In this article…
- Why HVAC Companies Don’t Give Replacement Quotes Over the Phone
- How Much Does a New HVAC System Cost?
- Finding The Right HVAC Company For Your System Replacement
Whether your HVAC system is on its last leg or you’re looking to upgrade to something more efficient, you probably want a quick answer to one big question…How much will it cost to replace it?
It’s understandable. Finding out the cost of any home upgrade is one of the first things you want to know, and you want the ability to plan ahead and budget accordingly.
But if you’ve ever called an HVAC company looking for a replacement quote over the phone, you were likely told that a technician needs to come out first, which can be frustrating.
At Wright Home Services, we get it—no one wants to waste time or feel like they’re being sold something unnecessary.
We’ve helped thousands of homeowners replace their HVAC systems with efficient, high-quality solutions since 1979. This means preparing thousands of different quotes to fit each unique home perfectly. But, we understand that sometimes you just want a simple price without the hassle.
The truth is, replacing an HVAC system is not a one-size-fits-all situation, and providing an accurate quote over the phone is difficult and can be misleading.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t get a feel for how much your new system will cost before your appointment. Diligent research and understanding of how much new HVAC systems cost and why allows you to have realistic expectations for your project before a technician even comes out to your home.
This article will outline how much an HVAC system replacement costs, the factors that affect the cost, and the top reasons why you can’t fully trust a quote over the phone.
Why HVAC Companies Don’t Give Replacement Quotes Over the Phone
A full HVAC system replacement is a large investment – that’s no secret. So, it’s understandable one of the first things you want to know is the cost.
You may think it’s as simple as calling any HVAC company and simply asking for the price but may be surprised when you’re turned down.
It might feel as though they are just trying to get a technician out there to upsell you on their products when in reality, giving a price over the phone can lead to disappointment and the feeling of deception when the cost is different in person.
Even if you think you need a simple repair, getting an over-the-phone price isn’t ideal.
Here are the top five reasons why most companies won’t give a quote over the phone so you can understand the value of getting a quote for your HVAC replacement in person is ideal.
1. Every Home is Different and Has Unique HVAC Requirements
Your HVAC system isn’t just about the unit itself. It’s about how it interacts with your home.
Factors like square footage, insulation, ceiling height, and even the number of windows all play a role in determining what size and type of system you need.
An oversized system can lead to short cycling and uneven temperatures, while an undersized system will struggle to keep up, running inefficiently and wearing out faster. This is why seeing the size of your home and understanding your comfort needs in depth is crucial to getting an accurate quote for your project.
2. Your Existing System Setup Affects the Cost
Even if you’re simply replacing an old unit, your home’s HVAC setup might need modifications. Your ductwork, electrical connections, refrigerant lines, and even the platform or pad where your unit sits can impact the installation process and cost.
Without an in-person assessment, there’s no way to know what adjustments or modifications, if any, are needed.
3. Ductwork Condition Matters
You may not realize that your ductwork can impact your HVAC system’s performance just as much as the unit itself. If your ducts are undersized, leaking, or improperly installed, they may need repairs or modifications to ensure your new system operates efficiently.
This is another reason why an on-site evaluation is necessary as duct modifications, repairs, or replacements will impact the price.
4. Installation Costs Vary
Along with the equipment, the cost of an HVAC replacement also includes installation labor, materials, and any necessary upgrades. A system installed in an easily accessible attic space will cost less to replace than one in a tight crawl space that requires additional labor.
Other potential cost factors include:
- Electrical upgrades
- Permit requirements
- New refrigerant lines
- Modifications to existing ductwork
- Removal of an old system
5. Your Comfort and Efficiency Goals Impact Pricing
Are you looking for a standard replacement, or do you want to upgrade to a higher-efficiency system? Are you interested in add-ons like smart thermostats, air purification systems, or zoning controls?
These factors affect the final cost and require a conversation about your home’s specific needs. This is why it is important to have a professional assess your home and your comfort needs to provide you with the best solution and a precise quote.
How Much Does a New HVAC System Cost?
After understanding some of the top reasons why it’s difficult to get an HVAC replacement quote over the phone, you still want to have an idea of how much your system replacement will cost.
In 2025, the average cost for a full HVAC system replacement ranges between $8,000 and $20,000, including labor. This estimate covers the interior unit (either upflow or horizontal), the exterior unit, and the thermostat, but excludes new ductwork or duct modifications.
One of the major reasons it’s hard to give an accurate quote for your replacement over the phone is that many factors influence the cost.
The top factors that affect the cost of an HVAC system replacement include:
1. System Type (Upflow or Horizontal)
Upflow systems are installed in a closet within the home. These systems are generally more accessible and less labor-intensive to replace.
Horizontal systems are located in attics, these systems require more effort to access and replace, often increasing labor costs by approximately $500 to $2,000 compared to upflow systems.
2. System Tonnage and Efficiency
Tonnage is the system’s capacity to cool your home. Larger homes require systems with higher tonnage, which are more expensive.
Efficiency is measured by the SEER2 rating, which stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. Higher SEER2 ratings indicate better energy efficiency but come with a higher upfront cost. Balancing initial investment with long-term energy savings is crucial.
3. Ductwork Condition
Damaged or leaking ducts can significantly impact system performance. Repairing or replacing ductwork can add between $2,000 and $10,000 to the overall project cost.
The higher end of this price range is for full ductwork replacements or ductwork upgrades such as Aeroseal.
4. Installation Quality
The complexity of the installation, including the system’s location and accessibility, affects labor costs. Challenging installations may require additional time and resources, like systems in small crawl spaces or if catwalk installation is needed.
5. Warranty and Maintenance Agreements
Investing in extended warranties and maintenance plans can provide peace of mind but will increase the initial cost.
6. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Upgrades
Adding features like air purifiers, dehumidifiers, or advanced filtration systems enhances comfort but can add up to $3,000 to the total cost, depending on the type of IAQ upgrade.
Given the factors outlined above, obtaining an exact quote over the phone is challenging. An in-person assessment allows professionals to evaluate your specific needs and provide a detailed, customized estimate.
Finding The Right HVAC Company For Your System Replacement
Now you understand why most HVAC companies won’t give you a quote for your system replacement or repairs and the importance of having a professional assess your equipment and your needs to provide you with an accurate price.
Your HVAC system is a complex setup, consisting of various electrical components, ductwork, and natural gas elements that work together to heat and cool your home effectively.
Because the cost of a repair or replacement varies from home to home, it’s important to have a thorough inspection done by a trustworthy professional.
During your consultation with an HVAC technician, they will inspect your equipment, listen to your needs for efficiency and comfort, and provide you with multiple solutions for a system replacement, all of which can’t be done over the phone.
Researching and understanding all that goes into the cost of a full HVAC system replacement and common repairs is the first step to having realistic expectations for the cost and avoiding working with a company that may potentially take advantage of you.
At Wright Home Services, we value educating you on all you need to know when it comes to your HVAC project, especially when cost is involved.
We understand that any HVAC repair can be costly, which is why doing your research beforehand and having an idea of what it would cost is important.
Once you’ve done your research and are ready to find the right company to work with, knowing what to look for in a trustworthy HVAC company is crucial.
To help you find the best company for you, check out this article that details 12 things to look for in a high-quality HVAC company, like exceptional reviews, showcasing their work, licenses and insurance, and more.
