> By: The Cooling Company > Published: 2025-12-29 > Last updated: 2025-12-29
Expect to pay about $8,000 to $22,000 to install HVAC in new construction. System type, size, and region drive cost. A basic furnace and central AC for a 2,000 sq ft home often costs $9,000 to $15,000. High-efficiency heat pumps or multi-head mini-splits raise up-front price. (Source: ASHRAE Technical Resources)
Key Takeaways
- Budget examples: furnace + AC $9k–$17k for a 2,000 sq ft home.
- Ask for Manual J and Manual D before approving equipment.
- Require rough-in duct leakage testing and written commissioning before final payment.
How much does HVAC installation cost in new homes?
Installing HVAC in a new home combines equipment, ducts, labor, permits, and testing. Prices vary by system type, house size, climate, and local labor rates. For many single-family builds a basic system sits in the low five-figure range, while high-efficiency or multi-zone systems reach mid five-figures.
Plan HVAC early to save both time and money during construction. Coordination with framing, plumbing, and insulation makes duct runs easier. That reduces labor time and lowers the risk of costly change orders after drywall goes up.
A realistic budget includes an allowance for upgrades, rebates, and site work. For example, add 10–20% to a base quote to cover electrical upgrades or roof curbs. Those buffers prevent last-minute compromises.
What price ranges should I expect?
For a 1,500–2,500 sq ft home, expect $9,000–$17,000 for a furnace plus central AC in many regions. Heat pump installs often start around $9,000 and can exceed $20,000 for cold-climate models. Ductless mini-splits commonly fall in $7,000–$17,000 depending on heads.
Luxury builds that add ERVs, high-SEER units, or advanced controls push totals higher. Local permit costs and specialty materials also raise the price. Treat these ranges as a starting point for detailed quotes.
How do system types change cost?
System type is one of the biggest cost levers. A basic gas furnace plus central AC usually costs less up front than a high-efficiency heat pump. Ductless systems save on ductwork but require more indoor units and skilled refrigerant piping.
Labor complexity, refrigerant type, and needed electrical upgrades also affect price. For example, installing a multi-zone mini-split takes more time than a single ducted split. Consider available rebates when comparing net cost.
What does a furnace plus central air cost?
A mid-efficiency gas furnace with a 16 SEER central AC often costs $5,000–$8,000 for equipment. Typical ductwork and labor add $4,000–$8,000 depending on layout and access. Permits and startup services normally add $500–$2,000.
Total installed cost for a 2,000 sq ft home typically lands around $9,000–$17,000. New construction can lower labor costs because attic or crawlspace access is easier. Still, builder allowances may not cover high-end equipment. (Source: ASHRAE Technical Resources)
How are HVAC costs broken down?
An HVAC invoice divides into equipment, ductwork, labor, controls, permits, and testing. Equipment often is the largest single line item. Yet ducts and sealing matter greatly for real-world performance and comfort.
Labor rates differ by market and system complexity. Mechanical hookups, refrigerant charging, and programming take skilled work. Accurate installation protects warranties and helps the system hit expected efficiency numbers.
What portion is equipment versus labor?
Equipment typically makes up 40–60% of the total bill, based on system type. High-efficiency and multi-zone systems push equipment share higher. The remaining share covers labor, ductwork, controls, and permits.
New builds often reduce labor time versus retrofits. Still, long duct runs, multiple indoor units, or rooftop installs add labor. Ask for an itemized bid showing equipment prices and estimated labor hours.
How much does ductwork add to the bill?
Standard ductwork for a 2,000 sq ft home commonly costs $2,000–$6,000. Duct cost depends on material, run count, and whether ducts sit in conditioned space. Plenums, boots, insulation, and sealing add to the total.
Duct sealing and testing are investments that cut wasted energy and balance rooms. Budget for a rough-in leakage test and sealing work. Those steps reduce bills and lower callback risk.
What is Manual J sizing and why ask for it?
Manual J is the standard load calculation for residential heating and cooling. It computes the precise heat gain and loss for a specific house. This prevents oversizing or undersizing equipment based on square footage alone.
Require a signed Manual J before picking equipment. Quotes that rely only on square footage are unreliable. A proper Manual J helps match capacity to real needs and saves money over time.
Which system type is best for my new build?
Selecting a system depends on climate, fuel access, budget, and house design. No one system fits every home. Both upfront cost and long-term energy use should shape the choice.
