HVAC Installation Cost Calculator

Typical 2026 turnkey installs: 3-ton central AC $7,000-$10,700. 3-ton heat pump $9,500-$19,500 (varies with SEER2 rating). 80,000 BTU 80% AFUE furnace $3,500-$6,500. 2-zone mini-split (about 2 tons) $7,000-$14,000; a 3-zone/3-ton system runs roughly $8,800-$17,500. Geothermal $20,000-$40,000. Add about $6,000 if all-new ductwork is needed ($1,200 to just seal fair ducts). Labor typically runs 50-60% of total cost.

SEER2 is a 2023 efficiency rating that replaced SEER under stricter DOE testing. Higher = more efficient. Minimum SEER2 by region: 13.4 in northern states, 14.3 in southern states. Premium models reach 20-26 SEER2. Stepping from 14 to 18 SEER2 typically pays back in 7-12 years through energy savings; 20+ SEER2 often does not pencil out except in hot climates with high cooling bills.

A Manual J load calculation considers home square footage, insulation level, window area, climate zone, occupant count, and air leakage. Rule-of-thumb is 1 ton per 500-600 sq ft, but oversizing reduces efficiency (short cycling, poor dehumidification) and undersizing means inadequate comfort on extreme days. Demand a written Manual J from contractors - refuse "experience-based" sizing.

The federal Section 25C credit (30% of cost, up to $600 for AC/furnaces or $2,000 for qualifying heat pumps) was repealed by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for property placed in service after December 31, 2025, so it no longer applies to 2026+ installations. State rebates may still apply: CA TECH Clean California; MA Mass Save up to $10,000 for heat pumps. Utility rebates: $500-$2,000 typical for high-efficiency systems. Many states administer the IRA HEEHRA rebate program - up to $8,000 for heat pump installation in low/moderate-income households.