How much is a new HVAC system?

A new HVAC system can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000 or about $7,500 on average. The cost depends on the type of HVAC system, the size of the home, the brand of the HVAC equipment, and labor installation costs, among other factors. Speak with one of the top heating and air conditioning companies in your area and request a quote to determine the cost for your new HVAC system.

What is the labor cost to install an HVAC unit?

The labor cost to install an HVAC unit ranges from $500 to $2,500, depending on the complexity of the job and the expertise of the installer. Most often, the labor costs will not be separated out in a pricing quote but will be included in the overall cost of the project. Installing a new HVAC unit can take anywhere from six to 10 hours. This type of significant and complex work comes at a premium price.

Is it cheaper to replace your AC and furnace together?

It can be cheaper to replace both your AC and furnace together, mainly because an HVAC company will only have to come to your house once for the installation rather than make two separate trips. Additionally, the units themselves may be cheaper when purchased together as a pair. Only replace your AC and furnace together if both units indeed require a replacement due to old age or damaged parts.

How long does an HVAC unit last?

An HVAC unit can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years. Units that are well taken care of with routine maintenance checks and cleanings will last longer than those that are neglected. If you live in a climate where the furnace runs nonstop during the winter or the AC is constantly running during the summer, these units tend to break down faster.

What causes an HVAC system to fail?

An HVAC system can fail for many reasons, often stemming from broken parts or improper maintenance. Common issues with HVAC system parts include faulty wiring, motor failures, or a broken thermostat. Poor maintenance problems can include clogged filters, improperly balanced dampers, or leaking refrigerant. If your HVAC system has stopped working, start by checking to see if the circuit breaker was tripped.

Best HVAC Companies of 2023

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Close-up of hand operating the home heating system controls — Photo:
Jackyenjoyphotography / Getty Images

When it comes to appliances, HVAC systems are like the heart of a home, keeping hot or cold air pumping throughout each room—so there's a lot to consider when deciding which company to hire to repair or replace your unit. The choice ultimately depends on a number of different factors, including durability, warranties, budget, and energy efficiency.

You might have to make compromises when picking an HVAC brand. For instance, the most budget-friendly options may not provide the highest quality products. Energy-efficient models with high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings may have just tolerable warranty terms. We’ve compiled a list of our top heating and air conditioning companies, along with the pros and cons, to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

Best HVAC Companies of 2023

Best Overall: Carrier
Best on a Budget: Rheem
Best Warranty: Goodman
Best for Energy Efficiency: Lennox
Best Durability: Trane
Best for Reduced Noise: Bryant
Best for Small Homes: American Standard

Best Overall: Carrier

Carrier HVAC

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Warranty: 10 years
Energy Star Certified? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Leading HVAC brand name with a reputation for quality
HVAC units operate quietly
Most products boast high energy efficiency

Cons

Products only available at a premium price
Warranty is not the best in the business

Why It Made the List

Carrier is one of the most recognized HVAC brands, and with a legacy of quality products, leading energy efficiency, and thousands upon thousands of satisfied customers, it's our pick for the best HVAC company. When purchasing a Carrier product, you can be certain it will have the latest innovative technology to operate efficiently and the durability to last for many years to come.

In addition to the superior quality, Carrier HVAC units are top-tier when it comes to quiet operation and energy efficiency. Most units boast a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (the higher the rating, the more efficient) and a low decibel level. However, Carrier products are certainly not the cheapest on the market. You will pay more for the trusted Carrier brand name, and Carrier installers must be North American Technician Excellence (NATE)-certified, which can add to the price.

Since it’s one of the highest-rated HVAC companies, you would expect a little more than just a standard warranty from Carrier. It offers a 10-year limited warranty on functional parts, but the warranty decreases to just five years if you don't register the product within 90 days after installation. That being said, with proper maintenance, Carrier parts and units should require very few repairs in their lifetime.

Best on a Budget: Rheem

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Warranty: 10 years
Energy Star Certified? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

HVAC units tend to be less expensive than competitors without compromising durability
Energy-efficient products with high SEER ratings
Lengthy 10-year warranty on parts and labor

Cons

Repairs can be expensive past the warranty period
AC units can be loud

Why It Made the List

If you’re in the market for HVAC equipment that won’t break the bank, look no further than Rheem. The durability of Rheem units is comparable to industry leaders like Trane and Carrier at a much lower price point. Rheem keeps its costs low by using proprietary parts, and the systems are not quite as robust as others, so we recommend choosing a Rheem system if you only need HVAC on occasion.

