23 HVAC Statistics: Costs, Lifespan, Energy Use, and Heat Pumps (2026)
What the latest data says about what heating and cooling really costs, how long systems last, and why heat pumps keep gaining ground.
Heating and cooling is the single biggest energy load in most homes, and the equipment behind it is expensive to install and replace. We pulled together verified 2026 figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR, the IEA, IBISWorld, and leading cost guides so you can plan with real numbers. When you are ready to act, our HVAC service connects you with vetted, licensed and insured pros for a free fixed-price estimate.
Key Takeaways
- A full HVAC replacement averages about $7,500, with most projects between $5,000 and $12,500 (Angi).
- Heating and cooling made up 52% of average household energy consumption in 2020 (EIA).
- 88% of U.S. households use air conditioning, and two-thirds use central AC or a central heat pump (EIA).
- Heat pumps have outsold gas furnaces every year since 2021 (Canary Media).
- A modern heat pump can cut heating electricity use by up to 75% versus electric resistance heat (U.S. Department of Energy).
- Most central air conditioners last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance (Bob Vila).
- The U.S. HVAC contractor market reached $158.4 billion in 2025 (IBISWorld).
Installation and replacement costs
1. A full HVAC replacement averages about $7,500
For a complete heating and cooling system, Angi reports a national average near $7,500, with most jobs falling between $5,000 and $12,500 and reaching $22,000 when new ductwork and add-ons are involved (Angi).
2. Central AC installation typically runs $4,000 to $8,000
This Old House puts an installed air conditioner at roughly $4,000 to $8,000, with whole-system installs of a standard AC and furnace ranging from about $5,000 to $12,500 (This Old House).
3. A new furnace averages around $4,800
Most homeowners spend roughly $3,000 to $8,500 on a full furnace replacement, with a typical bill near $4,800, according to cost-guide data (The Furnace Outlet).
4. Heat pump installation runs about $4,200 to $7,600
An installed air-source heat pump typically costs $4,200 to $7,600, putting it in the same range as a comparable AC plus furnace while delivering both heating and cooling (This Old House).
5. Ductwork adds $1,000 to $2,700
If your home needs new or expanded ducts, expect to add roughly $1,000 to $2,700 for a 1,000-square-foot system on top of the equipment cost (This Old House).
6. The average HVAC repair costs about $350
HomeAdvisor reports homeowners spend an average of $350 on HVAC repairs, with most bills between $130 and $2,000 and larger fixes such as a compressor or heat exchanger running higher (HomeAdvisor). Because labor and component costs vary widely, a free fixed-price estimate through our HVAC service removes the guesswork.
Sources: This Old House, Angi.
System lifespan and repair vs. replace
7. Most central air conditioners last 15 to 20 years
With proper maintenance, central AC units typically last 15 to 20 years, though coastal salt exposure can shorten that to as little as 7 to 12 years (Bob Vila).
8. Gas furnaces can last 20 years or more
Well-maintained gas furnaces often run 20 years or longer, while oil furnaces tend to last 10 to 15 years (Bob Vila).
9. Heat pumps average about 15 years
Because a heat pump runs year-round for both heating and cooling, its service life averages around 15 years, generally a bit shorter than a furnace (Bob Vila).
10. ENERGY STAR suggests replacing AC and heat pumps after 10 years
ENERGY STAR recommends considering replacement when an air conditioner or heat pump is more than 10 years old, and when a furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old (ENERGY STAR).
11. The 50% rule guides repair-vs-replace decisions
A widely used industry guideline says that if a repair costs more than 50% of a new system, replacement is usually the better investment, especially on older equipment (HomeAdvisor).
Home energy use
12. Heating and cooling were 52% of household energy in 2020
The EIA reports that space heating and air conditioning together accounted for 52% of an average U.S. household annual energy consumption in 2020 (EIA).
13. Air conditioning is the largest home electricity use at 19%
Among home electricity end uses in 2020, air conditioning was the single largest at 19%, ahead of space heating and water heating at 12% each (EIA).
14. 88% of U.S. households use air conditioning
As of the 2020 Residential Energy Consumption Survey, 88% of U.S. households used air conditioning, and two-thirds used central AC or a central heat pump as their main cooling equipment (EIA).
15. Central AC has spread from 27% of homes to 67%
The share of U.S. homes with central air conditioning grew from 27% in 1980 to 67% in 2020, a sign of how central these systems have become to comfort (EIA).
