Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is a crucial component of your home as it keeps your house comfortable and cozy throughout the year. All mechanical equipment eventually reaches the end of its lifespan, however, and your HVAC hardware is no exception. At some point, you may need to upgrade to a brand-new system. Here is a brief guide for homeowners on replacing their HVAC equipment.

Type

You have several types of systems to choose from when it's time for new HVAC hardware. So-called "split" systems are very popular with homeowners and do a great job of keeping the house comfortable regardless of the temperatures outside. They are called split systems because one unit, typically a furnace, is installed inside the house, while the cooling unit is placed outside the home.

Mini-Split

Another option is the ductless or mini-split system, which consists of individual units that are placed in each room. These inside units connect to a compressor that is installed on the outside. This system works well if you want different temperatures in different rooms, although it might not be the best choice for areas with very cold temperatures because their heating ability is somewhat inefficient.

Packaged

A third choice is a packaged system, which consists of one piece of equipment that handles both your heating and cooling. A packaged system can be a heat pump that handles both cooling and heating or a large cabinet that houses both an electric cooling system and a gas furnace, among other possibilities.

Geothermal

Yet another HVAC system is a geothermal heat pump that runs water through a series of underground pipes to heat and cool the home.

Cost

The cost of a new HVAC system varies widely depending on several key factors. The price range is usually between $5,000 and $12,500 as of 2023, according to the Angi website. A key element of the final cost is the size of your home because a larger house requires larger and more costly HVAC hardware. The climate and humidity in your region are also a factor.

The type of equipment you select plays a role in the overall cost. For instance, the average cost of an electric furnace ranges from $1,700 to 7,100, while the cost of a gas furnace varies between $3,800 and $10,000. Another important consideration is whether you will need new ductwork installed.

For more information about replacing your existing HVAC system, contact an HVAC service in your area.