New HVAC System Cost in Richardson, TX (2026)

For most Richardson homeowners replacing a full system in 2026, the realistic installed cost runs between $8,000 and $16,000, depending on home size, efficiency level, and whether ductwork needs attention. Two factors pushed prices up compared to two years ago: new federal SEER2 minimum efficiency standards that took effect in 2023 and a refrigerant transition away from R-410A that added roughly $500 to $1,000 to unit costs across the DFW market. Getting two or three written quotes from licensed local contractors remains the single most effective way to avoid overpaying.

Quick Comparison

Contractor	Best For	Standout Fact	Notes
Houk Air Conditioning	Homeowners who prioritize long track record	Serving Richardson since 1962	Full range of replacement and maintenance services; houkac.com
Rescue Air and Plumbing	Lennox equipment buyers, those who value certifications	NATE Certified, Lennox Premier Dealer, Richardson Chamber member	50+ employees, 5-star ratings, BBB accredited since 2015; rescueairtx.com
AC Pros	Trane equipment buyers	Certified Trane Comfort Specialists with 30+ years in Richardson area	Emphasis on installation quality and employee training; acprostx.com
CityLine Air Conditioning	Neighbors in central and east Richardson	Physically located at 1850 N. Greenville Ave. in Richardson since 2005	Family-owned, membership program, 24-hour emergency service
Air Advantage Inc.	Homeowners who want EPA-certified techs and emergency availability	All technicians Texas-registered and EPA-certified	Serves Richardson, Garland, Plano, Carrollton, and surrounding areas; airadvantageinc.com
DFW HVAC	Budget-conscious buyers who want transparent pricing	Three-generation family business, 176+ five-star reviews	Same-day service Monday through Friday, honest assessments; dfwhvac.com

Best for Homeowners Who Want an Established Local Name

Houk Air Conditioning

Houk has been operating in the area since 1962, which means their technicians have worked through multiple refrigerant transitions, code changes, and the kind of extreme North Texas summers that push systems hard. For Richardson homeowners who prefer a company with deep institutional knowledge of local conditions, that history carries weight. They handle routine maintenance, urgent repairs, and complete system replacements.

Best for Lennox Equipment and Certified Technicians

Rescue Air and Plumbing

Based in Richardson and a member of the local Chamber of Commerce, Rescue Air has grown to more than 50 employees since its 2014 founding while holding onto strong customer ratings. Their status as a Lennox Premier Dealer means their technicians complete at least 40 hours of annual Lennox-specific training, which matters when you are buying equipment you expect to run for 15 years through Richardson summers that regularly exceed 100 degrees. They are also BBB accredited, which gives homeowners an additional avenue for dispute resolution if something goes wrong.

Best for Trane Equipment Buyers

AC Pros

AC Pros has operated in the Richardson area for more than 30 years and holds Certified Trane Comfort Specialist status, a designation that requires meeting Trane’s standards for installation quality, customer satisfaction, and ongoing technician training. For homeowners who have done their own research and landed on Trane as their preferred brand, working with a certified dealer typically means better warranty support and factory-trained installation. Their Richardson-area roots also mean familiarity with local permit requirements through the City of Richardson’s building inspection process.

Best for Central and East Richardson Residents

CityLine Air Conditioning

CityLine is physically located on N. Greenville Avenue in Richardson, which is as local as it gets. Family-owned and operating since 2005, they offer 24-hour emergency service and a membership program that can make ongoing maintenance more affordable over time. For homeowners in the neighborhoods around CityLine, Arapaho, or the Bush Turnpike corridor, having a contractor whose shop is a few miles away can mean faster response during the August stretch when every HVAC company in DFW is stretched thin.

Best for Price Transparency and Same-Day Scheduling

DFW HVAC

DFW HVAC is a three-generation family business that emphasizes honest assessments and transparent pricing up front. With 176-plus five-star reviews and same-day service available Monday through Friday, they are worth calling if you want a no-pressure quote and a clear explanation of what you actually need versus what might be upsold. Licensed technicians and a straightforward approach make them a reasonable option for homeowners who have had frustrating experiences with larger operations.

2026 Price Ranges for Richardson Homeowners

These are ballpark estimates based on current DFW market data. Your actual quote will vary based on home square footage, system configuration, attic conditions, and the specific equipment selected.

Full system replacement (AC, furnace, and air handler): $8,000 to $16,000 installed. This is the most common scenario for older Richardson homes where all three components are at end of life.

Central AC-only replacement (using existing ductwork): $7,000 to $13,000 or more installed for most homes. By tonnage, a 2.5-ton unit runs approximately $4,800 to $7,500 fully installed; a 3-ton unit, which is the most common size for DFW homes, runs roughly $5,200 to $8,500.

Evaporator coil replacement only: $1,500 to $3,500 in most cases, rising to $5,000 or more for premium systems or older R-22 equipment.

Ductwork replacement: If your ducts are deteriorated or improperly sized, add $3,000 to $8,000 on top of the system cost. Older Richardson neighborhoods with original ductwork from the 1970s and 1980s sometimes need this work.

Oncor rebates: Oncor’s Home Energy Efficiency program currently offers $400 to $600 back on qualifying high-efficiency equipment. The program runs January through November, so timing your purchase before the deadline can offset a meaningful portion of the cost.

Federal tax credit: The Section 25C federal tax credit for HVAC equipment expired on December 31, 2025, and is not available for 2026 purchases as of this writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a new HVAC system cost in Richardson, TX in 2026?

Most Richardson homeowners pay between $8,000 and $16,000 for a full system replacement including AC, furnace, and air handler. A central AC-only swap using existing ductwork typically runs $7,000 to $13,000 or more depending on tonnage and efficiency rating.

Do I need a permit to replace my HVAC system in Richardson?

Yes. The City of Richardson requires permits for HVAC system replacements, and any contractor you hire should pull the permit on your behalf. Texas state law also requires HVAC contractors to be licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, with at least four years of documented experience and proof of insurance. Always verify a contractor’s license before signing anything.

Is the federal tax credit still available for HVAC in 2026?

No. The Section 25C tax credit for qualifying HVAC equipment expired at the end of 2025. It is not available for systems purchased or installed in 2026 as of this writing. The Oncor rebate program remains open through November and is worth pursuing if you buy qualifying high-efficiency equipment.

Why are HVAC prices higher in 2026 than a few years ago?

Two main drivers: new SEER2 minimum efficiency standards require more efficient equipment that costs more to manufacture, and the industry-wide transition from R-410A refrigerant to R-454B has added roughly $500 to $1,000 to unit costs in the DFW market.

How do I avoid overpaying for a new HVAC system in Richardson?

Get at least two or three written quotes from licensed contractors, make sure each quote covers the same scope of work, and verify that the contractor will pull the required city permit. Be cautious of quotes that come in significantly below the ranges above without a clear explanation, and ask each contractor to walk you through their equipment sizing calculation for your specific home.

Prices above are estimates based on current DFW market conditions and should be used for budgeting purposes only. Get written quotes from at least two or three licensed contractors before making a decision.

New HVAC System Cost in Richardson, TX (2026)