❄️ HVAC

HVAC: AC, Heat Pumps, Furnaces — What They Cost and Who to Trust

Honest price ranges for AC repair, furnace replacement, mini-split installs, and ductwork — plus BLS wage data and reviewed local technicians. Listings cover 12 states and 177 cities — each provider scored out of 100 on the Vouched Score, blending public-record signals, customer reviews, and editorial assessment. See methodology →

HVAC by state & city

Click a state to expand the full city list, or browse the whole state.

Alabama 15 cities
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Arizona 15 cities
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Arkansas 15 cities
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Florida 15 cities
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Louisiana 12 cities
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Mississippi 15 cities
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New Mexico 11 cities
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North Carolina 13 cities
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Oklahoma 15 cities
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South Carolina 15 cities
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Tennessee 15 cities
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Texas 21 cities
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Common HVAC services

AC Repair
Diagnostics and repair of central air conditioning systems — refrigerant leaks, capacitor and contactor failures, condenser fan motors, and thermostat issues.
AC Installation
New central A/C installation including system sizing, line-set work, and refrigerant charge.
AC Replacement
Removal and replacement of an aging or failed central A/C — typically condenser, evaporator coil, and refrigerant lines.
Furnace Repair
Repair of gas and electric furnaces — ignition systems, blower motors, heat exchangers, control boards, and flame sensors.
Furnace Installation
New furnace installation, including venting, gas-line work, and combustion-air sizing.
Furnace Replacement
Removal and replacement of an existing furnace, with code-required venting and condensate updates.
Heating Repair
Diagnostics and repair of central heating equipment — gas, electric, and dual-fuel systems.
Heating Installation
New heating-system installation, including ducted central systems and radiant-heat alternatives.
Heating System Replacement
Replacement of an aging or failed heating system, typically a furnace or heat-pump indoor unit.
Heat Pump
Installation, repair, and maintenance of heat-pump systems used for both heating and cooling.
Heat Pump Installation
Heat-pump system installation including outdoor unit, indoor air handler, and refrigerant work.
Ductless Mini Split
Ductless mini-split installation and service for single-room or zoned cooling and heating without ductwork.
Mini Split
Mini-split installation and service — typically ductless, used for additions or zoned comfort.
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air-quality work: high-MERV filtration, UV systems, humidifiers/dehumidifiers, and duct sanitization.
Duct Work
Ductwork inspection, sealing, and replacement — addresses leakage, undersized runs, and uneven room temperatures.
Commercial HVAC
Commercial HVAC service for offices, retail, and light-industrial spaces — rooftop units, package units, and split systems.
Emergency HVAC Service
After-hours emergency response for no-cool and no-heat calls.
Emergency Service
After-hours emergency response for urgent HVAC failures.
HVAC Installation
Full HVAC system installation including indoor and outdoor equipment, ductwork tie-in, and refrigerant work.
HVAC Replacement
Replacement of an existing HVAC system end-to-end — equipment, line-sets, and required code upgrades.
Maintenance
Seasonal tune-ups for cooling and heating equipment — coil cleaning, refrigerant check, and combustion safety inspection.
Tune Up
Seasonal HVAC tune-up: coil cleaning, refrigerant check, electrical-component inspection, and safety verification.

Typical HVAC pricing (2026)

Last updated May 11, 2026

Median HVAC technician wage: $67,060/yr nationally.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS 2024 (SOC 49-9021).

Estimated typical ranges. Actual cost varies with home size, equipment, and scope — always request a written quote for your job.

ServiceTypical range
AC repair (typical service call)$150–$650
Furnace repair$150–$900
Tune-up / annual maintenance visit$90–$200
Full AC system replacement (3-ton, installed)$5,500–$13,000
Furnace replacement (installed)$3,000–$8,500
Heat pump installation$5,000–$14,500
Mini-split (single-zone, installed)$2,500–$6,500
Duct cleaning (whole-home)$350–$800
Duct sealing (Aeroseal or similar)$1,500–$3,500
Whole-house humidifier (installed)$400–$2,500
Whole-house dehumidifier (installed)$1,500–$3,500
Emergency / after-hours service premium$150–$500

HVAC technician wages by state

Mean annual HVAC technician wage in states we cover, vs. the national mean. Click a state for local pricing and providers.

StateMean annual wagevs. national
Arizona $58,540 -12.7%
Texas $58,120 -13.3%
New Mexico $56,190 -16.2%
Oklahoma $55,400 -17.4%
Louisiana $55,140 -17.8%
Tennessee $55,130 -17.8%
Florida $55,110 -17.8%
South Carolina $55,010 -18.0%
North Carolina $54,710 -18.4%
Alabama $52,440 -21.8%
Mississippi $50,210 -25.1%
Arkansas $50,010 -25.4%

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS 2024 (SOC 49-9021) · pulled 2026-05-08.

HVAC FAQ

Do HVAC contractors need a license?
Most U.S. states require HVAC contractors to be licensed at the state level, with separate certifications for handling refrigerants (EPA Section 608) and, in many states, gas-line work. Requirements vary — check your state's contractor licensing board before hiring.
What is a SEER2 rating?
SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) is the current U.S. efficiency rating for central AC and heat pumps, replacing SEER in 2023. Higher SEER2 means more cooling per watt. Federal minimums vary by region — generally 13.4 in the North and 14.3 in the South for split-system AC.
How long does an HVAC system typically last?
Central AC and furnace systems generally last 15–20 years with regular maintenance. Heat pumps tend to run 12–15 years because they operate year-round. Lifespan drops sharply in coastal salt-air zones and in systems that skip annual tune-ups.
Should I repair my HVAC or replace it?
A common rule of thumb: if a single repair costs more than half of a replacement and the unit is over 10–12 years old, replacement usually wins on total cost of ownership. Repair makes sense for newer units or when only minor parts have failed.
Is a heat pump a good replacement for a furnace?
In mild and moderate climates, modern heat pumps usually outperform a furnace + AC pair on both efficiency and lifetime cost. In cold climates, dual-fuel setups (heat pump + gas-furnace backup) or cold-climate heat pumps are now widely viable down to single-digit temperatures.
What is the R-454B refrigerant transition?
Under the EPA's AIM Act, residential AC and heat-pump systems sold in the U.S. are transitioning from R-410A to lower-GWP refrigerants like R-454B starting January 1, 2026. Existing R-410A systems continue to be serviced; only newly manufactured systems must use the new refrigerant.
How much does HVAC work cost?
Service calls typically run $100–$700, full AC replacements $5,000–$13,000+, and heat-pump installs $5,000–$14,000+, varying widely by equipment, home size, and region. See the pricing table above for typical national ranges.
How are providers on this page scored?
Each listed provider is scored out of 100 on the Vouched Score, blending public-record signals (licenses, business age, complaint records), customer review quality and volume, and editorial assessment. See our methodology for the full breakdown.

Last updated July 16, 2026.