Cost to Replace an AC Unit and Furnace: Typical Prices and Ranges 2026

Replacing an AC unit and furnace together typically ranges from $5,500 to $14,000 depending on equipment size, efficiency, and installation complexity; this article gives realistic cost ranges and the main drivers of the combined replacement cost. The phrase cost to replace an AC unit and furnace is central to the estimates below and reflects combined equipment, labor, permits, and disposal charges.

Item	Low	Average	High	Notes
Basic 2‑5 ton AC + 80% AFUE furnace	$5,500	$8,500	$11,000	Standard efficiency, single‑stage units, typical installation
Mid‑range 3‑4 ton AC + 95% AFUE furnace	$7,000	$10,500	$13,500	Two‑stage AC or variable‑speed furnace, improved ductwork
High‑efficiency 3‑5 ton AC + 98% AFUE modulating furnace	$9,500	$12,500	$17,000	High SEER, multi‑stage, complex retrofits, coastal or difficult access

Typical Total Price For Replacing Both Outdoor AC Unit And Indoor Furnace

Most U.S. homeowners pay between $7,000 and $12,000 to replace both an outdoor air conditioner and an indoor gas furnace.

Assumptions: 3.5‑4 ton system, 80–95% AFUE furnace, standard single‑story home, normal access, no major duct changes. Low end assumes basic units and minimal labor; average assumes mid‑efficiency equipment and minor duct sealing; high end includes high‑efficiency units and moderate retrofits. Per‑unit equipment prices typically run $2,000‑$5,500 for the condenser and $900‑$5,000 for the furnace depending on AFUE and features.

Assumptions: National median labor rates, standard materials, normal access.

Price Breakdown By Materials, Labor, Equipment, And Permits

Breaking the quote into parts helps compare contractor bids and spot padding or missing items.

Materials	Labor	Equipment	Permits	Delivery/Disposal
$1,500-$9,000	$1,200-$3,500	$2,900-$10,500	$50-$500	$100-$500
Indoor furnace, refrigerant, coil, refrigerant lines	4-16 hours × crew; includes duct sealing	AC condenser, furnace, thermostats	Local building permit and inspection	Remove old units, haul and disposal fee

Typical contractor labor rates: $75-$125 per hour depending on region and license level.

How Unit Size (Tons), SEER Rating, And AFUE Change The Final Quote

Key variables: AC tonnage, SEER rating, furnace AFUE, and whether the furnace is single‑stage, two‑stage, or modulating.

Examples of thresholds: upgrading AC from 13 SEER to 16 SEER typically adds $800-$2,000; moving from 80% AFUE to 95% AFUE furnace adds $700-$2,000. Increasing tonnage from 3 to 4 tons can add $400-$1,200 in equipment and $200-$600 in labor for extra line set length or electrical upgrades.

Other drivers include refrigerant type (R‑22 retrofit or R‑410A), coil match requirements, and required electrical service upgrades (see thresholds below).

• R‑22 vs R‑410A: R‑22 conversions or reclaimed refrigerant can cost $1,000+ extra.
• Electrical service upgrade: 100A to 200A may add $1,500-$3,500.

Practical Ways To Lower The Replacement Price For Both Units

Control scope and timing: replace in shoulder seasons, accept mid‑range SEER/AFUE, and prepare the site to reduce labor hours.

Actions that reduce cost: schedule in spring or fall when demand is lower; keep existing ductwork in good shape instead of full replacement; remove old equipment and clear access before the crew arrives; get multiple detailed quotes and request equipment‑only pricing to compare markup. Avoid unnecessary upsells like oversized filtration packages unless needed.

How Prices Vary By U.S. Region And Climate

Expect 10%–25% price differences between low‑cost rural markets and high‑cost urban/coastal markets.

Estimated deltas: Midwest and South baseline pricing; Northeast and West Coast typically +10%–20%; urban areas or coastal zones with higher labor costs and permit fees can be +15%–30%. Climate affects recommended equipment: hot/humid climates often justify higher SEER and dehumidification add‑ons, increasing cost by several hundred dollars.

Typical Labor Time, Crew Size, And Scheduling For Combined Replacement

A standard combined replacement typically takes one crew 8–16 hours over 1–2 days for a straightforward swap.

Crew size: 2–3 technicians for typical residential installs. Complex conversions (oil to gas, change in venting, significant ductwork) can take 2–4 days and require multiple trades, increasing labor to $1,500–$4,000. Rush or weekend jobs often add 10%–30% in labor fees.

Common Add‑Ons, Disposal Fees, And Permit Costs To Expect

Quotes often exclude add‑ons like ductwork repairs, new thermostats, refrigerant recharging, and electrical upgrades—these add $200-$4,000.

Item	Typical Range	When It Applies
Duct repair/sealing	$300-$2,500	Leaky or undersized ducts
Thermostat (smart)	$100-$400	Upgrade from basic non‑programmable
Refrigerant recharge	$150-$600	Minor leaks or added refrigerant
Disposal fee	$50-$300	Removing old AC/furnace
Permit & inspection	$50-$500	Local code requirements

Request itemized quotes to compare line‑by‑line. Checking warranties and estimated annual operating cost differences between efficiency levels can also reveal whether a higher upfront price makes sense.