Fair Price Guide
Know what HVAC should cost before you call.
Most homeowners have no idea what a fair price is for a capacitor swap, a new blower motor, or a full condenser replacement — so they either overpay or stall on work they needed to do yesterday. This guide is iHVAC's ongoing market research: typical ranges we see across our network, your region, and public pricing data.
We research, you decide
Ranges reflect typical market prices, not iHVAC-mandated rates.
Techs set their own price
Every tech on iHVAC is an independent professional.
Always get a written estimate
Before any work begins. That's your protection.
Diagnostics
Figuring out what's actually wrong. Most techs credit the diagnostic fee toward the repair if you book same-day.
Diagnostic Visit
Typically includes: Tech visits, identifies the issue, gives a written estimate. Most companies credit this fee toward the repair if you book same-day. National 2025-2026 range: $75-$200, median ~$119.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Emergency / After-Hours Diagnostic
Typically includes: Same as a standard diagnostic, but dispatched nights/weekends/holidays. Premium is usually $50-$150 above the standard fee. Expect $150-$350 all-in; higher in major metros.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Repairs
Common same-day fixes — capacitors, contactors, ignitors, blower motors, refrigerant top-offs.
Capacitor Replacement
Typically includes: Common AC repair. Part is $10-$50 at retail; the rest is labor, trip, and diagnostic. HomeAdvisor 2025 avg $180; Angi 2026 avg $250. $500+ quotes for this part alone are a red flag.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Contactor Replacement
Typically includes: Replace pitted or burned contactor in the outdoor unit. Part is $20-$60; rest is labor + diagnostic. Often replaced together with the capacitor.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Refrigerant Leak Search
Typically includes: Systematic leak search with electronic sniffer and/or nitrogen pressure test. Does not include the repair itself — this finds the leak; fixing it is a separate line item.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
R-410A Refrigerant Recharge (per lb)
Typically includes: Per-pound top-off for older R-410A systems. Price has been climbing in 2025 as manufacturing phased out — expect continued increases. If your system is leaking, plan to replace, not keep refilling.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
R-32 Refrigerant Recharge (per lb)
Typically includes: Per-pound top-off for R-32 systems (new equipment 2025+). Diagnostic + leak search billed separately. Note: a low charge means you have a leak; refilling without fixing it is a short-term patch.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Condensate Drain Clear
Typically includes: Clear a clogged condensate line with nitrogen, wet-vac, or flush. Prevents overflow shutoff and water damage. Common summer call.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Hot Surface Ignitor Replacement
Typically includes: Furnace wont fire? This is usually it. Part is $20-$100; quick swap, 20-30 min. Quotes of $400+ for this part are opportunistic.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Install & Replace
Bigger jobs — full system swaps, condensers, furnaces, air handlers. Prices vary enormously with equipment tier and home layout.
Blower Motor Replacement
Typically includes: Variable depending on PSC vs ECM motor, single-speed vs variable-speed, OEM vs universal. PSC: $350-$800 installed. ECM: $600-$1,500+ installed. Includes pull, install, and test.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Condenser Fan Motor Replacement
Typically includes: Outdoor fan motor on the condenser. Part is $100-$400 depending on HP and brand. Usually billed together with the capacitor since both failed together.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
TXV / Metering Device Replacement
Typically includes: Thermal expansion valve replace on the indoor coil. Requires refrigerant recovery, braze-in, evacuate, and recharge — most of the cost is labor + refrigerant, not the $80-$400 part. Angi 2026 range: $250-$850; premium systems and R-32 recharge push higher.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Condensate Pump Replacement
Typically includes: Small lift pump for systems where gravity drain isnt possible (attic, basement closet). Part is $40-$120; rest is labor + diagnostic.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Thermostat Replacement
Typically includes: Basic digital/programmable thermostat swap, part included. Non-smart stat is $40-$150; smart stat is $150-$300.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Smart Thermostat Install (BYO)
Typically includes: You supply the Nest/Ecobee/Honeywell; tech installs and configures it (including wiring a C-wire if missing). National 2026 labor range: $100-$200. Add C-wire runs $75-$150 extra.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Draft Inducer Motor Replacement
Typically includes: Induces combustion draft in 90%+ furnaces. Part is $100-$500; labor 2-3 hrs. HomeGuide 2026: $400-$1,100 installed.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Gas Valve Replacement
Typically includes: Gas control valve on the furnace. Part is $75-$300; labor $125-$500. Safety-critical — use OEM unless tech documents a listed equivalent.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Maintenance
Annual tune-ups, filter changes, coil cleanings. Prevents most emergency calls when done consistently.
