How much HVAC replacement costs in 2026, and whether your quote is fair
On permits to replace a furnace and central AC together, the median declared value runs from $11,000 in Cleveland to $13,860 in Seattle. That is from 2,089 permits in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Baltimore and Seattle, adjusted to today's dollars. Pick your system type, enter your ZIP and quote, and compare.
Reviewed by Matt Kovalik, licensed Minnesota journeyworker electrician. License AJ703617 (verify). Updated October 2026. Based on 2,089 permits in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Baltimore and Seattle.
HVAC replacement checker
Fair.
Your quote sits in the middle half of what these permits show.
What 815 permits in Cleveland show.
Middle half: $8,250 to $13,580.
Across regions, the median permit value runs from $11,000 in Cleveland to $13,860 in Seattle.
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- Northeast$11,550Buffalo and Pittsburgh
- Midwest$11,000Cleveland
- South$12,000Baltimore
- West$13,860Seattle
Questions to ask before you sign
Matt's list for this job.
- Why do you recommend replacing both systems now, and what are the alternatives?Replacing a working companion unit should come with a reason you can weigh against keeping it.
- What did the separate heating and cooling calculations show, and which equipment sizes fit those results?Heating and cooling sizing can point to different needs in the same house.
- What exact furnace, outdoor unit, indoor coil, and controls make up the proposed system?A complete equipment list gives competing contractors the same installation to price.
- What duct, return-air, filter, or zoning problems need correction for this system to work properly?Comfort depends on distributing air through the house, even after every major component is new.
- What is included for refrigerant lines, venting, condensate, gas, electrical, permits, and disposal?The piping, drains, venting, and utility connections are part of delivering a working system.
- How long will we lose heating or cooling, and who coordinates the work and any extra charges?A coordinated work sequence limits the gaps between removal, trade work, and startup.
- At handoff, can I get the startup measurements, warranty terms, and confirmation of who submits registration and incentive paperwork?Commissioning records and completed paperwork give you something concrete to review at handoff.
Also worth asking
- Can you list the exact equipment and all installation changes in the written bid?Model names leave out the labor and connection changes needed to put that equipment into service.
- What does the labor warranty cover, and what maintenance or registration is required?Parts coverage may exclude troubleshooting and return visits, and missed maintenance or registration can affect your coverage.
What moves the price
- $11,000
Lowest regional median, furnace and AC
The lowest regional median permit value for a matched furnace and AC replacement.
- $13,860
Highest regional median, furnace and AC
Region moves the number. The bar above shows every region.
- $12,620
Heat pump and air handler in Baltimore
The median permit value for a heat pump with a new air handler and electric heat, the other system type in the checker.
Fair range by metro
| Metro | Region | Middle half of permit values | Permits | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo | Northeast | $10,340 to $15,560 | 335 | October 2026 |
| Pittsburgh | Northeast | $6,250 to $13,990 | 246 | October 2026 |
| Cleveland | Midwest | $8,250 to $13,580 | 815 | October 2026 |
| Baltimore | South | $8,150 to $14,970 | 420 | October 2026 |
| Seattle | West | $7,470 to $17,390 | 273 | October 2026 |
Declared permit values, issued October 2023 to October 2026, adjusted to 2026 dollars with CPI-U. Cities join a zone only if they pass the calibration check.
Questions people ask
How much is it to replace a furnace and AC together?
On permits for a matched furnace and AC replacement, the median declared value runs from $11,000 in Cleveland to $13,860 in Seattle. Doing both at once is worth considering, because the coil, line set and controls can be matched in one visit. Enter your ZIP to see the middle half of permit values near you.
What is the heat pump and air handler option?
It covers replacing a heat pump outdoors with a new air handler and electric backup heat indoors, with no gas furnace. Permit values for it are publishable for Baltimore and Seattle so far, so the checker shows a verdict only where enough permits exist. Elsewhere it says there are too few permits for a verdict and shows the median permit values for the regions that have them.
Should I replace both when only one has failed?
It depends on the age of the other unit. If both are near the end of their life, replacing them together avoids a mismatched coil and a second install. If the working unit is young, replacing only the failed one can make sense. Ask the contractor to quote both ways so you can compare.
What should a full system quote include?
Both units with model numbers, the indoor coil, the line set or a plan to reuse it, the pad, disconnect and electrical work, thermostat, permit and startup check. Ask how long you will be without heat or cooling. The questions list on this page covers the details worth getting in writing before you sign.
Sources
- City of Cleveland building permits
- City of Pittsburgh PLI permits (WPRDC)
- City of Buffalo permits (Open Data Buffalo)
- City of Seattle permits (data.seattle.gov)
- City of Baltimore housing and building permits (Open Baltimore)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (CPI and PPI)
- How we build the numbers
- Data sources and licenses