Find the right heating and cooling system size for your home with accurate 2026 installation cost estimates.
Compare free quotes from licensed HVAC contractors in your area. Proper sizing is critical for efficiency and comfort.
Get Free QuotesA new central AC and furnace system costs $6,000 to $14,000 installed in 2026. Heat pumps range from $5,500 to $12,000, while geothermal systems run $15,000 to $35,000 but offer the lowest operating costs.
Proper sizing is essential. An oversized system short-cycles, wastes energy, and fails to dehumidify. An undersized system runs constantly and cannot keep up on extreme days.
The general rule is 1 ton (12,000 BTU) per 500 to 600 sq ft, but climate, insulation, windows, and layout all affect the real requirement. Always get a Manual J load calculation from a licensed contractor.