Leisure Home HVACLeisure Home HVACA full furnace and AC replacement in Irvine typically runs $9,000–$18,000 installed. 858 Heating & Air handles equipment, disposal, permit, and labor as one done-for-you job across Woodbridge, Turtle Rock, and Quail Hill, with the exact price confirmed on a free on-site visit.
| System / Home Type | Estimated Installed Cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5–2 ton, 14.3 SEER2 (condo/small home) | $9,000–$11,500 |
| 2.5–3 ton, 15–16 SEER2 (mid-size home) | $11,500–$14,500 |
| 3.5–5 ton, high-efficiency variable-speed | $14,500–$18,000 |
| Add: full ductwork replacement | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Add: permit + Title 24 compliance | $400–$900 |
Estimated full furnace + AC replacement cost in Irvine by home size and efficiency
Three factors set the price of a full furnace and AC replacement. Tonnage matches the system to square footage, so a 5-ton home costs more than a 2-ton condo. Efficiency rating raises equipment cost: a 14.3 SEER2 system is the entry point, while variable-speed high-efficiency units cost several thousand more. Ductwork condition adds $3,000–$8,000 if old ducts must be replaced. Replacing both the furnace and AC together usually costs less than two separate jobs because labor and permit fees are shared.
A professional replacement price covers the condenser, the furnace or air handler, the evaporator coil, refrigerant line evaluation, disposal of the old equipment, the permit, and all labor. Reputable Irvine quotes are flat and itemized after an on-site load calculation. Beware quotes given over the phone without a home visit — accurate sizing requires measuring the home. The minimum service charge is $150, and full replacement estimates are provided free at the property.
California requires a permit for full HVAC changeouts, and Irvine enforces Title 24 energy standards. Permit and compliance costs typically run $400–$900 and are usually folded into the installed price. A licensed contractor pulls the permit and schedules the required inspection, so homeowners are not left arranging it themselves. Skipping the permit can create resale problems, which is why compliant installation is included in a legitimate replacement quote.
When a furnace and AC are the same age, replacing both at once shares labor, crane or lift access, refrigerant work, and the permit across one visit. This is why a combined full-system replacement typically costs less than paying for two separate projects a year apart. Matched systems also run more efficiently because the coil, furnace, and condenser are engineered to work together, protecting the manufacturer warranty.
Irvine's inland tract neighborhoods like Woodbridge, Northwood, and University Park see hot summer afternoons that push AC systems hard, so correct tonnage matters for comfort and energy bills. Newer master-planned areas such as Portola Springs, Cypress Village, and the Great Park Neighborhoods often have builder-grade systems reaching replacement age, frequently in tight closet or attic spaces that affect labor. Homes in Turtle Rock and Quail Hill on the hills can require crane or extra-access work for rooftop or side-yard condensers. All full changeouts fall under Irvine permitting and California Title 24, and HOA rules in many of these communities may govern condenser placement and noise.
Most full furnace and AC replacements are completed in one day, though homes needing new ductwork or attic access may take two.
If both units are around 12–15 years old, replacing them together shares labor and permit costs and ensures a matched, efficient system.
California's minimum for the region is 14.3 SEER2, though higher-efficiency systems cut long-term energy costs in Irvine's hot summers.
Yes. Irvine requires a permit and Title 24 compliance for full HVAC changeouts, typically pulled by your licensed contractor.
A standalone AC replacement in Irvine generally runs $6,000–$12,000 installed depending on tonnage and efficiency.