If your heating or cooling system frequently requires repairs or it’s difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home, it may be time to consider replacing your HVAC system. Before you start shopping for a new air conditioner, you need to know the system size your home requires. The size of an air conditioner is measured in tons, indicating the amount of heat it can remove from your home each hour. Your home’s square footage and regional climate determine the ton of air conditioner you need.
The average price of a 3-ton gas and furnace split system is $8,500. The cost ranges from $5,534 on the low end to $19,051 for a high-efficiency dual fuel system with premium features. Note that prices vary depending on the brand or model of the unit you select, the installation company you hire, and fluctuations in market pricing.
Get Estimates from HVAC Experts in Your Area
Compare quotes from top-rated local pros
3-Ton HVAC Replacement Costs by System Type
Choosing the right HVAC system type for your home affects both your upfront investment and long-term operating costs. You can configure a 3-ton system in several ways, depending on whether you need cooling only or both heating and cooling capabilities.
The most budget-friendly option is typically an air conditioner paired with an electric furnace, while dual fuel systems that combine an electric heat pump with a gas furnace represent the premium choice. Each system type offers different benefits in terms of energy efficiency, climate suitability, and maintenance requirements. Understanding these differences will help you select the system type that best matches your home’s needs.
The table below shows the average and typical cost ranges of several common HVAC configurations. These pricing figures represent 3-ton systems that are suitable for a 1,700-square-foot home.
| System Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| AC & Electric Furnace | $7,530 | $5,026–$13,048 |
| AC & Gas Furnace | $8,500 | $5,634–$14,686 |
| Heat Pump & Air Handler | $8,380 | $5,558–$14,483 |
| Air Conditioner Only System | $7,777 | $5,181–$13,465 |
| Dual Fuel System | $11,084 | $7,252–$19,051 |
3-Ton HVAC System Costs by SEER2 Rating
The efficiency rating of your 3-ton system impacts both the purchase price and your long-term energy costs. SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) measures how efficiently your air conditioner cools your home’s air, with higher numbers indicating better efficiency. While systems with higher SEER2 ratings cost more upfront due to advanced components like variable-speed compressors and enhanced coils, they can dramatically reduce your monthly electric bills over the system’s 15–20-year lifespan.
The federal government now requires a minimum SEER2 rating of around 13.4–14.3, depending on your region. These new requirements mean that older, less efficient models are no longer available to purchase. You’ll also want to consider any utility rebates or federal tax credits available for high-efficiency systems, which can help offset the higher initial investment in a new HVAC system.
The table below shows the average and typical cost ranges of the available SEER2 systems. These pricing figures represent 3-ton systems that are suitable for a 1,700-square-foot home.
| SEER2 | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 12.4 | $7,704 | $5,026–$13,695 |
| 13.4 | $7,980 | $5,195–$14,177 |
| 14.3 | $8,432 | $5,470–$14,966 |
| 15.2 | $8,383 | $5,440–$14,880 |
| 16.1 | $10,772 | $6,895–$19,051 |
How Much Do Other HVAC Systems Cost by Tonnage?
Understanding how 3-ton systems compare to other tonnage sizes can help you choose the right system capacity for your home. HVAC system capacities are in tons, where each ton represents the ability to remove 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of heat per hour from your home. Residential systems typically range from 1.5 tons for small homes and condos, and up to 6.5 tons for large houses.
The cost of an HVAC system generally increases with tonnage; however, there are some interesting patterns. Smaller systems under 4 tons tend to have similar pricing due to standard manufacturing, while larger systems experience more dramatic price jumps. Systems above 4 tons typically cost much more because they often require commercial-grade components and more complex installation procedures. The key is matching the tonnage to your home’s cooling load, as an oversized system will short-cycle and waste energy, while an undersized system will struggle to maintain comfort.
The table below shows the average and typical cost ranges of HVAC systems based on tonnage.
| Tonnage | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 tons | $8,448 | $4,853–$18,657 |
| 2.0 tons | $8,551 | $4,940–$18,854 |
| 2.5 tons | $8,586 | $4,940–$19,051 |
| 3.5 tons | $8,723 | $5,026–$19,249 |
| 4.0 tons | $13,136 | $5,762–$37,017 |
| 4.5 tons | $13,290 | $5,892–$37,313 |
| 5.0 tons | $16,312 | $5,892–$39,286 |
| 5.5 tons | $17,927 | $10,572–$39,286 |
| 6.0 tons | $18,064 | $10,572–$39,681 |
| 6.5 tons | $18,133 | $10,745–$39,681 |
How Do I Know The Right Tonnage for My House?
