Repair or replace — run your numbers
Client-side, nothing sent anywhere. Uses the same arithmetic a good contractor uses.
What installation costs in these five metros
Installed, permitted, typical ranges. Labor rates run highest in Los Angeles and Miami, lowest in Houston and Dallas; Phoenix is mid. Equipment tier moves the number more than the city does.
| Central AC (condenser + coil) | Gas furnace | Heat pump (split) | Full system (AC + furnace) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Builder grade, 14–15 SEER2 | $4,500–$7,500 | $3,500–$5,500 | $5,500–$9,000 | $8,000–$13,000 |
| Mid, 16–18 SEER2, two-stage | $7,000–$11,000 | $5,000–$8,000 | $8,500–$13,000 | $12,000–$18,000 |
| Variable-speed / inverter | $10,000–$16,000 | $7,000–$11,000 | $12,000–$20,000 | $17,000–$27,000 |
| Ductless mini-split | $3,000–$5,000 per zone single-zone; $2,500–$4,000 per zone on multi-zone systems. No ducts, no duct losses. | |||
| Adds that change the number | New line set $500–$1,500 · electrical upgrade $500–$2,500 · duct repair or replacement $2,000–$8,000 · permit $150–$600 depending on the city · crane for rooftop units (Phoenix, LA commercial) $300–$800 | |||
What a proper installation involves
- Manual J load calculationRoom-by-room heat gain and loss for your house — not "same size as the old one." Oversizing is the most common installation error in hot-humid metros; it short-cycles and never dehumidifies.
- Equipment matchCondenser, coil and air handler as an AHRI-rated match. Mismatched components lose efficiency and sometimes warranty.
- Ductwork assessmentStatic pressure test. New equipment on undersized or leaking ducts underperforms from day one. LA and Dallas attic duct systems are the usual problem.
- PermitHouston, Dallas, Miami-Dade and Los Angeles require a mechanical permit for a system replacement (LA issues it as an express permit when size and type stay the same). Phoenix is the exception: a like-for-like replacement that does not increase capacity or move the unit is exempt, but a resize or relocation is not. A contractor who skips a required permit is saving themselves time at your expense — inspections catch refrigerant, electrical and venting errors.
- Installation and commissioningEvacuation to 500 microns, charge by subcooling, airflow verified, thermostat configured for the system type. Commissioning is where the efficiency you paid for actually shows up.
- Rebates and creditsThe federal 25C energy-efficient home improvement credit covered property placed in service through December 31, 2025 and is not available for 2026 installations — do not let a quote assume it. What remains is utility money: it varies by metro, is usually paid through a participating contractor, and changes yearly. The metro pages below name each program.
Heat pump
Heats and cools with one outdoor unit. In these five metros — all with mild winters — a heat pump is usually the right answer and the cheapest to run. Cold-climate models hold full output to 5°F, which is far colder than any of these markets see.
Gas furnace + AC
Two pieces of equipment. Makes sense where gas is cheap and there's an existing furnace in good shape. Dallas and Houston have gas; Phoenix and LA mixed; Miami rarely.
Dual fuel
Heat pump above a set outdoor temperature, furnace below. Best efficiency in mixed climates, highest upfront. Overkill for Miami and Phoenix; reasonable in Dallas.
The thermostat that comes with it
New equipment often means a new thermostat, and heat pumps in particular need the right one configured the right way. The wires at the wall, what each does, and the one that gets set backwards most often:
The expensive quiet mistake: a heat pump configured as "conventional" heats with the strips only. Nothing looks broken; the bill triples. Ask the installer to show you the system-type setting before they leave.
HVAC installation by metro
Each city page covers local climate, permits, utility rebates and the failure modes specific to that market.
References: ENERGY STAR certified products · US Department of Energy · ACCA Manual J · AHRI directory
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