Like real estate, prices and providers will vary.  I'd be willing to bet that the price in my area would be much more than other areas ... cost of living, insurance for business owners, etc. will determine the cost and price.  

No surprise that companies want to be paid for their time ... that is a concept that escapes many in the real estate profession - as we invest a lot of time on many people and things and may, or may not ever be compensated for our time. 

If consumers had to pay for our time to consult they likely would be making much better choices on whose time they don't get for "free".  

Find a local reputable company and pay for the quote.  Many will deduct the cost of the estimate if you get the work done with them.  If not, negotiate it. 

If you only want to spend someone's time to get an estimate to use as a negotiation tool ... that just might be the reason companies don't do free estimates .... an expectation to get paid for time spent on services rendered is a reasonable expectation.  

I would love to know why you need a couple of quotes.  

I wish you all the best with this.  

No doubt estimates would vary by area, vendor, etc. and the work that has to be done. We are seeing more companies charge for coming out to do an estimate (but then likely deduct if they do the work). I would pay for the quote.

Different prices for different areas & different tonnage. Where are you?

Estimates will vary based on type of unit, vendor, what needs removal and disposal. I would never go out on the limb and provide an estimate like that to a client. Many vendors apply the cost of a quote to the final work done.

I have never paid for a quote and have replaced quite a few units over the years. Are you a realtor? As a realtor, I have a list of preferred vendors I can call for a ball park estimate on something like this. Most often, a service call is placed when the a/c stops cooling and that is a good time to ask what the cost would be to replace the unit.

The cost will vary according to where you are located, the brand of a/c unit that you choose, size of unit, etc. so there is not good answer to your questioin.

  that probably varies from one part of the country to another.

My first thought for a house in that square footage range, is, are you talking one unit or two Larayne Egbert.  And I would have them call more than one company to get an Estimate, because they all may not charge for a visit.

Larayne, I don't know, if you are an agent or not yet. 

All of us in the years accumulate a great list of the constructors, electricians, AC companies and more. I am sure, if you look around in your area you will find them. Good luck.

We are changing AC tomorrow in our office. AC company we work with gave us the price almost $2,000 less (management made a few estimates and all of them were extremely high). We will continue working with this company in the future and recommend them to the customers. 

We have seen them between 4000 and 8000 depending on where purchased and who was ordering them.

$4500 more or less. 3.5 Ton

As others have said, it will completely range based on your area, what type is selected AND condition of home/how old the house is...this can make a big difference.  They may be willing to give you a broad range (very broad over the phone).  I would guess for my area, it would $10,000-$20,000+.  If your client wants to know, have them pay for the estimate.  This fee makes sense if it will be deducted if they do the work. Their time is valuable and it takes a while to do these estimate.  And, apparently a lot of people waste their time.  They are smart.  I charge $150 for an insurance estimate...but if they go with me, that goes towards the project.

     Tallahassee HVAC people give free estimates.  They will often ask, "How many estimates will you be getting?  Can we compare our estimates to theirs after you get them all?"

     System would run $6000 to $10,000 here in Tallahassee, depending upon one or two units.

Laarayne,

Whatever quote we give you would be innacurate.  It varies from geographic areas.  Do what Jeff Dowler, CRS pay for the quote.  It would give you a solid number rather that one that comes from us. A

It varies depending upon the area, the contractor, the type of AC etc.  Maybe try another company who will give a free quote.  

Larayne every area is probably a bit different in how they price systems. We've replaces many of them over the years and now for 2300 sf home it would be between 4500 to and 7K or so depending on what's needed and do they need to run new ducts etc. Rarely do I see anybody quoting less in my area.

$4500-$6000... 2 ton unit and even a 3 ton to not regret. Estimates vary on location, access and extras (be cautious) and licensed and reputable source for this type of investment done right

I'm not sure what it is in your area but I just got a bid last week of $8,000 for a complete HVAC system on a new home I am helping build Larayne Egbert .

It really depends on how efficient it is & if it even can be the highest one. Depends on venting, etc. That pretty much stinks that they charge now for a quote.

Also depends on the brand. I'm saying $6K.

Why are you getting involved? This is the sellers responsibility.

Larayne Egbert You need to shop around and get several quotes. I am sure there are a few companies that will bid the job for free.

There are just too many variables. Is it a Heat Pump? Is it an all-electric split? Is it an AC with gas furnace? Is the air handler easily accessible or in the attic?

There are many factors that affect the cost.

