Our Method
We separate the equipment price from the climate add-on, because that separation is the whole point.
Why we split the number
Across the 4 US cities we have researched, the AC-only installed price sits between $5,200 and $7,600 - a spread of under $400 between markets.
Over the same 4 United States cities the climate-specific add-on runs from $180 to $14,500, which is roughly 35 times the variation in the equipment itself.
Duct rework adds $850-5,200 anywhere in the United States and is the line item most often left out of a headline quote.
Most cost guides publish one range for HVAC replacement. That range has to be wide enough to cover a like-for-like swap in a mild climate and a full conversion in a dry one, so it ends up wide enough to be useless.
Splitting it in two makes both halves useful. The equipment half is stable and comparable nationwide. The climate half is local, large, and the thing you can actually plan around.
What we will not do
- We will not publish a city we have not researched.
- We will not present a national average as a local figure.
- We will not rank or review contractors.
- We will not sell your enquiry to several companies. Each one goes to a single independent local contractor.
How we are paid
A flat monthly fee from the contractor who receives the enquiries - not a commission and not a percentage. Which is why the longest page on this site argues against buying a bigger unit than you need.
Get in touch
Tell us your city and what you are planning. One independent local contractor, no obligation.
Or call (877) 701-2518