Flame Sensor Clean
Typically includes: Pull the flame sensor, abrade/clean with emery cloth, re-install, verify microamp reading. Usually the fix for a short-cycling furnace that lights then drops out.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Heat Exchanger Inspection
Typically includes: Visual + camera inspection of the heat exchanger for cracks. Sometimes bundled into the tune-up; standalone when CO is suspected or insurance requires documentation.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Furnace Tune-Up
Typically includes: Seasonal furnace inspection: burners, heat exchanger look-over, gas pressure, flame sensor clean, ignitor test, blower amp draw, combustion safety check. 60-90 min.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
A/C Tune-Up
Typically includes: Seasonal A/C inspection: coil rinse, refrigerant-pressure check, electrical connections, capacitor test, condensate drain flush, filter check. Typically 45-75 min.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Duct Cleaning (Basic)
Typically includes: Full duct system vacuum-and-brush, main supply + returns + registers. Pricing is by vent count and home size; 10-12 vents is baseline. Does not include mold remediation.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Filter Replacement (Standard)
Typically includes: Standard 1-inch pleated filter swap during a service visit. If it is the only reason for the visit, expect a trip-charge on top.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Filter Replacement (Media)
Typically includes: High-MERV / media filter swap. Part is $40-$80 at retail; labor + same-visit call premium pushes installed price higher. Bring-your-own drops the range.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Consults
Remote expertise — Dale AI is free; paid mentor sessions get you a senior tech on the phone.
Dale AI Consult
Typically includes: Unlimited AI-powered triage with Dale. Narrows the likely issue, tells you which guide entry applies, and whether you need a truck. Free — iHVAC eats the compute cost.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Remote Mentor Consult
Typically includes: Paid phone/video consult with a senior HVAC tech or mentor. Used for second opinions, diagnostic help over video, or walking a DIYer through a repair. Typical session is 20-45 min.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Retrofit & Replacement
Replacing or upgrading HVAC in an existing home. Ranges reflect national 2025-2026 installed prices; ductwork condition and SEER2 tier swing the number.
AC Replacement — 2-ton (Condenser + Coil)
Typically includes: Condenser + matched evaporator coil replacement for a 2-ton system (~1,000-1,400 sqft). Existing ductwork reused. Includes refrigerant, line-set purge, pad, electrical disconnect. SEER2 14.3 baseline; higher SEER adds cost. 2025 national range.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
AC Replacement — 3-ton (Condenser + Coil)
Typically includes: Condenser + matched coil replacement for a 3-ton system (~1,500-2,000 sqft, the most common residential size). 2025 national median ~$7,000; premium brands/SEER 16+ can hit $10K.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
AC Replacement — 4-ton (Condenser + Coil)
Typically includes: 4-ton matched AC replacement. Existing ductwork reused. 2025 range $6,500-$12,000 depending on SEER2, brand, line-set length, and regional labor.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
AC Replacement — 5-ton (Condenser + Coil)
Typically includes: 5-ton matched AC replacement for larger homes. Higher-amperage electrical may be required. 2025 range $8,000-$14,000.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Furnace Replacement — 80% AFUE (Gas)
Typically includes: Standard-efficiency gas furnace (80-83% AFUE). Equipment $700-$1,800; installed $3,800-$6,200. Venting through existing chimney / B-vent. 2025 national range.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Furnace Replacement — 96% AFUE (High-Eff)
Typically includes: High-efficiency condensing furnace (96%+ AFUE). Equipment $2,800-$6,200; installed $7,500-$12,000. Requires PVC sidewall venting and condensate drain — adds labor vs 80%. Eligible for federal/utility rebates.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Heat Pump Replacement — 2-ton
Typically includes: 2-ton air-source heat pump replacement (~1,000-1,400 sqft). Equipment + labor + line set + air-handler/coil match. Existing ductwork reused. Eligible for IRA 25C credit up to $2,000.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Heat Pump Replacement — 3-ton
Typically includes: 3-ton air-source heat pump replacement (~1,500-2,000 sqft). 2026 national range $9,400-$16,750. Includes condenser + air handler/coil match + line-set work.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Heat Pump Replacement — 4-ton
Typically includes: 4-ton heat pump replacement for larger homes (~2,000-2,800 sqft). May require electrical-panel upgrade ($500-$2,000 extra).
