How the calculator works
| System | Basis (typical 3-ton home) |
|---|---|
| Central AC only | About $4,000–$9,000, scaled by size |
| AC + gas furnace | About $9,000–$17,500, scaled by size |
| Ducted heat pump | About $5,500–$14,000+, scaled by size |
| Ductless mini-split | $3,000–$6,000 single zone; $7,000–$14,000 for 2–3 heads; $12,000–$22,000+ for 4–5 |
| Ductwork | Repair or sealing $500–$2,500; new ducts roughly $3,000–$10,000+ |
Size is estimated with a simple square-feet-per-ton rule of thumb (about 500 sq ft per ton in hot climates, 600 in mixed and 700 in cold). That is only a starting point. A proper installer sizes equipment with an ACCA Manual J load calculation, which accounts for insulation, windows, orientation and air leakage.
About our numbers: price ranges on this site are rounded national planning figures drawn from published cost guides and typical contractor pricing. They are illustrative, not quotes. Region, season, equipment brand, efficiency, ductwork and access can move a real price well outside them.
