Transparent Pricing
How Much Does an HVAC System Cost in the Puget Sound?
Most Puget Sound homeowners pay between $9,000 and $15,000 for a fully installed central AC or furnace replacement, while a cold-climate heat pump typically runs $12,000–$20,000. Your final investment depends on system type, efficiency tier, ductwork, and your home's size — get a free, no-obligation estimate and range in minutes.
Typical timeframe: Most installs: 1 day · heat-pump, ductwork, or electrical work: up to 2 days
No-obligation estimate · Honest pricing before any work begins
What does each HVAC system type cost?
Installed price ranges for the Seattle / Puget Sound area. Your estimate depends on your home — the considerations below explain what moves it.
3-ton, 16 SEER2, installed and removed
96% AFUE high-efficiency, installed
Variable-speed, all-electric heating + cooling
Per-zone; multi-zone systems cost more
Heat pump with gas-furnace backup
Permits pulled, code-compliant installation, and inspection coordination — included on every qualifying install.
Ranges are representative Puget Sound market estimates. Eco gives you a personalized estimate and price range for your home — and explains what affects it — before any work begins.
What affects your HVAC system price
Five things move this number. Pick one to see what it touches in your home — and which way it pushes your price.
Showing the whole job.
One job, five moving parts
An installed price is never just the box outside. It is the equipment, the ducts that carry the air, the circuit or gas line feeding it, the size your home actually calls for, and the permit and haul-away that make it legitimate. Pick any one to see it.
- Across every system type on this page
- $6,000 – $22,000 installed
- Most popular in WA
- Cold-Climate Heat Pump · $12,000 – $20,000
- Typical timeframe
- Most installs: 1 day · heat-pump, ductwork, or electrical work: up to 2 days
Sets the baseline
System type & efficiency tier
A code-minimum single-stage unit costs far less up front than a variable-speed, high-SEER2 system — but the efficient tier lowers monthly bills and may qualify for rebates.
Adds — or gets skipped entirely
Ductwork condition
Leaky, undersized, or missing ducts add cost. Ductless mini-splits skip ductwork entirely, which can be cheaper in older homes.
Adds only when work is needed
Electrical & gas readiness
Switching to a heat pump may need an electrical panel upgrade; a new gas furnace may need venting or gas-line work.
Sets the size you actually need
Home size & load
Square footage, insulation, windows, and layout determine the system size (tonnage/BTU) you actually need.
Part of a legitimate installed price
Permits, removal & disposal
Washington permits, old-equipment haul-away, and code upgrades are part of a legitimate installed price.
The cost of waiting
Prices won’t be lower next year
higher than 6 years ago
projected high-end by 2027
book online anytime — upfront price before any work
HVAC equipment costs have risen sharply over the last several years. Replacing on your terms today almost always beats an emergency replacement at next year's prices.
What’s driving costs up
- R-454B refrigerant transition (2025 phase-in)
- Federal SEER2 efficiency mandates
- Copper and component pricing
- Licensed HVAC service professional shortage
Spread the cost over time
Qualified homeowners can finance their HVAC system into affordable monthly payments — quick, easy approval, and you still get today’s price.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to replace an HVAC system in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires a mechanical permit for HVAC replacement, and heat-pump or electrical changes may need additional permits. A licensed contractor pulls the permit and schedules inspection — Eco handles all of it as part of your installed price.
Is a heat pump worth it in the Puget Sound?
For most Puget Sound homes, yes. The mild, wet climate is ideal for cold-climate heat pumps, which heat and cool efficiently, cut energy bills, and frequently qualify for utility rebates and Washington's income-qualified HEAR point-of-sale discounts that offset the higher upfront cost.
How long does an HVAC installation take?
A straightforward AC or furnace replacement is usually a one-day job. Heat-pump conversions, ductwork, or electrical upgrades can take two days. Eco confirms the timeline in your upfront quote so there are no surprises.
Are there rebates for high-efficiency HVAC in Washington?
Often, yes. Heat pumps and high-efficiency systems may qualify for utility rebates — PSE pays $1,500–$4,000 on qualifying heat pumps depending on your current fuel and income — and income-eligible households (≤150% of area median income) can add WA HEAR point-of-sale discounts up to $8,000. Note two eligibility rules: PSE requires a PSE Trade Ally or REP installer (Eco is a Trade Ally Network member), and the federal 25C tax credit expired December 31, 2025, so it no longer applies to 2026 installs. Rebate figures verified as of July 2026.
Where do these numbers come from?
They're representative installed ranges for Puget Sound homes — equipment, labor, permits, and code items — reviewed against Eco's current job pricing and updated July 2026. Rebate references follow lib-verified Washington programs. Your written quote is exact and free; these ranges exist so you can plan before anyone visits.
What this costs in your city
Which utility serves your home decides the rebates, and several Puget Sound cities run their own permits. Get the city-specific math:
Reviews
What Seattle homeowners say
- 5 out of 5 stars
“The electrician, Max, found the problem in less than 30 minutes. He located a loose wire that had cut power to two rooms and corrected it. Max is a very pleasant person and professional in every way. I'll recommend him and the company to anyone with electrical problems.”
Verified Google review
- 5 out of 5 stars
“Levi came to my house in Redmond on time, gave me a free estimate, came back the following day also on time, and completed the work in less than 3 hours. Very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. I will use Eco and Levi for all my future work — highly recommended.”
Redmond homeowner · Google review
- 5 out of 5 stars
“Professional and knowledgeable staff. I really appreciated the service provided, with a detailed explanation of what the issue might have been.”
Verified Google review
Get your HVAC system estimate
No pressure, no surprises. Talk to our team — you’ll get a clear, upfront price before any work begins.