Furnace/HVAC Replacement Cost in Houston (2026)
Average cost in Houston
$5,500 – $22,000
$4 – $8 per sq ft
In Houston, the average is $11,902 and most projects cost between $5,500 and $22,000, or about $4 – $8 per sq ft. Prices are before tax and based on 9 sources.
Cost Breakdown
ItemizedCondenser, furnace, and evaporator coil (A2L compliant)
50%
Installation, testing, and commissioning
35%
Modifications, sealing, and R-8 insulation
10%
Houston Permitting Center fees and code compliance
3%
Old unit removal and refrigerant recovery
2%
Sales Tax at 6.25%
📋What's Included
ScopeTypically 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 project
LiveYour estimate in Houston
Likely range $5,500 – $22,001
- Equipment50%$5,951
- Labor35%$4,166
- Ductwork & Materials10%$1,190
- Permits & Inspections3%$357
- Disposal & Fees2%$238
Furnace only
$11,902
AC only
$13,010
Furnace + AC
$18,550
Heat pump (full system)
$22,982
Calibrated to 9 researched sources for Houston. Before tax. Real quotes vary with site conditions.
📈Price Momentum
Year-over-year~1 year ago
$10,969
Today
$11,902
Furnace/HVAC Replacement in Houston is ↑ 8.5% compared to roughly a year ago — about $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 providersAll Star A/C, Plumbing & Electrical
9418 Mills Rd, Houston, TX 77070, USA
2,000 reviews
Ace Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating
601 Milwaukee St, Houston, TX 77009, USA
211 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 dataAggregated from 5+ verified web sources and cost databases
Licensed contractor estimates and regional cost guides
Government construction and labor statistics
Community-reported project costs and reviews
Last data collection: 1 months 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.