HVAC Systems Comparison
Compare central AC, heat pumps, furnaces, and mini-splits. Compare costs, lifespan, pros and cons to find the best option for your project.
| Material | Cost | Lifespan | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Air Conditioning | $3,000 - $8,000 installed | 15-20 years |
|
| Homes with existing ducts, hot climates |
| Gas Furnace | $2,500 - $6,000 installed | 15-30 years |
|
| Cold climates, areas with cheap natural gas |
| Heat Pump (Ducted) | $4,000 - $10,000 installed | 15 years |
|
| Mild to moderate climates, efficiency priority |
| Ductless Mini-Split | $3,000 - $10,000 installed | 20 years |
|
| Additions, older homes without ducts, zone heating/cooling |
| Geothermal Heat Pump | $15,000 - $35,000 installed | 25+ years |
|
| New construction, long-term homeowners, large properties |
Central Air Conditioning
$3,000 - $8,000 installedLifespan: 15-20 years
Pros
- • Cools whole house
- • Uses existing ducts
- • Consistent temperature
Cons
- • Cooling only
- • Requires ductwork
- • Higher energy bills
Best for: Homes with existing ducts, hot climates
Gas Furnace
$2,500 - $6,000 installedLifespan: 15-30 years
Pros
- • Powerful heating
- • Works in extreme cold
- • Lower operating cost
Cons
- • Heating only
- • Requires gas line
- • Carbon monoxide risk
Best for: Cold climates, areas with cheap natural gas
Heat Pump (Ducted)
$4,000 - $10,000 installedLifespan: 15 years
Pros
- • Heats and cools
- • Very efficient
- • Lower operating cost
Cons
- • Less effective below 30°F
- • Higher upfront cost
- • May need backup heat
Best for: Mild to moderate climates, efficiency priority
Ductless Mini-Split
$3,000 - $10,000 installedLifespan: 20 years
Pros
- • No ductwork needed
- • Zone control
- • Very efficient
Cons
- • Interior wall units visible
- • Each zone adds cost
- • Professional install required
Best for: Additions, older homes without ducts, zone heating/cooling
Geothermal Heat Pump
$15,000 - $35,000 installedLifespan: 25+ years
Pros
- • Most efficient system
- • Lowest operating costs
- • 30% tax credit
Cons
- • Highest upfront cost
- • Requires land for loops
- • Long payback period
Best for: New construction, long-term homeowners, large properties
Which Option Is Right for You?
Central Air Conditioning
Homes with existing ducts, hot climates
Gas Furnace
Cold climates, areas with cheap natural gas
Heat Pump (Ducted)
Mild to moderate climates, efficiency priority
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