HVAC Installation Cost Calculator

Typical 2026 turnkey installs: 3-ton central AC $5,500-$8,500. 3-ton heat pump $7,500-$15,000 (varies with SEER2 rating). 80,000 BTU 80% AFUE furnace $3,500-$6,500. 3-zone mini-split $7,000-$14,000. Geothermal $20,000-$40,000. Add $3,000-$8,000 if new ductwork is needed. 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.

Federal Section 25C: 30% of cost up to $600 for AC, $2,000 for qualifying heat pumps. State rebates: NY 25C+; 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.