Ultimate HVAC System Cost Guide for Bay Area Homes (2025)

So what should a new HVAC system cost in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2025?

Cost Ranges by System Type

New Furnace Only (Gas)

• Basic furnace (90% AFUE): $4,500–$6,500 installed
• Mid-range furnace (94% AFUE): $6,500–$8,500 installed
• High-efficiency furnace (97% AFUE): $8,500–$10,500 installed

New AC System Only (Cooling)

• Basic AC (SEER2 14–15): $6,000–$8,500 installed
• Mid-range AC (SEER2 16–17): $8,500–$11,000 installed
• High-efficiency AC (SEER2 18+): $11,000–$14,000 installed

Furnace + AC System (Heat + Cool)

• Standard efficiency: $12,000–$16,000 installed
• High efficiency: $16,000–$22,000 installed
• Premium efficiency: $22,000–$28,000 installed

Heat Pump System (All-in-One)

• Standard efficiency: $10,000–$14,000 installed
• Good efficiency: $14,000–$18,000 installed
• Premium efficiency: $18,000–$24,000 installed

Ductless Mini-Split (Per Zone)

• Single zone: $5,000–$8,000 installed
• Each additional zone: $2,500–$4,000 installed

What Affects Your Specific Cost?

Equipment Quality & Efficiency (15–25% of total cost)

Higher-efficiency equipment costs more upfront but saves money long-term.

Installation Complexity (25–35% of total cost)

• Simple installation: Lower cost
• Moderate installation: Average cost
• Complex installation: Higher cost

Ductwork (10–25% of total cost)

• Existing ducts in good condition: No additional cost
• Minor repairs: $1,000–$3,000
• Partial new ductwork: $2,000–$6,000
• Full new ductwork: $4,000–$12,000+

Electrical Work (5–15% of total cost)

• Standard breaker/wiring: $800–$2,000
• Panel upgrade: $2,000–$5,000+
• Heat pump electrical: $1,500–$4,000

Money-Saving Strategies

1. Maximize Rebates

• TECH program heat pump rebates: $1,000–$5,000+
• Utility company rebates: $500–$2,000
• Federal tax credit: $3,200–$5,000

2. Plan for Off-Season Installation

• Prices are lowest in March–August
• Winter sees emergency premiums of 10–25%

3. Keep Existing Ductwork If Possible

• New ductwork adds $4,000–$12,000+
• Sealing existing ducts is much cheaper

For a typical Bay Area home, expect $14,000–$20,000 for standard replacement with rebates factored in.

Contact Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning for a detailed assessment and accurate quote.