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Heat Pump Replacement — 5-ton
Typically includes: 5-ton heat pump replacement (~2,800-3,500 sqft). Dual-fuel kit for cold-climate backup is often bundled — adds $500-$1,500.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Full HVAC Replace — Small (<1,500 sqft)
Typically includes: Matched central AC (2-ton) + 80/96% furnace bundle, existing ductwork. Bundling saves ~$1K-$2K vs separate installs. 2025 range for <1,500 sqft: $7,000-$13,000.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Full HVAC Replace — Medium (1,500-2,500 sqft)
Typically includes: 3-ton AC + 80/96% furnace, existing ductwork. Most common retrofit. 2025 national range $9,000-$18,000; median ~$12,000.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Full HVAC Replace — Large (2,500-4,000 sqft)
Typically includes: 4-5-ton AC + high-BTU furnace, existing ductwork. Adds cost for zoned control, heavier electrical, longer line-set runs. 2025 range $12,000-$24,000.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Full HVAC Replace — XL (>4,000 sqft)
Typically includes: Large or multi-zone homes often need two systems. Expect $17K-$35K+ fully installed. Highly sensitive to SEER2, zoning, and access.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Ductwork Repair (per run)
Typically includes: Single-run repair — reseal joints with mastic, replace a crushed section, re-insulate. $25-$55 per linear foot for replacement; simple sealing jobs much less.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Ductwork Replacement — Small Home
Typically includes: Complete duct replacement in an existing small home. Demo + haulaway of old ducts included. 2025 national: $1,400-$4,000.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Ductwork Replacement — Medium Home
Typically includes: Full duct replacement for a 1,500-2,500 sqft existing home. 2025 range $2,800-$6,000. Drywall patch/paint usually NOT included.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Ductwork Replacement — Large Home
Typically includes: Full duct replacement for >2,500 sqft. Access-heavy, often requires drywall cuts. 2025 range $5,000-$11,000+.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Smart Thermostat Upgrade (Nest/Ecobee)
Typically includes: Nest/Ecobee/Honeywell smart stat installed, including C-wire if needed. Device $130-$280; labor $100-$200. National 2025: $200-$550 total.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Air Handler Replacement
Typically includes: Replace the indoor fan coil / air handler in an all-electric or heat-pump system. Unit $700-$1,600; labor $800-$1,800. Attic installs run higher.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Refrigerant Line Set Replacement
Typically includes: Pull old copper line set, run new lineset, flare, braze, evacuate, and recharge. Required when converting refrigerants or when old lines are contaminated. Price scales with run length and access.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Zoning Retrofit — 2-zone
Typically includes: Adds a 2-zone damper system to existing ducts. Control panel, 2 dampers, 2 thermostats, bypass damper if needed. 2025 range $2,000-$4,000.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Zoning Retrofit — 3+ zones
Typically includes: 3+ zone retrofit. Each additional zone = damper ($70-$340) + thermostat + labor. Best candidate: HVAC <10 yrs old with accessible ductwork.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
High-Efficiency System Upgrade (Rebate-Eligible)
Typically includes: Qualifying high-efficiency system (SEER2 16+, cold-climate heat pump, or variable-speed). Priced at premium but up to $2,000 federal 25C credit + state/utility rebates can offset. Tech handles AHRI match and rebate paperwork.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
New Construction
Brand-new homes or additions where walls are still open. Cheaper than retrofit at the same equipment tier because access is easy.
New AC Install — 2-ton (New Construction)
Typically includes: Open-wall new construction AC install, 2-ton. Cheaper than retrofit because walls are still open and linesets run easily. Excludes ductwork (see nc_duct_* SKUs).