While the initial cost of the HVAC unit may be cheaper, many homeowners report costly repairs, as replacing the proprietary parts is more expensive. Rheem does not require installation by an authorized Rheem installer. Therefore, it is possible to skimp on the quality of installation services and further bring down the price. Customers can avoid costly repairs in the future by paying for a quality installation upfront.

On most of Rheem’s products, there is a 10-year limited parts and labor warranty, a limited lifetime heat exchanger warranty, and a 10-year conditional unit replacement. As an Energy Star Certified company, REEM’s units deliver a high SEER rating of up to 20.

Best Warranty: Goodman

Goodman HVAC

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 48 states
Warranty: 2-10 years
Energy Star Certified? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Extensive and flexible warranty coverages available
Known for durable parts and design features
HVAC equipment is budget friendly

Cons

Units are not the most energy-efficient
Some equipment can be loud

Why It Made the List

Unlike many companies that offer limited warranty coverage with extensive terms and conditions, Goodman has a two-year replacement guarantee. If your unit fails for any reason within the first two years, Goodman will replace it. In addition to this coverage, Goodman offers a 10-year limited parts warranty and the option to add a 20-year or lifetime parts warranty. The lifetime warranty is a great option for those who want to make owning an HVAC system a little more carefree.

Goodman’s parts are known for their durability, from long-lasting furnace steel heat exchangers to air conditioner coil guards. A few of the company’s ACs and heat pumps have respectable SEER ratings, but for the most part, its products are not the most energy-efficient, with SEER ratings ranging from 13 to 18. Another drawback is that its units do not have the quietest operation.

Overall, Goodman is a budget-friendly brand. Its products compete with the durability of top HVAC companies at a lower price point. Paired with the available extended warranty coverage, purchasing a Goodman HVAC unit can give you peace of mind with your budget.

Best for Energy Efficiency: Lennox

Lennox

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Warranty: 10 years
Energy Star Certified? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

HVAC units are some of the most energy-efficient available
Generous 10-year limited parts warranty period with available extensions
Systems are durable and adequate for harsh climates

Cons

Some products are more expensive than the competition
HVAC units are on the noisier side

Why It Made the List

Energy efficiency is top of mind for many homeowners looking for the best heating and AC companies, and Lennox offers just that. Lennox units have some of the highest SEER ratings available, with most ratings above 16 and a few reaching as high as 23.5. Such energy-efficient products will reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy bills by $180 a year. For maximum efficiency, pair Lennox’s units with one of its iComfort smart thermostats. They have advanced technology that allows homeowners to set and hold temperatures within 0.5 degrees of their setting. Its “smartness” also allows your home to remain energy efficient when you leave and also creates the perfect environment for when you return home.

Lennox has a 10-year limited parts warranty along with a five-year warranty on certain designated parts and a 20-year warranty on heat exchangers. Extended warranty coverage is available. When it comes to noise levels, Lennox’s units can be on the louder side. If your furnace or AC will be located near a popular area in your home, you may want to consider a quieter brand.

The price to purchase a new Lennox HVAC unit will be on the higher end compared to other units. But for many homeowners, the long-lasting and highly effective systems—even in extreme climates—and well-known brand name are worth the cost.

Best Durability: Trane

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Warranty: 10 years
Energy Star Certified? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Trane name is backed by durable, long-lasting equipment
Certain products offer weather-resistant technology
HVAC units have a quiet operation

Cons

Units are more expensive than other brands
Homeowners must pay extra attention to maintenance

Why It Made the List

Trane is well known and one of the highest-rated HVAC companies on the market, with its ongoing positive reputation coming down to the quality and durability of its product. Trane products go through 16 weeks of testing in extreme cold and scorching heat to mimic five years’ worth of wear and tear. Among customers, Trane systems have endured falling debris, survived under floodwaters, and even withstood getting run over by a backhoe. The company offers products with weather-resistant technology that prevents corrosion, making Trane the best option for those that live in areas with extreme weather.

The impressive durability does, however, come at a cost. Homeowners should expect to pay a premium for Trane products. Additionally, each unit must be properly taken care of to last as long as possible. To keep up with the maintenance, Trane offers an affordable annual tune-up service by a licensed technician.

Trane offers a standard 10-year limited parts warranty with some extensions available. Trane products tend to have a relatively quiet operation. The units fall in the middle in terms of energy efficiency—not the most energy-efficient but far from the worst.