Think about maintenance and redundancy as well. Some owners pick a furnace with electric backup. Others choose a heat pump with a small electric strip heat. Local contractor skill and builder preference also matter.
Should I choose a furnace and central air?
A furnace plus central AC suits cold climates with affordable natural gas. Furnaces are reliable and often cost less initially for heating. Central AC works well for larger ducted homes where airflow can be balanced.
Make sure ducts are sized and sealed. Balanced ducts reduce noise and deliver better comfort. For gas homes, plan combustion air and venting to meet local codes.
Are heat pumps better in mild climates?
Heat pumps shine in mild climates and replace both furnace and AC in one system. They move heat instead of making it, which often cuts energy use. Modern cold-climate heat pumps also work well in many colder areas.
Savings depend on electricity rates and incentives. If electricity is clean or low-cost locally, heat pumps can reduce emissions and bills. Look for local rebates that improve payback. [Point 1] (Source: ASHRAE Technical Resources)
Can ductless mini-splits save money?
Ductless mini-splits often lower construction invasiveness by avoiding ducts. They offer zoned comfort and reduce loss tied to leaky duct systems. Multiple indoor heads raise equipment costs but can lower operating use.
Placement matters for airflow and looks. Long refrigerant runs add labor and can raise cost. Maintenance is basic but requires periodic filter cleaning and occasional refrigerant checks.
What SEER and HSPF ratings should I target?
Aim for SEER 16 as a practical minimum for new builds in many areas. In hot climates, stepping to SEER 18 gives larger savings. For heat pumps, target HSPF 8.5 or better for good heating efficiency.
Also check current testing metrics like SEER2 where applicable. New federal rules can shift minimums. Ask contractors for up-to-date specs and real-world performance numbers.
What are the biggest cost drivers?
Equipment efficiency, system type, duct complexity, and home size are the main cost drivers. Local labor rates and permit fees also change the final price. Plan around those items to control costs.
Site-specific factors such as attic access, roof-mounted equipment, or long refrigerant routes increase time and material needs. Identify these early to avoid surprises and schedule slips.
How does house square footage drive cost?
Bigger homes need more cooling tons and more heating capacity, which raises equipment and duct costs. Open plans or high ceilings increase load beyond simple square footage. That often requires more capacity or zoning.
Account for ceiling height, insulation level, and window area when sizing. These factors often change the equipment needs more than raw floor area.
Do complex duct runs increase labor?
Yes, long or hard-to-access ducts increase fabrication and installation time. Tight spaces and many bends reduce airflow and often need larger ducts or higher fan power. That raises both material and labor costs.
Coordinating early with framers and electricians reduces these complications. Early planning saves money and shortens the schedule.
How do local labor and material rates vary?
Labor and material costs differ by metro area and supply conditions. High-demand regions commonly charge more for skilled HVAC labor. Material prices move with supply chains and local suppliers.
Get local bids and ask for labor-hour estimates. That helps spot unusually low or high quotes and ensures fair comparisons.
How to plan your HVAC budget during construction?
Start budgeting HVAC during the design phase so decisions happen while framing is open. Early choices let you place ducts, returns, and chases without heavy rework. That timing keeps cost down and simplifies installation.
Set realistic allowances and require a Manual J before final equipment picks. Spot rebate programs early so you can choose qualifying gear. That keeps your net cost lower. [Point 2] (Source: ASHRAE Technical Resources)
When should HVAC be specified in the build timeline?
Specify HVAC during architectural design and before framing starts. Rough-ins for ducts and electrical need space in the framing plan. Duct chases and return locations should match plumbing and electrical layouts.
If HVAC waits until after drywall, moving ducts or adding returns becomes costly. Early HVAC contractor involvement lowers change order risk and speeds the schedule.
Should I accept the builder allowance?
Only accept a builder allowance if it is fully itemized and shows model numbers and ratings. Many allowances are placeholders that cover only base equipment. Missing items often cause change orders.
Ask for the allowance line items before signing. If the allowance lacks details, get independent bids. A side-by-side view shows gaps and avoids surprises.
How to compare contractor bids effectively?
Require itemized bids listing equipment models, efficiency metrics, duct materials, labor hours, permit costs, testing, and commissioning. Compare quotes on the same scope to spot differences. Check warranty terms and start-up services.
