Heat Pump vs. Furnace in 2026: Which One Wins the Money Math?
Heat pump ($4,237–$7,943) or furnace ($2,800–$7,500)? The 2026 decision math, operating costs, and when each system wins.
AC, furnace and heat pump pricing: replacement, repair and tune-up costs by system size and efficiency rating, with sourced 2026 ranges.
Heat pump ($4,237–$7,943) or furnace ($2,800–$7,500)? The 2026 decision math, operating costs, and when each system wins.
Average AC repair runs about $350 vs $5,500-$12,000 to replace in 2026. The $5,000 rule, costs by part, and when each choice wins, from cited data.
Ductwork replacement costs $2,000-$5,600 for a 2,000 sq ft home (Angi/HomeGuide 2026). Why the price books disagree 5x, and when sealing beats replacing.
An HVAC tune-up costs $70 to $200 per visit. The energy-savings math does not hold up, but warranty and safety might. What is worth paying for.
Gas furnace replacement runs $3,800–$12,000 installed; electric $1,900–$5,600. See which is cheaper over 10 years and when each makes sense.
Most homeowners pay $10,000–$18,000 to install a whole-home heat pump in 2026. See real price ranges by system type and home size, plus how to save.
Most AC-not-cooling repairs cost $150 to $600 (avg ~$350). See the 5 causes, what each fix costs, and what to check before you call a pro.
Replacing a central AC costs $6,600–$12,000 on average in 2026 ($3,500–$14,000 full range). Prices by tonnage and SEER2 — and when repair still wins.
Full HVAC replacement averages $11,590-$14,100 in 2026 ($5,000-$28,000 range). Costs by scope, the matched-system rule, and what moves quotes.