Central heating and cooling systems regulate your home’s internal temperature and can range from $7,500 to $13,500. There are a variety of HVAC systems, some of which include easy installation and DIY repairs.

With temperatures growing more and more extreme, heating and cooling systems are becoming increasingly common. Whether it’s snow, heat waves, or something in between, central heating and cooling will keep the inside of your house comfy despite the elements by sending heated or cooled air through your home’s air ducts.

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What are central heating and cooling systems?

A central heating and cooling system cools or heats your home by feeding temperature-regulated air through a home’s ductwork. Some homes are equipped with systems that both heat and cool your house, whereas others have single-function systems.

Central cooling systems

Many people living in a warm climate will be familiar with central cooling systems (or, better known as air conditioning systems). As the name describes, the system will cool your home to match the temperature on your thermostat.

While there are some differences, central cooling systems generally consist of two pieces—one outdoors and one indoors. The outdoor component converts hot air to cold with a liquid refrigerant. This cold air gets pumped into your home through the ductwork, lowering the temperature. Then, the indoor component uses a fan to pull the hot air out of the house.

With this two-system process, the house’s internal temperature is quickly and efficiently lowered.

Central heating systems

Unlike cooling systems, homeowners have options in selecting the type of central heating system, typically choosing between heat pumps and furnaces.

Heat pumps are the most common type of central heating. These systems heat your home in the winter by extracting heat energy from outside and warming the air by the pressurized refrigerant, then pumped into your house to heat it.

Perfect for mild climates, this system can switch to cooling functions depending on the temperature.

If you live in a colder region, then furnaces are likely your best option. Furnaces are the most traditional form of central heating and create heat from scratch by burning natural fuels—producing really hot heat quickly. This is particularly useful in climates that regularly see temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

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How much does central heating and cooling cost?

The average cost for a central heating and cooling system ranges from $6,600 to $13,500, and the cost is generally proportionate to the size of your home. However, costs can be as high as $18,500 depending on the equipment and installation you select.

Higher-cost systems may include:

Duel-fuel system: Includes a furnace and a heat pump. The furnace automatically switches on when the external temperatures dip below 35 degrees (and vice versa)

Package heating and air: Installed outdoors, this large unit provides both a furnace and an AC. But beware that these systems are not as efficient as other options and cost more to operate

Geothermal systems: New technology that collects and deposits heat in water cycled underground, these efficient systems average between $18,500 to $28,500 for installation and equipment

Lower-cost systems may include:

Central AC and furnace split system: The most common type of system, the average installation cost starts for a basic system with no ductwork needed starts at $6,600

Heat pump and air handler split system: The average cost of installation and equipment can start at $6,600

The price might be overwhelming at first, but the average cost includes more than just the machinery. Costs for a new heating and cooling system typically include the system components, refrigerant, installation supplies, liability insurance, and the contractor’s expenses.

Pricing can vary a lot, so it is best to get quotes from at least three HVAC installers in your area to make sure you’re getting a fair price. When gathering quotes, be wary of prices that are significantly lower than others—you don’t want to select a service that skips steps just to cuts costs.

Key Takeaway: The costs for heating and cooling systems can vary depending on the size of your home and the system you install. To save money, compare rates from multiple sources.

Installing central heating and cooling

Though it can be tempting to DIY your HVAC installation, you should leave the installation to a licensed pro. Working with ductwork is tricky enough on its own, but mistakes or sloppy installations could lead to gas leaks or other safety hazards.

Your local government may also have a set of permits and codes that your system will be required to meet—licensed HVAC installers will be familiar with these codes and ensure your house is safely equipped.

Once you’ve decided on a licensed professional, there are a couple of things to do before your heating and cooling system is installed:

Determine your home’s needs—take into account your climate and yearly weather patterns (i.e. if you have mild winters and hot summers, an HVAC system with a heat pump will provide both cooling and heating functions; if your winters are extremely cold with mild summers, you may not need more than a furnace)

Be prepared for the installation to take a few hours to multiple days (i.e. if you’re installing a furnace, this process will take longer than others)

Repairing central heating and cooling

Just like any other element of your home problems are bound to arise for your heating and cooling systems. To repair your system, start by diagnosing the issue. Common problems may include:

The heater is blowing cold air

The cooling system is blowing hot air

The system won’t shut off

Parts of the house are not receiving heat and/or cold air

In some cases, the problem will be a quick fix you can do yourself:

Start by setting your thermostat to “auto” and then examine the wires to make sure that everything is plugged in correctly

Reset your thermostat to the factory setting—then try running the system again

If this doesn’t work, try turning off the power to your house. Often, this will reset the system

Check your air filters and change if dirty

If you’ve run through these steps once, or even a few times, don’t hesitate to call a licensed HVAC professional—they will be able to quickly diagnose and fix any wiring or leaky ductwork that might be causing the issue.

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Does home insurance cover central air?

Yes, but only if the HVAC system was damaged in a disaster or another covered peril (i.e. high winds, theft, fire, hail, fallen trees, lightning).

If your heating and cooling system is damaged due to average wear and tear, owner neglect, or age, most home insurance policies will not cover the costs. So, be ready to pay out-of-pocket for any repairs and replacements.

How to find cheap home insurance

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What do central heating and cooling mean?

Central heating and cooling is a system that regulates your home’s temperature by sending heated or cooled air through your home’s air ducts.

What's the difference between HVAC and central air?

When it comes to central heating and cooling, you’re likely to hear “HVAC” and “central air” thrown around interchangeably. However, there is a slight difference between the two.

HVAC refers to heating, ventilation, airconditioning, and ductwork. In contrast, central air only refers to air conditioning systems that cool your home.

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