Request copies of the Manual J and any Manual D duct design. Bids lacking those documents are less reliable and may hide extra costs.
How to verify duct leakage and commissioning?
Ask for a duct blower-door test at rough-in to measure leakage to outside. The test gives a numeric leakage result you can accept or reject. Require sealing work if leakage exceeds the agreed limit.
Also require a final startup report showing airflow, static pressure, and refrigerant charge. A signed commissioning checklist should be required before final payment.
What warranties and maintenance agreements matter?
Look for at least a one-year labor warranty plus manufacturer warranties on parts. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties if the install is registered. Keep warranty cards and startup reports safe.
Consider a first-year maintenance visit included in the contract. That visit helps catch early issues and keeps warranties valid.
Are rebates or tax credits available?
Rebates and credits often apply to heat pumps, high-efficiency equipment, and duct sealing. Programs vary by utility, state, and federal rules. Check early and plan to meet program documentation rules.
Save invoices, model numbers, and installation dates. Some programs require pre-approval or specific contractor certifications to qualify.
How to get quotes and choose a contractor?
Accurate bids need a clear scope and documentation. Ask contractors for itemized proposals that list models, efficiency ratings, duct specs, labor hours, permit costs, and testing steps. Multiple bids help find fair pricing and quality.
Look for contractors who provide Manual J and Manual D reports. EPA Section 608 certification is a must for refrigerant work. NATE certification shows technician competence but confirm real job experience too. [Point 3] (Source: ASHRAE Technical Resources)
Request Manual J and itemized bids
Tell contractors you want a signed Manual J before equipment selection. Request an itemized bid showing equipment price, duct materials, labor, permits, and testing. That helps you compare offers fairly and spot missing items.
A good bid includes startup, warranty details, and a commissioning checklist. If a contractor resists providing these, treat the quote as incomplete and look elsewhere.
Contact qualified HVAC contractors
Choose contractors with strong references and clear documentation. For complex new builds, hire firms that run Manual J and Manual D in-house or rely on a trusted third party. Verify EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerant work.
If building in the Las Vegas area, call The Cooling Company at 17029308411 for new-construction HVAC planning, installation, and testing. The Cooling Company serves Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas and handles Manual J sizing, duct design, and commissioning.
What red flags should I watch for?
Beware of quotes that use square footage alone to size equipment. Also be cautious when allowances lack model numbers or efficiency ratings. Low bids without itemized labor hours may hide extra charges.
Watch for contractors who won’t show Manual J, Manual D, or test reports. That lack of documentation often leads to poor performance and higher operating costs.
How to document HVAC specs for resale?
Keep a project folder with Manual J, Manual D, equipment model numbers, efficiency ratings, commissioning reports, duct leakage results, and warranty documents. These items help appraisers and future buyers see system quality.
Provide a short summary sheet for the home manual to make warranty transfers and maintenance scheduling easier for the next owner.
Final steps: lock in equipment, rebates, and schedule
Once you pick equipment and contractor, get a signed contract that lists models, efficiency numbers, and testing requirements. Schedule rough-in inspections and final commissioning to match the construction calendar. That reduces last-minute changes.
Ensure permits and inspection appointments are in the timeline. Missing inspections can cause rework and delay closing. Keep copies of all documents for warranty and resale purposes.
Call The Cooling Company for Las Vegas-area builds
If you are building in Las Vegas, Henderson, or North Las Vegas, schedule an HVAC planning consult with The Cooling Company at 17029308411. The Cooling Company provides Manual J sizing, duct design, itemized bids, rough-in duct leakage testing, and full commissioning. Start early to lock in equipment, rebates, and a smooth install.
If you are outside our service area, look for NATE-certified technicians and insist on Manual J, duct testing, and a written commissioning checklist. For more contractor guidance, find NATE at natex.org and ask local pros for the same documentation standards.
Call The Cooling Company at 17029308411 to book a new-construction consult in Las Vegas, Henderson, or North Las Vegas. We will help size equipment, design ducts, test leakage. Complete commissioning so your new home hits comfort and efficiency goals.
Related reading: what to explore next?
About The Cooling Company
- Phone: 17029308411
References
- U.S. Department of Energy (Energy.gov) (accessed 2025-12-29)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (accessed 2025-12-29)
- ASHRAE (Standards and guidance) (accessed 2025-12-29)
- ENERGY STAR (Heating & cooling) (accessed 2025-12-29)