ComfortCostGuide

Metro cost guide

Madison, Wisconsin: HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator

Replacing an HVAC system in Madison typically runs $3,500 to $7,000 for a gas furnace and $4,000 to $7,500 for central air conditioning, installed. If you are replacing both at once, most Madison homeowners land between $7,500 and $13,000, while a cold-climate heat pump runs $6,000 to $12,000. Labor here sits slightly above the national average, with an HVAC labor index of 1.04 and a typical technician wage around $32.41 per hour.

Worked example

Take a 1,900-square-foot two-story home on Madison's west side with an original 1990s gas furnace and a matched AC condenser, both at end of life. Because the ductwork is intact and the equipment is being swapped in the same locations, a mid-efficiency furnace paired with a new AC would land near the middle of the $7,500 to $13,000 combined range — roughly $10,000 to $11,000 installed. Pushing to a higher-efficiency, variable-speed furnace or adding electrical and venting changes would move that quote toward the $13,000 top end.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a new furnace cost in Madison?

A gas furnace replacement in Madison generally costs $3,500 to $7,000 installed. Basic single-stage units in homes with existing ductwork and venting sit near the low end, while high-efficiency two-stage or modulating furnaces with new venting reach the upper end.

Is a heat pump worth it in Madison's climate?

Madison is in climate zone 6, so winters are cold enough that a heat pump needs to be a cold-climate model, often paired with a gas furnace or electric backup heat. Installed costs run $6,000 to $12,000, which is higher than a furnace alone, so the payback depends on your electric and gas rates and how much of the heating season the heat pump can cover.

Why are Madison HVAC quotes higher than the national average?

Madison's HVAC labor index is 1.04, meaning installation labor runs about 4% above the national baseline, with technician wages around $32.41 per hour. On a multi-day furnace-and-AC changeout, that difference typically adds a few hundred dollars rather than thousands.

What does a ductless mini split cost in Madison?

Ductless mini splits in Madison run $3,500 to $10,000 installed. A single indoor head for an addition, finished attic, or converted porch sits at the low end, while multi-zone systems covering several rooms of an older Madison home climb toward $10,000.

Should I replace my AC and furnace at the same time?

If both units are near end of life, doing them together usually costs less than two separate jobs — $7,500 to $13,000 combined versus $4,000 to $7,500 for AC and $3,500 to $7,000 for a furnace done separately. It also guarantees the blower and coil are properly matched, which protects efficiency ratings.

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