On average, replacing an AC and gas furnace system in a 2,200-square-foot home costs about $8,386 for a 14.3 SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) unit. The typical low-end price of a 12.4 SEER2 system is $5,720. The high-end price is $14,883 for a 16.1 SEER2 system. Your final cost depends on several factors, including the type of system you choose, its efficiency rating, and the complexity of the installation.
In this guide, we’ll guide you through what you can expect to pay, how system types and SEER2 ratings affect price, installation costs, and what to consider when shopping for a system that suits your home and budget.
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HVAC Replacement Costs by System Type
Choosing the right HVAC system is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your home’s comfort and efficiency. There are five systems to consider: AC and gas furnaces, AC and electric furnaces, heat pump and air handlers, dual fuel systems, and air conditioner-only systems.
You’ll also need to think about the SEER2 rating, which measures how efficiently a system cools your home over an entire season. Generally, the higher the SEER2 rating, the more efficient the system is. SEER2 systems with higher ratings also tend to cost more.
For a 2,200-square-foot home, here’s what you can expect to pay across different system types, based on low (12.4 SEER2), high (16.1 SEER2), and average (14.3 SEER2) price points:
| System Type | Low Cost | High Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC & gas furnace | $5,720 | $14,883 | $8,386 |
| AC & electric furnace | $5,113 | $13,245 | $7,446 |
| Heat pump & air handler | $5,645 | $14,680 | $8,269 |
| Dual fuel system | $7,339 | $19,249 | $10,890 |
| Air conditioner only | $5,268 | $13,662 | $7,685 |
HVAC Replacement Cost Breakdown
When planning your HVAC replacement, it’s important to understand what you’re paying for. Costs aren’t just about the equipment—they also include labor and local permits, if applicable. Labor typically accounts for a big portion of the bill, covering installation, wiring, refrigerant handling, and testing. Permits, which ensure the system complies with local codes, typically cost a few hundred dollars. Finally, if your ductwork is damaged or outdated, you may need to budget for repairs or replacement.
Here’s a breakdown of these cost components based on a 2,200-square-foot 14.3 SEER2 system:
| Cost Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Equipment (unit) | $4,935–$8,933 |
| Labor | $1,299–$2,960 |
| Total | $6,234–$11,893 |
Add-ons for an HVAC Installation
Beyond the basics, some optional add-ons can improve comfort and efficiency. These include smart thermostats, zoning systems (which let you control temperatures in different parts of the house), ductwork repairs or replacements, and air purification systems. While these extras can increase your upfront cost, they often pay off in improved comfort and long-term energy savings.
| Additional Charge | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Thermostat | $39–$217 |
| Ductwork Replacement | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Permits | $250–$400 |
How Do I Determine the Tonnage or SEER2 Rating?
Tonnage refers to your system’s cooling capacity, not its weight. One ton equals 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. You’ll typically need a 3.5-ton system for a 2,200-square-foot home, depending on your home’s insulation, layout, and climate. SEER2 ratings reflect energy efficiency; the minimum today is 12.4 SEER2, but upgrading to 16.1 SEER2 can significantly reduce energy bills.
The table below summarizes the average, low, and high costs for an AC and gas furnace system type in a 2,200-square-foot home, based on 12.4–16.1 SEER2 systems.
| SEER2 Rating and System Type | Low Cost | High Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12.4 SEER2 (AC & gas furnace) | $5,720 | $10,962 | $7,673 |
| 13.4 SEER2 (AC & gas furnace) | $5,916 | $11,316 | $7,944 |
| 14.3 SEER2 (AC & gas furnace) | $6,234 | $11,893 | $8,386 |
| 15.2 SEER2 (AC & gas furnace) | $6,200 | $11,830 | $8,338 |
| 16.1 SEER2 (AC & gas furnace) | $7,887 | $14,883 | $10,676 |
Note that SEER2 requirements vary by region. For example, the Southeast and Southwest regions require a minimum of 14.3 SEER2 for new central air conditioners. Lower-rated units, such as those with a 12.4 SEER2, are no longer widely available due to updated federal efficiency standards. Your contractor can help you ensure your unit meets requirements.
How Does My Location Affect Cost?
Where you live can significantly impact the cost of your new HVAC system. Labor rates are generally higher in urban and coastal areas, typically accounting for five hours per unit of installation time. In areas with difficult installation conditions, expect to pay on the higher end of the labor range. The high end of labor costs typically comes from the Northeast and Hawaii, ranging as high as $2,960 for a 2,200-square-foot home. On the contrary, the South is normally the cheapest, with some areas having labor costs as low as $1,400.
Editor’s note: Although this article discusses SEER2 ratings in the context of AC and gas furnace split systems, SEER2 applies only to the air conditioning portion. SEER2 measures cooling efficiency and does not apply to the heating performance of gas furnaces.
FAQs About Air Conditioner Costs for a 2,200-Square-Foot Home
What are the signs that I need to replace rather than repair my existing AC?
Several indicators suggest replacement might be better than a repair for your air conditioner. If your system is over 10–15 years old, replacement is often more cost-effective as efficiency has improved significantly since your existing unit’s installation. Another sign is frequent repairs, especially when they exceed $500 annually. Finally, if a repair costs more than half the price of a new system, replacement is usually the better investment, especially for systems nearing the end of their service life.
How do I prepare my 2,200-square-foot home for an HVAC installation?
Preparing your home before the HVAC installation can help the process go smoothly. First, clear a path from all exterior doors to the installation area—technicians will need to bring in large equipment. Remove any valuables or decorative items from the installation area and adjacent spaces to prevent damage. For a 2,200-square-foot home, ensure the technicians have access to both indoor and outdoor installation locations, including attics, basements, or utility closets.
How can I make my new HVAC system more energy-efficient?
Beyond selecting a high SEER2 rating, several strategies can maximize your new HVAC system’s efficiency in your 2,200 square foot home. Start with proper insulation, such as adding attic insulation, sealing ductwork, and weatherstripping doors and windows can reduce your cooling load by up to 30%. Finally, schedule bi-annual maintenance to keep the system running at peak efficiency. These enhancements may add to your initial investment but typically pay for themselves through energy savings within two to three years.
What changes might I need to make to my home’s electrical system for a new AC?
Installing a new air conditioner in your 2,200-square-foot home might require electrical upgrades, especially if you’re moving from a lower to higher SEER2 system or increasing tonnage. If your existing electrical panel doesn’t have capacity for a higher load, you might need a panel upgrade. Older homes might need wiring upgrades to handle the new system safely, particularly if the wiring is 30+ years old. Ask potential contractors to inspect your electrical system during the quote process—a reputable professional will include necessary electrical work in their estimate rather than surprising you with these costs later.
How We Get Our HVAC Cost Data
Replacing an HVAC system is a large investment. Throughout this article, we estimated what it would cost to replace an HVAC system in a 2,200-square-foot home. Keep in mind: These are estimates intended to help you understand what a project like this might cost. You should get quotes from at least two companies to understand the true costs in your area.
We collected unit prices and the average cost of labor to calculate a total estimated price to replace an HVAC system in a 2,200-square-foot home. For unit costs, we collected wholesale prices for air condensers, electric furnaces, gas furnaces, evaporator coils, heat pumps, and air handlers from three sources, including: AC Direct, HVACDirect.com, and Buy Comfort Direct. We calculated prices for the total system using various combinations of unit costs. We also added an estimated retail markup. For labor, we researched the average time it takes to replace an HVAC system and multiplied this by the average cost of labor.