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Replacing a residential HVAC system in Pennsylvania costs from $5000 to $20,000. Commercial HVAC replacement, on the other hand, costs from $5000 to $60,000+. Some large commercial jobs and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) setups for office buildings or multi-unit warehouses may exceed $100,000 to $250,000+. The costs are highly variable depending on multiple factors. From your space, region, and comfort needs to labor rates in your area, everything influences the number on the invoice. In this blog, we will explore the average cost for HVAC replacement in Pennsylvania. We will also provide some expert tips on how you can claim the best deal at an affordable price.
Multiple factors decide how much you will pay for your comfort appliance. Let’s discuss a few of them here.
The type of system you choose for your space dictates how much you pay. Usually, commercial HVAC systems are more costly than residential ones. This is due to enhanced efficiency, better capacity, and more installation complexity associated with the commercial systems. The costs also vary depending on whether the system provides year-round comfort or is limited to one season only. Some units, such as dual fuel systems, combine two different heating technologies integrated into a single unit. That’s why they have a higher upfront cost; however, they provide long-term benefits in terms of year-round comfort and low energy bills.
The higher the size and capacity of the system, the more it will cost. But remember that larger is not always the best one. Choose equipment size and capacity clearly after calculating the Manual J load of your residential or commercial property.
Efficiency is about how much energy your HVAC system conserves while keeping your space comfortable. Various systems are rated against various efficiency standards. For example, air conditioners are rated against SEER2 standards. Similarly, furnaces are rated against AFUE standards. The better the efficiency of your system, the more upfront it will cost. But a highly efficient system often pays back money by incurring fewer energy bills compared to one with lower efficiency.
HVAC replacement cost is something more than just equipment cost. You need skilled labor to get it installed. The labor required again depends on the type and the size of the systems. A small AC unit can be easily installed by two HVAC technicians and hardly takes one day for installation. On the other hand, commercial rooftop units require extensive labor and two or three days for installation. The added labor hours cost you more. The same happens for labor rates. In bustling cities such as Allentown and Bethlehem, the company's billable labor rates are from $100 to $150 per hour. On the other hand, this range reduces to $70 to $80 or even lower in rural areas such as Carbon County. This also affects your total cost for HVAC replacement.
Apart from mounting a unit and making necessary connections, there are several other accessories and chores associated with the installation process. For example, if your existing duct network is not in good condition, you need an additional service for ducts. Similarly, you might need additional accessories, including drain lines, electrical boxes, refrigeration line sets, etc. These all take some money and time for installation.
The following are average HVAC replacement costs for commonly used appliances in Pennsylvania. The data is directly sourced from the Lehigh HVAC database of actual projects completed by our technicians. The price ranges mentioned in the tables below include both the equipment and installation costs. However, we recommend consulting with local technicians before making big financial decisions.
|
Air Conditioner Type |
Residential Replacement Cost |
Commercial Replacement Cost |
|
Standard Central AC |
$4,500 – $10,500 |
$7,500–$30,000+ |
|
Variable-Speed Central AC |
$9,000 – $16,000 |
$14,000 – $35,000+ |
|
Ductless Mini-Split AC |
$3,500 – $9,000 (1 to 3 zones) |
$8,000 – $25,000+ (Multi-zone layout) |
|
Commercial Rooftop Unit (RTU) |
N/A (Commercial Only) |
$6,500–$60,000+ |
|
Heat Pump Type |
Residential Replacement Cost |
Commercial Replacement Cost |
|
Standard Ducted Heat Pump |
$6,000 – $13,000 |
$12,000 – $28,000+ |
|
Cold-Climate Heat Pump |
$8,500 – $16,500 |
$18,000 – $38,000+ |
|
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump |
$3,500 – $9,500 |
$8,000 – $25,000+ |
|
Dual Fuel / Hybrid Heat Pump |
$9,500 – $18,000+ |
$16,000 – $50,000+ |
|
Geothermal Heat Pump |
$18,000 – $35,000+ |
$45,000 – $150,000+ |
|
Furnace Type |
Residential Replacement Cost |
Commercial Replacement Cost |
|
Natural Gas Furnace |
$3,800 – $8,500 |
$8,000 – $22,000+ |
|
Propane (LP) Furnace |
$4,000 – $9,000 |
$9,000 – $24,000+ |
|
Oil Furnace |
$4,500 – $9,500 |
$10,000 – $25,000+ |
|
Electric Furnace |
$3,000 – $6,500 |
$6,500 – $16,000+ |
|
Variable-Speed Furnace |
$6,500 – $11,500 |
$12,000 – $28,000+ |
|
Boiler Type |
Residential Replacement Cost |
Commercial Replacement Cost |
|
Natural Gas Boiler |
$6,500 – $12,500 |
$16,000 – $45,000+ |
|
Propane (LP) Boiler |
$6,800 – $13,000 |
$18,000 – $48,000+ |
|
Heating Oil Boiler |
$7,500 – $14,500 |
$20,000 – $52,000+ |
|
Electric Boiler |
$5,000 – $9,500 |
$12,000 – $30,000+ |
|
High-Efficiency Condensing Boiler |
$9,000 – $17,500 |
$22,000 – $65,000+ |
|
Steam Boiler |
$8,000 – $15,000 |
$25,000 – $80,000+ |
|
Water Heater Type |
Residential Replacement Cost |
Commercial Replacement Cost |
|
Standard Storage Tank (Gas) |
$1,600 – $3,200 |
$4,500 – $12,000+ |
|
Standard Storage Tank (Electric) |
$1,400 – $2,800 |
$3,800 – $10,500+ |
|
Tankless / On-Demand (Gas) |
$3,500 – $6,500 |
$8,500 – $22,000+ |
|
Tankless / On-Demand (Electric) |
$2,400 – $4,800 |
$6,000 – $15,000+ |
|
Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater |
$3,000 – $5,500 |
$7,500 – $18,000+ |
|
Indirect Water Heater (Linked to Boiler) |
$2,800 – $5,000 |
$8,000 – $20,000+ |
Claiming the best HVAC replacement service is not always choosing the least expensive equipment and hiring the most affordable company. You have to choose the equipment that fulfills your comfort needs and choose the company that installs it accurately. Here is the smart approach to claim the best deal.
Choose the Right System
Choose an accurately sized, high-efficiency system that can achieve your desired comfort goals without experiencing pressure. It may have a higher upfront cost, but it will cut down energy bills and repair expenses.
Hire a Professional Company
HVAC replacement needs an extremely careful approach. Choose one who is knowledgeable, experienced, and licensed. It is mandatory because the work done by a street technician might create big trouble.
Benefit From Rebates and Incentives
Explore the available rebates, financing, and energy incentives in Pennsylvania. Apply for all for which your HVAC system is eligible. You may consider PECO, PPL Electric, Duquesne Light, FirstEnergy, HEELP, HOMES & HEERA Programs for this purpose. These rebates will help reduce the cost burden on your shoulders.
Feel free to contact Lehigh HVAC if you are ready to replace your HVAC system. Ring us a bell today at 484-961-7044.
