New AC, furnace and heat pump installation, quoted properly
Installation quality matters more than the brand on the box. Our screened partners run a Manual J load calculation, check your ductwork, and quote a right-sized system in writing — instead of swapping in whatever tonnage was there before.
Warning signs
What to look for
- The system is 12+ years old
- Efficiency drops and parts get scarce. Replacing on your schedule is far cheaper than replacing during a July breakdown.
- Repairs are stacking up
- Two or more service calls in a season, or a repair quote above roughly a third of a new system, tips the math toward replacement.
- It uses R-22 refrigerant
- R-22 is phased out and priced accordingly. Any significant leak on an R-22 unit usually makes replacement the better value.
- Rooms never reach the setpoint
- Often an undersized or oversized system paired with leaky ducts. A load calculation and duct evaluation fix the root cause.
- You want lower bills and rebates
- High-SEER2 heat pumps qualify for federal tax credits and many utility rebates, which can cut thousands off the installed price.
Scope of work
What's included
- Manual J load calculation to size the system to your actual home
- Ductwork inspection, sealing recommendations and static pressure evaluation
- Side-by-side equipment options across efficiency tiers with operating-cost estimates
- Removal and EPA-compliant disposal of the old equipment and refrigerant
- New line set or flush, pad, disconnect, condensate management and thermostat
- Permits, code compliance and post-install commissioning with documented readings
- Federal tax credit and utility rebate paperwork guidance
- Manufacturer warranty registration plus written labor warranty terms
Typical installed system cost
$5,500 – $14,000
A straight AC or furnace replacement sits at the low end. Full system changeouts, high-efficiency heat pumps, ductwork modifications and multi-zone mini-split setups run higher. Tax credits and utility rebates often reduce the net cost significantly.
National averages shown for orientation only. Your itemized quote comes from an independent licensed contractor after an on-site inspection.
Questions
New System Install FAQ
How long does an installation take?
A straightforward AC or furnace changeout is usually one day. A full system replacement with ductwork changes or a multi-zone mini-split can take two to three days.
Do I need a load calculation, or can you match my old size?
Insist on a load calculation. Homes change with new windows, insulation and additions, and an oversized system short cycles, dehumidifies poorly and wears out early.
Heat pump or furnace?
In mild and moderate climates a heat pump usually wins on operating cost and qualifies for more incentives. In very cold regions a cold-climate heat pump with gas or electric backup, or a high-efficiency furnace with AC, may still be the better fit.
What rebates and tax credits are available?
Federal energy-efficiency tax credits cover a percentage of qualifying heat pump and high-efficiency equipment costs, and many utilities add their own rebates. Your contractor confirms current amounts and eligible models for your address.
Should I replace the AC and furnace together?
If both are near end of life, yes. Matched indoor and outdoor equipment hits its rated efficiency, keeps warranties clean and avoids paying twice for labor.
What warranty should I expect?
Typically 10 years on parts with registration, and one to two years of labor from the installer. Get both in writing on the quote, along with what happens if the system fails to hit its rated performance.