HVAC installation is one of the biggest investments a homeowner will make and one of the hardest to plan for. The cost of a full system replacement depends on dozens of variables, from the size of the home to the complexity of the ductwork to the regulatory requirements in a given state. Online estimates can provide a starting point, but they rarely capture the full picture.
We analyzed completed residential HVAC installation jobs across the ServiceTitan platform in 2025 to provide a clearer, data-driven view of what homeowners are actually paying, state by state.
What the data shows
The national average cost of a residential HVAC installation on the ServiceTitan platform was $17,040 in 2025. That figure reflects total invoiced costs, including equipment, labor, permits, and related work.
Costs varied widely by state. Connecticut led at nearly $26,000, followed by California, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Oregon, all averaging above $22,000. On the lower end, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin averaged below $9,000. That spread highlights just how much system type, home size, and local conditions drive price.
These are not estimates or projections. They’re actual invoiced amounts from completed residential installations processed through the ServiceTitan platform during the 2025 calendar year.
What goes into the cost of a full system installation
A full residential HVAC system replacement typically goes well beyond a single piece of equipment. It often includes a new furnace, air conditioning compressor, and, in many cases, ductwork modifications and indoor air quality components such as filtration or humidity control systems.
In addition to the equipment itself, the total cost reflects labor, refrigerant, electrical work, permits, inspections, and sometimes structural modifications to accommodate a new system. For homeowners used to seeing online estimates in the range of $5,000 to $10,000, the difference often comes down to scope. Those lower numbers often reflect a single-component replacement, not a full system installation.
Why cost varies so widely by state
Several factors drive the state-by-state differences visible in the data.
Home size and system complexity are the most direct. Larger homes require higher-capacity equipment, and homes with multiple HVAC zones or systems will naturally see higher total costs. The type of equipment also matters. Heat pump installations, which are growing in popularity in moderate climates, carry different cost profiles than traditional furnace-and-AC combinations.
State and local regulations add another layer. In California, for example, all HVAC replacements must be permitted and require third-party inspections, adding both cost and complexity to every job. Other states have their own requirements for permits, inspections, and energy code compliance that shift the total cost in either direction.
Labor markets, material costs, and regional pricing norms complete the picture. A contractor in a high-cost-of-living metro area with tight labor availability will price differently from one in a lower-cost market with more available technicians.