Best for Reduced Noise: Bryant

Bryant HVAC

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 49 states
Warranty: 10 years
Energy Star Certified? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

HVAC units have an incredibly quiet operation
Many products are energy-efficient with high SEER ratings
Level of quality is comparable to leading brands like Carrier

Cons

Warranty terms leave a bit to be deserved
Brand is not the most innovative

Why It Made the List

Loud HVAC equipment is not only annoying, but it can also have negative impacts on your health. The prolonged hum of an HVAC could actually cause damage to your hearing over time. If your AC or furnace will be located in a heavily frequented area in your house, choose a unit with quiet operation, like one from Bryant. Products like its Evolution Extreme air conditioners and heat pumps have an exclusive AeroQuiet System that keeps sound levels down to 51 decibels—similar to the environment of a quiet library. The minimal noise is made possible through a combination of an inverter-driven compressor and a sound blanket. Split ducted units and mini-split ductless units are available with low noise decibels, so you can enjoy low noise no matter what type of HVAC system you have.

As a part of Carrier, customers can expect Carrier-like quality but at a lower Bryant cost. One drawback of the shared business with Carrier is that any innovative technology is typically debuted under the Carrier name and not introduced to Bryant products for some time. Regardless, Bryant HVAC units are durable and will last for many years with proper maintenance.

While Bryant is not our choice for most energy-efficient, it was certainly a top contender; many Bryant products feature a very high SEER rating. Bryant’s warranty terms are less than stellar, considering the impressive features previously mentioned. There is a 10-year limited parts warranty just for specified parts.

Best for Small Homes: American Standard

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states (through dealers and distributors)
Warranty: 5-10 years
Energy Star Certified? Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Units can last as long as 25 years with proper maintenance
Rigorously tested to ensure performance and durability
Smaller units are ideal for smaller homes

Cons

Certain models can be noisy
High installation costs

Why It Made the List

As a sister company to Trane, American Standard products are well built and reliable. It also offers HVAC units with a smaller footprint, making them a great choice for small houses and mobile homes. For example, the ductless mini-split systems are perfect for their small size and energy efficiency; you can use them to regulate a single room or a specific zone of your home. Because the units go through rigorous testing under the same system as Trane products, they will equally stand up to extreme temperatures, a variety of weather, as well as regular wear and tear.

American Standard has a fairly standard warranty—the limited parts warranty ranges from five to 10 years, depending on the model. Some furnaces, however, do have a lifetime warranty. You can also expect fairly standard energy efficiency with American Standard HVAC units, with its highest efficiency model having a SEER rating of 22. The noise levels for American Standard products tend to be on the higher side.

Final Verdict

Carrier is a leading HVAC brand that sells long-lasting products equipped with innovative technology. It has a variety of energy-efficient and quiet units and great customer service. While its units do come at a higher cost, many homeowners are willing to pay the price for the peace of mind that comes with the reputation of the brand.

Compare the Best HVAC Companies

Company	Nationwide Availability	Warranty	Energy Star Certified?
Carrier Best Overall	50 states	10 years	Yes
Rheem Best on a Budget	50 states	10 years	Yes
Goodman Best Warranty	48 states	2-10 years	Yes
Lennox Best for Energy Efficiency	50 states	10 years	Yes
Trane Best Durability	50 states	10 years	Yes
Bryant Best for Reduced Noise	49 states	10 years	Yes
American Standard Best for Small Homes	50 states (through dealers and distributors)	5-10 years	Yes

How Does an HVAC System Work?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. An HVAC system works to maintain a certain temperature and humidity level in a home by circulating air. The system will be made up of equipment that treats the air, such as a furnace, boiler, or air conditioner, and a system that circulates the treated air throughout the home, most often ductwork. Once the treated air is dispersed, it is most often sent back to the HVAC equipment as returned make-up air to be treated once again and cycled through the home.

Take a forced-air furnace heating system, for example. The furnace will heat the make-up air that cycles through it by using either gas, propane, or electric power. A blower forces the heated air into the ductwork and up into floor vents located in each room of the house. The furnace knows to turn on and begin heating a space when a room’s temperature is lower than the set temperature on the thermostat. The heating system will also maintain a set humidity level in the home by removing excess water from returned air.

Types of HVAC Systems

There are four main types of HVAC systems: split, hybrid, ductless, and packaged. If you are building a new house, you will have the opportunity to review each type and make a decision on which to install in your home. In an existing home, it is always a good idea to understand the type of HVAC system you have and how it works. Each of these four systems and how they work is detailed below.

Split Systems

Split systems are the most popular type, defined by the split of heating and cooling units. Typically, an air conditioning unit is located outside the home, and a heating unit is located inside the home, whether in a closet, basement, garage, or attic. Air from the heating or cooling unit is dispersed throughout the home by a fan or blower.

