State cost guide
Montana: HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator
Replacing an HVAC system in Montana typically runs $3,500 to $7,000 for a gas furnace on its own, $4,000 to $7,500 for central air conditioning, and $7,500 to $13,000 when you replace both at the same time. Heat pumps land between $6,000 and $12,000 installed, while ductless mini-splits range from $3,500 to $10,000 depending on how many zones you need. Montana's HVAC labor rate averages $29.94 an hour, slightly below the national norm, which keeps installation charges a bit lower than in many other states.
Worked example
Frequently asked questions
Do heat pumps make sense in Montana's cold winters?
They can, but Montana sits in climate zone 6, so a heat pump here needs to be a cold-climate model and is usually paired with backup heat. That's part of why installed heat pump costs run $6,000 to $12,000, higher than the $3,500 to $7,000 range for a straight gas furnace replacement.
How much does it cost to replace just the furnace in Montana?
A gas furnace replacement alone runs $3,500 to $7,000 installed across Montana. The low end reflects a standard-efficiency unit in an easy basement swap, while the high end covers higher-efficiency models, larger heating capacity, or venting changes.
Is it cheaper to replace the AC and furnace at the same time?
Usually yes. Separately, you'd pay $4,000 to $7,500 for central AC and $3,500 to $7,000 for a furnace, but a combined replacement runs $7,500 to $13,000 because the contractor does one job, one set of permits, and one round of labor.
Why do Montana HVAC quotes vary so much within the same range?
Equipment efficiency, system size, and ductwork condition drive most of the spread. Labor is a smaller variable here since Montana's average HVAC wage of $29.94 per hour is close to the national average, so a quote at the top of a range usually reflects bigger or higher-efficiency equipment rather than inflated labor.