HVAC & Structure Costs
This category mixes two kinds of work. Heating and cooling equipment is priced by capacity and efficiency, and is easy to compare between quotes. Foundation, moisture and air-quality work is priced by cause and extent, which is only known after an inspection, so quotes for the same house can differ widely until the cause is pinned down.
The calculators below cover both. Each one starts from a typical national job that you can adjust for your state and the details of your home, and the table shows that starting point so you can compare projects before you open one.
Heating and cooling equipment
Replacing or adding the main equipment that heats and cools the house.
| Project | Typical job | Typical price | Likely range |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC unit cost | 3 ton, standard efficiency | $6,550 | $4,600–$9,000 |
| Furnace replacement cost | Gas, 80% AFUE | $5,150 | $3,880–$6,700 |
| Heat pump installation cost | 3-ton heat pump | $7,150 | $3,950–$10,300 |
| Mini-split installation cost | 1 zone, 12,000 BTU wall unit | $4,130 | $2,450–$6,200 |
| Boiler replacement cost | Natural gas boiler, with permit | $6,180 | $4,050–$9,300 |
HVAC repairs and upkeep
Repairs, cleaning and efficiency work on the systems you already have.
| Project | Typical job | Typical price | Likely range |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC repair cost | Capacitor replacement | $220 | $130–$400 |
| Furnace repair cost | Igniter | $170 | $100–$250 |
| Air duct cleaning cost | 2,000 sq ft home | $500 | $300–$700 |
| Dryer vent cleaning cost | Basement or first floor | $130 | $80–$180 |
| Chimney liner cost | Stainless steel liner | $2,200 | $900–$4,000 |
| Insulation cost | 1,000 sq ft, blown-in | $1,800 | $1,000–$2,800 |
Foundation, moisture and air quality
Problems that start with water, soil or air.
| Project | Typical job | Typical price | Likely range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation repair cost | 2 cracks injected + engineer report | $2,200 | $1,100–$4,000 |
| Crawl space repair cost | 1,000 sq ft, standard encapsulation | $5,000 | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Basement waterproofing cost | 100 ft, interior drain | $8,500 | $4,000–$12,000 |
| Water damage restoration cost | 300 sq ft, clean water | $1,280 | $1,050–$1,800 |
| Mold remediation cost | 100 sq ft | $2,000 | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Radon mitigation cost | Active soil depressurization | $1,600 | $1,000–$2,500 |
Damage and hazardous materials
Specialist work that usually starts with testing or an inspection.
| Project | Typical job | Typical price | Likely range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Termite damage repair cost | Medium termite damage | $2,500 | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Asbestos removal cost | 200 sq ft, floor tile | $1,800 | $800–$3,000 |
What drives the price
- Capacity and efficiency
- Correct sizing matters more than the biggest unit. Higher-efficiency equipment costs more up front, and the right choice depends on your climate and utility prices.
- Ductwork and existing systems
- Leaky or undersized ducts, old venting and outdated electrical service can add work that does not appear on the equipment line.
- Cause before cure
- For foundation, moisture and mold problems, the fix depends on the cause. A quote that does not name the cause is a warning sign; get a diagnosis first.
- Testing and inspection
- Mold, radon, asbestos and termite work usually begin with testing or an inspection, and some of it must be done by licensed or certified specialists.
- Season and urgency
- Heating and cooling repairs can cost more at the peak of summer and winter, and emergency water or storm damage work is priced for speed.
Before you hire
- For HVAC, ask for a written load calculation rather than a sizing guess based on the old unit.
- Get a diagnosis in writing for foundation and moisture problems, and a second opinion before major structural work.
- Ask whether permits, testing, disposal and any required clearance or follow-up testing are included.
- Check that the contractor holds the license or certification your state requires for the specific work.
- Ask what the warranty covers, who honors it, and what maintenance keeps it valid.
These are planning estimates, not quotes. Your home, local codes and contractor will change the real price. See how we estimate and the disclaimer.
Common questions about hvac & structure costs
Why is a foundation or moisture quote so hard to pin down?
The price depends on the cause and the extent of the problem, which an inspection reveals. Two contractors who diagnose differently will quote very different fixes, so ask each to explain the cause and why their method addresses it.
Should I replace my HVAC system or repair it?
Ask for the repair price and the replacement price together. Age, repair history, efficiency and whether the refrigerant or fuel type is still common all matter. Compare the repair quote with the equipment calculator.
Do I need testing before work on mold, radon or asbestos?
Often yes. Testing confirms whether there is a problem and how large it is, and some jurisdictions require licensed professionals for the work itself. Ask your local health or building department what applies.
Planning guides
- Repair or Replace? How to Decide: Typical repair and replacement prices side by side, and the questions that settle it.
- DIY or Hire a Pro? A Practical Guide: Which jobs are reasonable to do yourself, and which are not worth the risk.
- How to Compare Contractor Quotes: Make quotes comparable, spot gaps, and keep a printable comparison sheet.
- Do You Need a Permit? Home Project Permits Explained: When a permit is needed, who pulls it, and the fee ranges our sources cite.
- Why Home Project Costs Differ by State: What moves prices between states, with real wage data for seven trades.