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
New AC Install — 3-ton (New Construction)
Typically includes: 3-ton new-construction AC. Equipment + refrigerant + electrical disconnect. Ductwork is a separate line item. Typically bundled into builder HVAC package.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
New AC Install — 4-ton (New Construction)
Typically includes: 4-ton new-construction AC. Equipment costs scale roughly linearly with tonnage; labor is lower than retrofit since access is easy.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
New AC Install — 5-ton (New Construction)
Typically includes: 5-ton new-construction AC. Requires 208-240V / 40A+ service. Ductwork sized for 2,000 CFM separately.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
New Furnace Install — 80% AFUE
Typically includes: Standard 80% AFUE gas furnace in new construction. Venting through chase/chimney. Cheaper than retrofit because install is done before drywall.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
New Furnace Install — 96% AFUE
Typically includes: 96%+ AFUE condensing furnace, PVC sidewall vent + condensate drain routed during rough-in. Rebate-eligible.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Full New-Home HVAC — Small (1,500-2,500 sqft)
Typically includes: New-construction HVAC package: 2-3-ton AC + 80/96% furnace + ductwork from scratch. 2025 per-sqft rule of thumb: $1.75-$2.50/sqft for equipment + ductwork adds $2,000-$5,000. Range reflects both efficiency tier and builder margin.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Full New-Home HVAC — Medium (2,500-4,000 sqft)
Typically includes: 3-4-ton AC + furnace + ductwork in a 2,500-4,000 sqft new build. Often 2 zones. 2025 range $14,000-$26,000. Same tier equipment installs cheaper here than in retrofit.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Full New-Home HVAC — Large (>4,000 sqft)
Typically includes: Usually two full systems (upstairs + downstairs) + zoned ductwork + ventilation. 2025 range $22,000-$45,000. Premium builds with high-eff heat pumps and HRV/ERV push toward $50K+.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Ductwork — Open-Wall (per sqft of home)
Typically includes: Per-sqft-of-home reference: 2025 new-construction ductwork averages $1.75-$3.25/sqft of conditioned floor area. Includes sheet-metal trunk + flex runs, registers/grilles, and testing.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Ductwork from Scratch — 1,500 sqft Home
Typically includes: Complete ductwork for a ~1,500 sqft new home during framing. Trunk, branches, registers, balancing dampers included. 2025 range $2,600-$5,000.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Ductwork from Scratch — 2,500 sqft Home
Typically includes: 2,500 sqft new-construction duct system. 2025 range $4,000-$7,500.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Ductwork from Scratch — 4,000 sqft Home
Typically includes: Large (~4,000 sqft) new-construction ductwork. Often two trunks, zoned dampers. 2025 range $6,500-$13,000.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
New Heat Pump Install — 3-ton
Typically includes: 3-ton air-source heat pump installed during new construction. ~15-20% cheaper than retrofit at same equipment tier. Ductwork priced separately.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
New Heat Pump Install — 5-ton
Typically includes: 5-ton new-construction heat pump. Common for all-electric / passive house builds. Rebate-eligible.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) Install
Typically includes: Whole-home ERV installed with dedicated ducting during rough-in. Transfers both heat and moisture. 2025 range $2,750-$8,000. Cheaper as part of new construction than as a retrofit.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) Install
Typically includes: Whole-home HRV during new construction. Recovers heat (but not moisture) from exhaust air. 2025 range $2,000-$4,000.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Mini-Split — Single Zone
Typically includes: One outdoor condenser + one indoor head. 6,000-18,000 BTU, 150-1,000 sqft coverage. 2025 range $2,500-$6,000 installed.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Mini-Split — 2-Zone
Typically includes: One outdoor + 2 indoor heads. 12,000-24,000 BTU total, ~800-1,600 sqft. 2025 range $4,500-$9,000 installed.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Mini-Split — 3-Zone
Typically includes: One outdoor + 3 indoor heads. 18,000-36,000 BTU, ~1,200-2,500 sqft. 2025 range $6,500-$12,000 installed.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Mini-Split — 4-Zone
Typically includes: One outdoor + 4 indoor heads. Covers most of a medium home without ductwork. 2025 range $8,000-$16,000 installed. Each zone adds $3K-$5K equipment + labor.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Whole-House Humidifier Install
Typically includes: Bypass or fan-powered humidifier ducted into the supply plenum. 2025 range: bypass $400-$800, fan-powered $500-$1,000, steam $1,200-$2,500.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Whole-House Dehumidifier Install
Typically includes: Ducted whole-house dehumidifier with its own filter + condensate drain. Best installed during new construction. 2025 range $1,100-$3,500 installed. Internal pump adds $150-$500.
Market range only — your tech sets the actual price.
Fair Price Guide is iHVAC's market research for informational purposes. Actual prices are set by the independent technician. iHVAC is not a party to any transaction between homeowners and techs.
How we research these numbers
We track what techs across our network actually quote, cross-check against published regional flat-rate guides, and adjust quarterly. Your local market may run higher or lower — ranges are national averages. If a tech quotes you well above the high end of this guide, ask them to itemize what's driving the premium. Legitimate reasons exist (after-hours, difficult access, permit-heavy work). Illegitimate ones don't.
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