How Much Does a New HVAC System Cost in Orange County in 2025–2026? (Real Prices from a Local Contractor)

Updated November 20, 2025

Replacing your HVAC system in Orange County is one of the biggest home investments you’ll make — and prices have jumped 18–25% since 2023 because of new refrigerant rules, higher efficiency mandates, and labor shortages.

I’m J Martin, owner of J Martin Indoor Air Quality (California License #998956). We’ve installed over 5,000 systems across Anaheim, Irvine, Yorba Linda, Huntington Beach, and the rest of Orange County since 2003. Here are the **exact prices we’re quoting right now (November 2025)** so you know what to expect before anyone knocks on your door.

2025–2026 HVAC Replacement Cost Breakdown (Orange County Real Numbers)

| System Type | Average Total Cost (Installed) | Typical Home Size | Notes |

|------------------------------|--------------------------------|-----------------------|-------|

| 3-ton standard AC + Furnace | $9,500 – $13,500 | 1,200–1,800 sq ft | 14–16 SEER, single-stage |

| 4-ton standard AC + Furnace | $11,500 – $15,500 | 1,800–2,500 sq ft | Same specs |

| 3-ton Heat Pump System | $11,000 – $16,000 | 1,200–1,800 sq ft | 18–20 SEER2, variable-speed – qualifies for max rebates |

| 4-ton Heat Pump System | $13,000 – $19,000 | 1,800–2,500 sq ft | Most popular upgrade in OC right now |

| 5-ton Heat Pump System | $15,500 – $22,000+ | 2,500–3,500 sq ft | Common in newer tract homes |

| Ductwork Replacement/Addition| $4,000 – $12,000 extra | Varies | Required in ~30% of homes |

*All prices include removal of old equipment, new pad, electrical upgrades if needed, permits, and 10-year parts + labor warranty.

What’s Driving Prices Up in Orange County Right Now (2025–2026)

- New low-GWP refrigerants (R-454B) mandatory → adds $800–$2,000

- SEER2 efficiency jump (old 14 SEER = new 13.4 SEER2)

- Heat pump push + federal rebates up to $8,000

- Labor shortage in Southern California

Heat Pump vs Traditional Gas Furnace + AC (Orange County Specific)

Because our winters are mild, **heat pumps win 90% of the time here**:

• Save $400–$900/year on electric vs gas

• One system instead of two

• Qualify for 25C tax credit ($2,000) + utility rebates ($1,500–$6,000)

• No gas line needed for new construction/electrification

Exact Brands & Models We Install Most in Orange County (2025)

| Brand | Model Example | Price Range (Installed) | Why Orange County Homeowners Love It |

|--------------|-----------------------|--------------------------|--------------------------------------|

| Carrier | Infinity 26 Heat Pump | $14,500–$19,000 | Quietest (54 dB), 10-year labor |

| Trane/American Standard | XV20i | $13,500–$18,500 | Best cold-weather performance |

| Lennox | SL28XCV | $14,000–$19,500 | Highest efficiency available |

| York (Johnson Controls) | YXV 21 SEER | $11,500–$16,000 | Best value heat pump |

(We install all major brands — these are just what 80% of our customers choose.)

Timeline & Process (What Actually Happens)

1. Free in-home quote (same-day or next-day)

2. Load calculation (we use Manual J — most companies skip this)

3. Rebate pre-approval (we handle all paperwork)

4. Install (usually 1–2 days)

5. Final inspection + you get $2,000–$8,000 back in rebates

Red Flags When Getting Other Quotes

- “Cash discount” (illegal in CA)

- No permit pulled

- Quote under $9,000 for full system (using cheap offshore brands)

- No load calculation

We’re fully licensed (#998956), bonded, insured, and NATE-certified. Call or text (714) 462-4707 anytime!