Hybrid Systems

A hybrid system is similar to a split system, however, there are two options for how the system is powered. A traditional split system runs on either natural gas, electricity, or propane, but only one of the three. A hybrid system can run on two power sources, typically gas and electric. The homeowner can switch between gas and electric power—gas for faster and more robust HVAC and electric for more efficient HVAC.

Ductless Systems

Ductless HVAC systems are also called mini-splits. These are individual HVAC units placed in specific rooms throughout a home rather than one centralized unit. The units are mounted on a wall and have independent temperature control, which can help with zoning a smaller home. A homeowner may choose to install a mini-split in a room that is not connected to the household’s split system, such as the garage or an addition.

Packaged Systems

With a packaged system, one compact unit both heats and cools a home. These units are typically placed in the attic and run solely on electricity. Packaged systems are best suited for small houses or those in warm climates that do not require much heating.

How Do You Know Whether to Repair or Replace Your HVAC?

When deciding whether to repair or replace your HVAC, start with the age of the system. Most HVAC systems will not last longer than 20 years, so if yours is more than 20-years-old, replacement is the best option. Putting new parts into a unit that will likely fail in the coming years does not make good financial sense.

Also, consider the frequency of repairs your system has required over the past years. If you are constantly replacing parts and requiring service from an HVAC technician, then installing a new system with a warranty is likely a better investment over time.

Lastly, think about the cost of the repair. If the repair will cost over half of what a new unit would cost, it is likely a better investment to buy the new unit. Not only will you have to pay for the costly repair now, but there will also potentially be additional repairs in the future that will eventually add up to the cost of a new unit—without it being new at all.

If your system is less than 20 years old, has not required frequent repairs, and the cost of the repairs is less than half of the cost of a new unit, then repairing your HVAC system is the way to go.

What Impacts the Cost of an HVAC System?

The cost of an HVAC system depends on three main factors: the type of system, the HVAC unit, and the labor installation costs. Most homes have a split HVAC system, which is more expensive than a mini-split or packaged system due to the ductwork that must be installed.

HVAC units come in a wide range of efficiencies, brands, and sizes. High-efficiency equipment tends to be more expensive. Certain brand names will be more expensive than others due to the quality of materials used and the integrity behind the brand name. Larger homes require a larger HVAC unit to properly heat and cool the space, so if you have a big house, expect to pay more for new HVAC units.

Labor installation costs vary by location and company expertise. Contractor services will be less expensive in low-cost-of-living areas where there is less demand for services. Additionally, it will cost less to hire a relatively new HVAC crew with limited experience, but this isn’t always a good idea. When it comes to integral systems in your home, like an HVAC system, hire experienced professionals who will get the job done right.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a new HVAC system?

A new HVAC system can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000 or about $7,500 on average. The cost depends on the type of HVAC system, the size of the home, the brand of the HVAC equipment, and labor installation costs, among other factors. Speak with one of the top heating and air conditioning companies in your area and request a quote to determine the cost for your new HVAC system.
What is the labor cost to install an HVAC unit?

The labor cost to install an HVAC unit ranges from $500 to $2,500, depending on the complexity of the job and the expertise of the installer. Most often, the labor costs will not be separated out in a pricing quote but will be included in the overall cost of the project. Installing a new HVAC unit can take anywhere from six to 10 hours. This type of significant and complex work comes at a premium price.
Is it cheaper to replace your AC and furnace together?

It can be cheaper to replace both your AC and furnace together, mainly because an HVAC company will only have to come to your house once for the installation rather than make two separate trips. Additionally, the units themselves may be cheaper when purchased together as a pair. Only replace your AC and furnace together if both units indeed require a replacement due to old age or damaged parts.
How long does an HVAC unit last?

An HVAC unit can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years. Units that are well taken care of with routine maintenance checks and cleanings will last longer than those that are neglected. If you live in a climate where the furnace runs nonstop during the winter or the AC is constantly running during the summer, these units tend to break down faster.
What causes an HVAC system to fail?

An HVAC system can fail for many reasons, often stemming from broken parts or improper maintenance. Common issues with HVAC system parts include faulty wiring, motor failures, or a broken thermostat. Poor maintenance problems can include clogged filters, improperly balanced dampers, or leaking refrigerant. If your HVAC system has stopped working, start by checking to see if the circuit breaker was tripped.

Methodology

To pick the best HVAC companies, we reviewed more than a dozen services and judged each one using the following criteria:

Range of HVAC products
Nationwide availability
Customer service
Company reputation
Years in business

We directly compared companies to determine a winner for each superlative category, basing our decisions off of services provided, customer reviews, technical data sheets, online tools, and more.

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Sources

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