);
var systemType = document.getElementById("systemType").value;
var efficiency = document.getElementById("efficiencyRating").value;
var ductwork = document.getElementById("ductworkCondition").value;
var additionalFeatures = parseFloat(document.getElementById("additionalFeatures").value) || 0;
var baseCostPerSqFt = 0;
var ductworkMultiplier = 1.0;
var systemTypeModifier = 1.0;
// Base cost calculations
if (systemType === "central_ac_furnace") {
if (efficiency === "standard") {
baseCostPerSqFt = Math.random() * (5.50 – 3.50) + 3.50;
} else if (efficiency === "high_efficiency") {
baseCostPerSqFt = Math.random() * (7.00 – 4.50) + 4.50;
} else { // premium
baseCostPerSqFt = Math.random() * (9.00 – 6.00) + 6.00;
}
} else if (systemType === "heat_pump") {
if (efficiency === "standard") {
baseCostPerSqFt = Math.random() * (6.00 – 4.00) + 4.00;
} else if (efficiency === "high_efficiency") {
baseCostPerSqFt = Math.random() * (7.50 – 5.00) + 5.00;
} else { // premium
baseCostPerSqFt = Math.random() * (9.50 – 6.50) + 6.50;
}
} else if (systemType === "ductless_mini_split") {
// Mini-splits are often priced per zone, and the number of zones depends on sq ft.
// Assume roughly 1 zone per 600-800 sq ft for simplicity in this model.
var zones = Math.ceil(sqFt / 700);
var costPerZone = Math.random() * (1000 – 500) + 500;
var estimatedCost = zones * costPerZone;
// Apply efficiency and ductwork modifiers if relevant, though less common for mini-splits
if (efficiency === "high_efficiency") {
estimatedCost *= 1.1; // Example: 10% premium for high efficiency
} else if (efficiency === "premium") {
estimatedCost *= 1.2; // Example: 20% premium
}
// Ductwork is usually bypassed with mini-splits, but we'll still apply a small modifier for complexity if needed
if (ductwork === "fair") {
estimatedCost *= 1.05;
} else if (ductwork === "poor") {
estimatedCost *= 1.10;
}
document.getElementById("result-value").innerText = "$" + estimatedCost.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("result").style.display = "block";
return; // Exit function for mini-split calculation
} else if (systemType === "boiler_radiators") {
if (efficiency === "standard") {
baseCostPerSqFt = Math.random() * (6.50 – 4.00) + 4.00;
} else { // high_efficiency or premium (grouping for simplicity)
baseCostPerSqFt = Math.random() * (8.00 – 5.00) + 5.00;
}
}
// Ductwork adjustments
if (ductwork === "fair") {
ductworkMultiplier = 1.10; // 10% increase for fair condition
} else if (ductwork === "poor") {
ductworkMultiplier = 1.25; // 25% increase for poor condition
}
// — Basic Input Validation —
if (isNaN(sqFt) || sqFt <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid square footage.");
return;
}
var estimatedBaseCost = sqFt * baseCostPerSqFt;
var adjustedCost = estimatedBaseCost * ductworkMultiplier;
var totalCost = adjustedCost + additionalFeatures;
document.getElementById("result-value").innerText = "$" + totalCost.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("result").style.display = "block";
}