Like anything else it becomes an education, It is a major purchase so doing your homework will pay dividends.

I think pricing is regional and may be more or less in your area than in my area. AND it also depends on the equipment. The estimate will be more on top of the line HVAC equipment

Not knowing your market, all I can share is in my market that would be between $5,000-$10,000 pending brands, labor and how much of the origial duct-work can be re-used.

You need to call the proper profesionals

I'm sure you can find two or three to give you free estimates.... different areas have a variety of labor costs and the materials would depend on the type of system.... there are many lines to choose from...

$5,000 would be a great starting point for a bare bones single unit. You might see up to $15,000 for a dual system wih high SEER. That may seem expensive although if the current HVAC is more than a decade old the investment will be returmed in efficiency and lower costs to operate.

Larayne Egbert 

I worked on Wethertron (GE) heat pump so I still recall the basics. You are looking at 4 ton compressor. 

Approx $5000 connected to a modern furnice. Want a new 76% efficient furnace it costs another $1600. That does not include the air ducts.

Total I guess it would be around $6500-7500 w/ present furnace or $1600 more. Permit is extra. This is Ca labor in each town it is slightly different.

Here is something to save your $150.

Central AC 

 first I looked where you are- Utah probably half the price of my market in Orange County. How great of a unit do they need? How hot and humid is it there? $1400- $6500 depending on what they want. what is the BTU of current unit? Don't pay someone to give you an estimate that's kooky, call some more guys. Do they have an outdoor single unit or two? Often with 2 story home they will install two

All my estimates are free. Get aq referral from another agent.

Call your favorite local contractor for an estimate.

I've changed every unit in all my rentals as well as my primary over the last few years - my home cost me $6500 - 2800 sq ft, my rentals cost me $3000 - $3500 each 700 -900-sq ft

Your area could be quite different - also I give my AC guy a lot of extra work so I get a fairly good deal on the units

Around my neck of the woods it would average 4-7K plus, depending on who you call

Yes we did, but every location pricing is different. Do you have only one vendor in your area?

I had a company company in Denver that charge $3600 for furance (gas) and A/c

Good luck.

I would guesss about $5,000.

It depends on the type unit, gas or electric and how it is to be installed (in a crawl space, overhead or retrofit, replacing an old unit where ductwork is already in place, etc.). For our new construction in TN (starting from scratch using Goodman equipmant (heat pump SEER 14) , we pay $2350 per ton and a ton heats and cools 500-600 sq. ft. Gas costs more here because of equipment and gas installation and permit fees.

$3000.00 - $4500.00 . varies depending on brand and company.

Be aware, the measure your really need is cubic feet. That can get tricky.

You need 1 ton for every 800 square feet assuming 10 foot ceilings. (23,000 cu ft)

A complete 1 ton unit will start at $4,000

When approaching 3 tons, multiple units must be used.

Obviously, low humidity environments may have different ton/cubic feet ratios. In Florida, squeezing that water out of the air is a full time job so 800 seems to work well in a house with some environmental integrity.

If only it were that simple. The key issue is how effectively can the system process the measured cubic feet?  Every hour? Every six hours? Every 30 minutes?  Lastly, the overwhelming determinate is the filtration system used. If HEPA filters are in place, the CU Feet processed is limited the the flow rate of the filters. Nothing is ever as easy as it seems.

Once you calculate the tonage needed you can get an inflated price from Home Depot. Any HVAC contractor can beat that price. Be aware, those Home Depot contractors are paying a 30% referral fee to Home Depot.

I think this would differ depending on where you live.  Local bids would be best.

It will be different in each area . I'd say between 5-6k 

This varies considerably, even within an area.  I have a friend going through this now and he's gotten quotes ranging from a couple grand to 10 grand.

The companies that have the fancy vehicles with full paintjobs advertising them are going to be EXPENSIVE because of their overhead.  We use independent people who live out of the area.  I suggest finding a flipper or two and seeing who they use.

It is all dependent upon the area you live, the type of system you install, the SEER rating, the contractor giving a quote, and a number of other things. I would call multiple contractors and ask them to come take a look. If the service fee/bid feed is the norm in your area, it is what it is and there is little any of us here can do to change business practices in your area.

Let the HVAC contractors do the estimates and compete for the business. I have an idea how much it costs per type of property, but I think that's very regional.

Hard to give an estimate as there are many factors that go into it.  I would give a wild guess of around $4,000.

Wow, the variance can be huge beginning with the Seer rating!