A simple formula to determine the tonnage needed for your HVAC system is to multiply your home’s square footage by 20, then divide by 12,000 (BTUs) to get the tonnage of your system. Therefore, the approximate tonnage needed for a 1,800 square foot house is about 3 tons.
The table below shows the estimated tonnage of an HVAC system based on home square footage. We recommend consulting with a professional HVAC installer to determine your home’s tonnage needs accurately.
| Square Footage Range | Tonnage of HVAC System |
|---|---|
| 600–1,000 square feet | 1.5 |
| 1,001–1,300 square feet | 2.0 |
| 1,301–1,600 square feet | 2.5 |
| 1,601–1,900 square feet | 3.0 |
| 1,901–2,200 square feet | 3.5 |
| 2,201–2,600 square feet | 4.0 |
| 2,601–3,200 square feet | 5.0 |
Note that SEER2 requirements vary by region. For example, the Southeast and Southwest regions require a minimum of 14.3 SEER2 for new central air conditioners. Lower-rated units, such as those with a 12.4 SEER2, are no longer widely available due to updated federal efficiency standards. Your contractor can help you ensure your unit meets requirements.
How Do I Know If I Need Multiple HVAC Systems?
It can be common to need multiple systems in your home. There are several scenarios where you should consider installing two or more HVAC systems to heat and cool your home. That said, if you’re in a smaller house with unique heating and cooling needs, consider a zoning system that alternates heating and cooling based on specific areas.
Here are a few situations where you’ll likely need more than one HVAC unit:
- Large square footage: If your home exceeds 3,000 square feet, you may want to consider multiple units. Even a high-tonnage zoning system can struggle to keep a larger home comfortable.
- Multiple floors: Generally, your HVAC unit can handle a multi-story home with a zoning system. If you want consistent heating and cooling without worrying about switching between areas of the home, multiple units may be a good option.
- Specific room requirements: If you have specific rooms that are hotter or colder (i.e., if you have large appliances running in one room), it may be a good investment to consider multiple systems.
Although this article discusses SEER2 ratings in the context of AC and gas furnace split systems, SEER2 applies only to the air conditioning portion. SEER2 measures cooling efficiency and does not apply to the heating performance of gas furnaces.
FAQs About 3-Ton Air Conditioner Costs
How long does an AC installation take?
Typically, an AC installation will take one full day to replace a system, which is roughly eight to 10 hours of work. If you have two systems in your home, you can expect a two- to three-day installation period. Your installation timeline can vary depending on factors such as whether you’re replacing existing ductwork, upgrading electrical panels, or dealing with complex access issues. Weather conditions and permit requirements in your area may also affect scheduling, so it’s wise to plan for some flexibility in your installation timeline.
What’s the typical lifespan of a 3-ton system?
Generally, HVAC systems will last between 15 and 20 years with proper maintenance. Air conditioners and heat pumps typically reach the 15-year mark before major components, such as the compressor, begin to fail. Gas furnaces can often last 20 to 30 years since they have fewer moving parts and operate only during colder seasons. Ensure you understand the warranty of your system and any workmanship guarantees offered by your contractor, in case the HVAC unit fails before the expected lifespan of your system.
How much is a new air conditioning-only unit for a 1,800-square-foot home?
If you’re just replacing a new AC unit for your home and keeping your existing heating system, you should expect to pay between $5,181 and $13,465 for an air conditioner-only system. This option works well if you have a functional furnace or other heating source that doesn’t need replacement. The final cost depends on the SEER2 efficiency rating you choose and any additional work required to connect the new outdoor unit to your existing indoor air handler.
Does replacing or installing an HVAC system increase home value?
Yes, replacing your HVAC unit can increase your home’s value. A new, efficient HVAC system is particularly attractive to buyers because it represents a major expense they won’t have to face immediately after purchase. High-efficiency systems with good warranties can be especially valuable selling points, as they promise lower utility bills and reliable comfort for years to come.
How We Get Our HVAC Cost Data
Replacing an HVAC system is a large investment. Throughout this article, we estimated what it would cost to replace an HVAC system in homes ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 square feet. Keep in mind: These are estimates intended to help you understand what a project like this might cost. You should get quotes from at least two companies to understand the true costs in your area.
We collected unit prices and the average cost of labor to calculate a total estimated price to replace a 3-ton HVAC system. For unit costs, we collected wholesale prices for air condensers, electric furnaces, gas furnaces, evaporator coils, heat pumps, and air handlers from three sources, including: AC Direct, HVACDirect.com, and Buy Comfort Direct. We calculated prices for the total system using various combinations of unit costs. We also added an estimated retail markup. For labor, we researched the average time it takes to replace an HVAC system and multiplied this by the average cost of labor.