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How Much Does a New HVAC System Cost?

January 6, 2023

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioner are all essential parts of a modern household. An HVAC system is also integral in the monitoring and controlling of the humidity and airflow inside a facility or complex.

The importance of an HVAC system means that every household and commercial building should be able to comfortably rely on it having a serviceable lifespan (around fifteen to twenty years is the average.) However, every HVAC unit will eventually need to be replaced. One of the many considerations to factor into the estimated HVAC installation cost is the associated ductwork installation and ductwork cost. Other things, such as the efficiency of the new unit, will also play a part in its final price.

We’re not going to lie to you… a new HVAC system can certainly be an investment, but it is a necessary one, especially here in Texas. Generally, the average cost to replace an HVAC system can run anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the customers’ needs. We know that putting that much money down on anything can be daunting, but for a system as crucial as an HVAC unit, you can never be too safe. Below, our Carrollton HVAC installation team will answer the question: “How much does a new HVAC system cost?” and dive deep into the factors that must be considered when choosing between HVAC units.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced HVAC technicians at Lex Air Conditioning & Heating, give us a call at (972) 217-8955 today!

HVAC System Costs

HVAC systems provide three basic functions: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Due to regional climate differences, HVAC systems typically vary in price. HVAC system prices and operating costs will also vary depending on which utilities are working at a higher capacity. Ductwork circulation, for instance, is a major contributor to the efficiency and cost of an HVAC unit. HVAC installations that require ductwork will likely cost significantly more than the cost of ductless mini-split installation. Other contributing factors include the type of HVAC system you want, its make and model, the size of the area that needs to be serviced, and any customization or indoor air quality products you’d like added on.

All things considered, the average cost of an HVAC system alone typically ranges between $5,000-$10,000. However, this is not taking into account the cost of having it installed by an HVAC professional. Most HVAC contractors charge per square foot for HVAC installation, so depending on the size of your home or business, this may range between $4,000 to upwards of $10,000 for installation costs.

Many HVAC companies, including Lex Air, offer free estimates for how much you can expect to drop on HVAC unit replacement and installation.

Factors to Consider

Keep in mind, the cost to replace HVAC equipment may differ from the price to install an entirely new heating or cooling system in a home or building that doesn’t already have an existing system in place. For example, if you already have an HVAC system with ductwork, then all that needs replacing is the system itself. However, if you’re looking to install a new HVAC unit in addition to ductwork, this will significantly increase the cost by at least a couple thousand dollars. Other cost factors to consider include the type of air conditioning unit and/or heating system, the brand and model, the cost per square foot, and any preferred air quality add-ons.

Type of HVAC System

There are many different types of HVAC systems out there, so the price you can expect to pay depends on your home’s specific comfort needs. For example, you can expect an air handler or heat pump to cost significantly more than a ductless mini-split because they do far more work and cover a larger area.

Some of the many options you have to choose from include:

Air handlers
Heat pump system
Electric AC unit
Electric furnace system
Oil furnace
Boiler
Gas furnaces
Mini split air conditioning/heating system
Geothermal heat pump
High-velocity HVAC system

Make and Model

The energy efficiency of an HVAC unit has a direct impact on the price you can expect to pay for it. Most HVAC systems these days are designed to be energy efficient, but some are still much more efficient than others. The way you can determine the efficiency of heating and cooling systems on the market is by their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER rating. SEER is a simple measurement that indicates how much energy savings you can expect while still maintaining top performance. While a higher SEER-rating HVAC system costs more upfront, you’ll see more energy savings each month.

At Lex Air, we provide our customers with multiple models and additional options to customize and choose what is right for their homes. We only sell units with great HVAC system efficiency, but we’re also sure to keep your budget in mind. If you’re in the market for a new or replacement HVAC system, we encourage you to browse through our Trane heating and cooling systems by clicking the links provided below:

Size of Home/Commercial Building

As you can imagine, the cost to install a residential HVAC unit compared to a commercial HVAC unit is a lot cheaper due to the sheer size difference of the area that needs to be heated and/or cooled. The same is true when it comes to a larger home versus a smaller home. It’s incredibly important that you have the right size HVAC system installed, otherwise, your temperature and comfort needs will simply not be met. (See our blog: 3 Signs Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Properly Sized.)

HVAC companies typically measure the installation cost per square foot of your home or building, so the bigger the space you’re working with, the bigger the HVAC unit size. To provide a more specific example, it takes roughly 10 watts of electric heat per square foot to properly heat a room. Therefore, a room with 300 square feet will require a 3,000-watt electric furnace. If you’re installing a gas-fueled heater that uses propane, natural gas, or kerosene, the unit of measurement shifts to British Thermal Units (BTUs).

We know this jargon can be a lot to take in, but put simply, your HVAC unit cost will depend heavily on how big the space is that you’re looking to heat or cool.

Customization

Even with a brand-new system in place, without the right tools, your home can still suffer from poor air quality. Fortunately, by installing devices like Air Scrubbers and other indoor air quality products, you’ll be able to control humidity, capture allergens, and minimize particulates and other pollutants. What’s more, by effectively removing potential buildup from your heater and/or air conditioner, you can drastically improve its overall efficiency and increase its life expectancy, allowing you to save money on heating and cooling costs in the long run!
An HVAC professional from our team would be happy to consult with you on any further considerations and healthy home add-ons that need to be made before installation.

HVAC Installation Costs

Here in Texas, we see our fair share of hot air, and when you need to combat that with cold air to stay comfortable and safe (and vice versa), an efficient, properly installed HVAC unit is necessary. Many homeowners and business owners alike can be off-put when thinking about HVAC installation and replacement costs. We understand that it’s a big investment, but we also understand that it’s often a necessary one. That’s why, at Lex Air, we try to help you save money in any way we can. We are happy to offer our customers 0% interest financing options with approved credit and special discounts to help ease the burden of paying for a new HVAC unit. We encourage you to give us a call today or click the link to learn more about our special financing options!

Looking to Install HVAC System? Call Lex Air Conditioning and Heating for a Free In-Home Consultation

If it’s time to replace your existing HVAC system, be sure to call an experienced HVAC contractor from our team at Lex Air Conditioning and Heating for help! We know the entire HVAC system installation process can be overwhelming, which is why we’re here to walk you through the entire process. From answering questions regarding HVAC replacement cost to picking out a new system and seeing it through to the installation process, we’re there for it all.

Plus, we are happy to offer free, in-home consultations on unit replacements and we accept cash, checks, or credit cards. To schedule your free HVAC consultation today, give us a call at (972) 217-8955 or reach out to us via our online intake form here.