Replacing a 5-ton air conditioner and a matched furnace typically costs buyers between $9,000 and $18,000 depending on equipment efficiency, ductwork condition, and local labor. This cost guide gives realistic low-average-high pricing and the main drivers that affect the final price for a complete 5-ton AC and furnace replacement.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Ton AC + Furnace Full Replacement | $9,000 | $12,500 | $18,000 | Assumptions: 5-ton, 14-16 SEER AC, 80-96% AFUE furnace, minimal duct repair, suburban U.S. |
| AC Unit Only (5-ton) | $4,000 | $6,500 | $9,000 | Includes condenser, coil, basic install |
| Furnace Only | $2,500 | $4,000 | $6,000 | Variable by AFUE and gas/electric |
Content Navigation
- Typical Total Price for Replacing a 5-Ton AC and Matched Furnace
- Line-Item Costs: Materials, Labor, Equipment, Permits, and Disposal
- How SEER Rating, AFUE, and Duct Condition Raise or Lower the Quote
- Common Site Conditions That Increase Labor and Equipment Fees
- How to Lower the Cost When Replacing a 5-Ton AC and Furnace
- Regional Price Variations and What To Expect By Market
- Three Real-World Quote Examples With Specs and Totals
Typical Total Price for Replacing a 5-Ton AC and Matched Furnace
Most U.S. homeowners pay $9,000-$18,000 for a full 5-ton AC and furnace swap with standard duct access and mid-range equipment.
Low-end jobs ($9,000-$10,500) assume 14 SEER AC, 80% AFUE furnace, straight swap in easy-access attic or closet, and no major duct repairs. Average jobs ($11,500-$13,500) assume 15-16 SEER AC, 90% AFUE furnace, some thermostat and minor duct balancing. High-end jobs ($14,500-$18,000+) assume 18+ SEER, 95%+ AFUE, new zoning, significant duct modification, or restrictive access.
Assumptions: Medium-size single-family home (2,000-3,000 sq ft), typical suburban install.
Line-Item Costs: Materials, Labor, Equipment, Permits, and Disposal
Breaking the quote into parts helps compare bids and spot padded line items.
| Cost Component | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (units, coils, thermostats) | $3,500 | $5,500 | $9,000 |
| Labor (installation crew) | $1,500 | $2,500 | $4,000 |
| Equipment Rental & Rigging | $0 | $200 | $1,200 |
| Permits & Inspections | $100 | $300 | $900 |
| Delivery/Disposal | $100 | $200 | $600 |
Assumptions: Labor hours 10-30 hours, installer rates $75-$125 per hour depending on market.
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How SEER Rating, AFUE, and Duct Condition Raise or Lower the Quote
SEER and AFUE are strong, predictable cost drivers—each jump in efficiency typically adds $800-$2,000 per major increment.
SEER threshold examples: 14 SEER = baseline; 16 SEER adds roughly $1,000-$1,800; 18+ SEER adds $1,800-$3,500. Furnace AFUE examples: 80% to 90% adds $500-$1,200; 96%+ condensing furnaces can add $1,000-$2,500 and require PVC venting changes.
Ductwork condition: minimal repairs add $200-$800; moderate sealing/insulation $800-$2,500; full duct replacement or major resizing $3,000-$8,000.
Common Site Conditions That Increase Labor and Equipment Fees
Restricted access, multi-story rigs, or long refrigerant lines can add $500-$3,500 in labor and equipment costs.
Examples: rooftop condenser with crane or hoist adds $500-$2,500; long refrigerant runs over 50‑75 feet can add $400-$1,200 for extra line set and labor; units in tight basements or crawlspaces add $300-$1,200 in labor. Permit tiers in some municipalities add $200-$900.
How to Lower the Cost When Replacing a 5-Ton AC and Furnace
Buyers control timing, scope, and material grade—saving via off-season scheduling and accepting mid-range efficiency saves the most.
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Cost reduction tactics: schedule install in late fall or early spring to get lower labor rates; accept 15-16 SEER rather than 18+ for $1,000-$2,000 savings; repair rather than replace undamaged duct runs; get three written quotes and compare line items; trade-in or bundle with a single contractor for minor discounts.
Regional Price Variations and What To Expect By Market
Prices vary roughly ±15%-30% between low-cost and high-cost U.S. markets.
Examples: Rural Midwest and parts of the South typically land 10%-20% below national average; coastal metro areas (California, Northeast) and parts of Alaska/Hawaii run 20%-30% higher. Use the average ranges above then adjust by ±15%-25% for your ZIP code.
Three Real-World Quote Examples With Specs and Totals
Concrete examples help translate ranges into real bids.
| Scenario | Spec | Labor Hrs | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Swap | 5-ton, 14 SEER, 80% AFUE, minimal duct | 12 | $9,200 |
| Mid-Range | 5-ton, 16 SEER, 92% AFUE, minor duct sealing | 18 | $12,800 |
| High-End | 5-ton, 18 SEER, 96%+ AFUE, zoning, duct replace | 28 | $17,600 |
Assumptions: labor rates $85-$110/hr depending on market; includes basic permits and disposal.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
- Prioritize Quality Over Cost
The most critical factor in any HVAC project is the quality of the installation. Don’t compromise on contractor expertise just to save money. - Check for Rebates
Always research current rebates and incentives — they can significantly reduce your overall cost. - Compare Multiple Quotes
Request at least three estimates before making your choice. You can click here to get three free quotes from local professionals. These quotes include available rebates and tax credits and automatically exclude unqualified contractors. - Negotiate Smartly
Once you've chosen a contractor, use the proven strategies from our guide — How Homeowners Can Negotiate with HVAC Dealers — to get the best possible final price.