Quick Answer

Furnace/HVAC Replacement Cost in Houston (2026)

Average cost in Houston

US$11,902avg

US$5,500 — US$22,000

US$4 — US$8 per sq ft

+8.5% YoY
9 sources
Updated 2 weeks ago
Greater Houston

Cost Breakdown

Itemized
Equipment

Condenser, furnace, and evaporator coil (A2L compliant)

US$6,000 — US$11,000

50%

Labor

Installation, testing, and commissioning

US$3,500 — US$7,500

35%

Ductwork & Materials

Modifications, sealing, and R-8 insulation

US$1,000 — US$3,000

10%

Permits & Inspections

Houston Permitting Center fees and code compliance

US$200 — US$600

3%

Disposal & Fees

Old unit removal and refrigerant recovery

US$150 — US$400

2%

🧾Sales Tax (6.25%) — Texas
Base cost + $744 tax$12,646

Sales Tax at 6.25%

📋What's Included

Scope

Typically Includes

  • Furnace or AC unit
  • Thermostat
  • Basic ductwork connections
  • Refrigerant
  • Labor & installation
  • Old unit disposal

Typically Excludes

  • Full ductwork replacement
  • Zoning systems
  • Smart home integration
  • Permits & inspections
  • Humidifier or air purifier

Based on a standard 2,000 sq ft home with existing ductwork.

🧮Estimate Your Cost

Interactive

Estimated Cost

US$6,575

US$5,260 — US$7,890

Based on 9 sources and market data for Houston. Actual costs may vary depending on specific project requirements.

📈Price Momentum

Year-over-year

~1 year ago

US$10,969

Today

US$11,902

Furnace/HVAC Replacement in Houston is 8.5% compared to roughly a year ago — about US$932 more on the average project.

Comparison derived from the year-over-year change rate, not a month-by-month price index. We don't store historical snapshots yet — when we do, this will become a real time series.

🏢Top HVAC Replace Contractors in Houston

Verified providers
🔨

Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing

2114 Lou Ellen Ln, Houston, TX 77018, USA

4.9
★★★★½

6,282 reviews

🔨

All Star A/C, Plumbing & Electrical

9418 Mills Rd, Houston, TX 77070, USA

4.9
★★★★½

1,929 reviews

🔨

Bellaire Air Conditioning

5414 Ashbrook Dr, Houston, TX 77081, USA

4.9
★★★★½

499 reviews

🔨

Ace Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating

601 Milwaukee St, Houston, TX 77009, USA

4.9
★★★★½

207 reviews

🔨

Uptown Heating & Air Conditioning

11211 Richmond Ave Ste B102, Houston, TX 77082, USA

4.9
★★★★½

2,768 reviews

Provider data sourced from public business directories. Ratings and reviews are public and may change. LookupCost is not affiliated with listed providers.

💬What People Actually Paid

Community

Common Questions

Costs rose due to the federal mandate transitioning from R-410A to R-454B refrigerant, which requires more expensive A2L-compliant compressors and safety sensors, adding roughly 10-15% to equipment prices.

In 2026, the federal minimum for the Southern region is 14.3 SEER2. However, due to Houston's 8-10 month cooling season, most contractors recommend 16-18 SEER2 systems to offset high electricity rates.

The Houston Permitting Center typically charges 2% of the project's valuation plus a $47 flat fee, resulting in an average permit cost of approximately $195 to $350 for most residential projects.

Yes, Houston's expansive clay soil causes foundation shifts that can crack rigid refrigerant lines. Quality installations now include flexible connections and expansion loops, adding $200-$400 to the labor and materials cost.

📊Our Methodology

How we collect data
1

Aggregated from 5+ verified web sources and cost databases

2

Licensed contractor estimates and regional cost guides

3

Government construction and labor statistics

4

Community-reported project costs and reviews

Last data collection: 2 weeks ago. Updates run weekly. All costs in USD.

About this data

Cost figures are estimates synthesized from public market data using AI research and refreshed regularly. Real project costs vary by scope, materials, contractor, and site conditions. Always get verified quotes from licensed contractors for your specific project.

Spotted bad data? Let us know — we'll review and update.