Source: EIA.
Heat pump growth
16. Heat pumps have outsold gas furnaces every year since 2021
Heat pumps have shipped in larger numbers than gas furnaces in the U.S. every year since 2021, and held the lead again in 2025 (Canary Media).
17. Heat pumps outsold gas furnaces by 32% in 2024
In 2024, about 4.1 million air-source heat pumps shipped versus 3.1 million natural gas furnaces, a record 32% margin (Canary Media).
18. Heat pumps met more than 10% of global heating in 2023
The IEA estimates heat pumps met more than 10% of global heating needs in buildings in 2023 and need to reach at least 20% by 2030 to align with net-zero targets (IEA).
19. Heat pumps could cut 500 million tonnes of CO2 by 2030
The IEA projects that heat pumps globally have the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 500 million tonnes in 2030, comparable to annual emissions from all of Europe cars (IEA).
Source: Canary Media.
Efficiency and savings
20. A heat pump can cut heating electricity use by up to 75%
The Department of Energy says today heat pumps can reduce electricity use for heating by up to 75% compared with electric resistance heating such as electric furnaces and baseboard heaters (U.S. Department of Energy).
21. ENERGY STAR equipment can save up to 20% on heating and cooling
Upgrading to ENERGY STAR certified high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs, according to ENERGY STAR (ENERGY STAR).
22. ENERGY STAR heat pumps require SEER2 of at least 15.2
To earn ENERGY STAR certification, a split-system air-source heat pump must meet a minimum SEER2 of 15.2 and an HSPF2 of 7.5, well above older minimums (ENERGY STAR).
Source: U.S. Department of Energy.
Efficiency gains also depend on what surrounds the equipment. Sealing and adding insulation reduces the load your system has to meet, and an efficient water heater trims another major energy use in the home.
The HVAC market
23. The U.S. HVAC contractor market hit $158.4 billion in 2025
IBISWorld measured the U.S. Heating and Air-Conditioning Contractors industry at $158.4 billion in 2025, rising to a forecast $159.4 billion in 2026, reflecting steady demand for installation, replacement, and service (IBISWorld).
What this means for homeowners
- Heating and cooling is the biggest energy load in most homes, so the efficiency and sizing of your system has an outsized effect on monthly bills.
- Replacement is a major purchase, commonly $5,000 to $12,500, which makes a correctly sized system and an accurate up-front quote worth the effort.
- Once an AC or heat pump passes 10 years, or a repair tops half the cost of new equipment, replacement usually pays off over patching an aging unit.
- Heat pumps now lead furnace sales and can cut heating electricity use sharply, making them worth pricing out even if you are replacing a furnace and AC.
- Pro House Maintenance matches you with vetted, licensed and insured pros and gives free fixed-price estimates. See where we work on our locations page, then request an estimate to compare repair and replacement options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace an HVAC system in 2026?
Angi puts a full HVAC replacement at about $7,500 on average, with most jobs landing between $5,000 and $12,500 depending on equipment type, home size, and ductwork. A free fixed-price estimate from a vetted, licensed and insured pro is the only way to know your real number, since sizing, ductwork, and electrical work all move the price.
Should I repair or replace my HVAC system?
A common industry guideline is the 50% rule: if a repair costs more than half the price of a new system, replacement usually makes more sense. ENERGY STAR also suggests considering replacement once an air conditioner or heat pump passes 10 years and a furnace passes 15. A vetted pro can give you a free fixed-price estimate on both options so you can compare.
How long does an HVAC system last?
Most central air conditioners last 15 to 20 years, gas furnaces often run 20 years or more, and heat pumps average around 15 years. Regular professional maintenance is the single biggest factor in reaching the high end of those ranges. Licensed and insured pros can tune up and inspect systems to extend their life.
Are heat pumps worth it?
Heat pumps have outsold gas furnaces in the U.S. every year since 2021, and the Department of Energy says a modern heat pump can cut electricity use for heating by up to 75% versus electric resistance heat. They both heat and cool from one system. A vetted, licensed and insured pro can size a heat pump correctly and give you a free fixed-price estimate.
How much of my energy bill goes to heating and cooling?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that space heating and air conditioning together accounted for 52% of an average household energy consumption in 2020. That is why an efficient, properly sized system and good insulation matter so much for monthly bills. Request an estimate to see what an upgrade could save you.