Check a quote before you sign
Put a quote next to what homeowners actually paid, then check its terms against the law that applies. We never call a quote fair or a scam: we show where it sits, what to ask, and why.
- Price
- Enter the quoted price.
- Terms
- Nothing flagged by the rules on file.
What hired owners reported paying
Middle half: $4,400 to $10,660; median $7,590. Survey dollars $4,000 / $6,900 / $9,700, adjusted by CPI-U (334.980 ÷ 304.702).
What the rules on file say
Enter a ZIP and how the quote was sold to see the federal and state rules that apply.
What the law says, quoted with its source. Not legal advice: for your situation ask your state's contractor board or attorney general.
Questions for the contractor
- Did you do a load calculation for my house?For central ac, add or replace jobs
- What are the model numbers of the outdoor unit, coil and air handler?For central ac, add or replace jobs
- Is the line set being replaced or reused?For central ac, add or replace jobs
- Will you record the refrigerant charge and airflow at start-up?For central ac, add or replace jobs
Answer the questions on the left to tailor this list. Red flags for this job
HVAC technicians, United States
This ZIP is not in a metro area BLS reports on, so this is the national figure.
Central AC, add or replace
Central air covers adding or replacing a split or packaged cooling system. A straight replacement of the outdoor unit and indoor coil is fairly uniform; new ductwork, a heat pump or a higher efficiency tier raises the price.
How it usually goes
- Evaluate the home and existing equipment; size the system from a load calculation
- Recover refrigerant and remove the old outdoor unit and coil
- Set the new condenser and matched indoor coil; replace or flush the line set
- Pull a vacuum, charge refrigerant, and verify charge and airflow
- Register the warranty; permit and inspection where required
What moves the price
- System size and efficiency tier
- Whether the furnace or air handler is replaced too
- Duct repairs or new ducts
- Line set replacement and electrical upgrades
- Refrigerant type on newer equipment
Guides by job
What each job involves, what moves its price, its red flags and the questions to ask.