Use this as a planning worksheet for central AC, furnace, heat pump, or full HVAC replacement. It does not replace a contractor load calculation, code review, rebate eligibility check, or itemized bid.
Project Inputs
Tons for cooling/heat pumps, or BTU divided by 20,000 for furnaces.
Pads, crane, condensate, thermostat, asbestos, access.
Leave at $0 to finance the cash shortfall.
Estimated HVAC Replacement Plan
Review bids
Cost Breakdown
| Line item | Amount | Notes |
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Recommendation Details
Methodology
The calculator adds equipment cost and labor to estimate base installed cost. It then adds ductwork, electrical or line-set work, permits, other project adders, maintenance or warranty cost, and an emergency premium applied to the subtotal before rebates.
Net project cost equals total project budget minus entered rebates or tax credits, floored at zero. Cash shortfall or surplus compares cash available with net project cost. If no financing amount is entered, the calculator assumes the cash shortfall is financed; otherwise it uses the entered financing amount.
Monthly financing payment uses a standard amortizing payment formula. Energy savings payback divides net project cost by entered monthly savings. Effective monthly cost equals financing payment plus monthly reserve need minus expected energy savings.
The reserve needed spreads the net project cost over the entered reserve rebuild period. Capacity and cost-per-square-foot outputs are planning context only; a contractor should size the system from a proper load calculation, not from this page.
Important caveats
- Ask contractors for a load calculation. Square-foot or tonnage shortcuts can oversize or undersize equipment, especially after insulation, window, duct, or air-sealing changes.
- Ductwork condition can change the economics. Leaky, undersized, contaminated, or poorly insulated ducts may reduce comfort and savings even with new equipment.
- Local labor, permits, utility requirements, crane access, asbestos handling, electrical panel capacity, refrigerant line work, and seasonal demand can materially change bids.
- Rebates and tax credits may require specific efficiency ratings, heat pump types, income limits, utility territory rules, licensed installation, documentation, or tax liability.
- Refrigerant rules and product availability can affect equipment choice, cost, serviceability, and timelines. Confirm current local requirements with contractors.
- Compare warranty length, labor coverage, maintenance requirements, installer reputation, and emergency replacement premiums before choosing the lowest bid.
- This calculator is for planning. It is not financial, tax, engineering, code, energy-audit, or contractor advice.