AC Nat'l Avg $7,509Markup 5%Savings $360New York $7,845Los Angeles $7,835Chicago $7,857Dallas $7,240Houston $7,183Phoenix $7,201Philadelphia $7,506San Antonio $7,100AC Nat'l Avg $7,509Markup 5%Savings $360New York $7,845Los Angeles $7,835Chicago $7,857Dallas $7,240Houston $7,183Phoenix $7,201Philadelphia $7,506San Antonio $7,100
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5%
Avg Contractor Markup
The real cost of HVAC isn’t the sticker price.
We track the gap between what contractors charge and what the job actually costs. 25 cities. Updated every quarter.
The full picture. Pick your city, system, and home details. See what the job should cost, compare options side by side, and find out how much negotiating room you have.
All cost data and methodology reviewed by Leonard Thompson, founder of LC Thompson Construction Co.. 20+ years in residential and commercial contracting, Jefferson City, MO.
Most people pay between $5,071 and $9,946. The national average is $7,509. Your price depends on your city, system size, and the efficiency rating you pick.
What SEER rating should I get?+
Most states require at least 14 SEER. The sweet spot is 16–18 — good efficiency without overpaying. 20+ only makes sense in extreme heat like Phoenix or Houston.
Should I replace AC and furnace together?+
Usually, yes. A matched system runs better and most contractors knock 8–15% off when you bundle them.
How do I know if my quote is too high?+
In most cities, about 15% of contractors already charge well below the average. If your quote is above our “lowest typical” number for your city, you probably have room to negotiate.
Do I need a permit?+
Almost always, yes. Permits run $75–$500 depending on your city. If a contractor says you don’t need one, that’s a red flag.
How long does installation take?+
A straight swap takes about a day. New ductwork adds 2–3 days. A full system change can take up to a week.
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Free PDF with fair prices for your city, permit info, and tips for negotiating with contractors. Updated every quarter.
We’ll email your report right away. We may follow up to connect you with a local pro or update you on new pricing data.
