The Wichita replacement picture
Published Kansas guides for early 2026 put typical ranges at: central AC replacement $4,500–$10,000; gas furnace replacement $3,800–$9,500; heat pump replacement $6,000–$13,500; and a full AC + furnace system $8,500–$14,000. Dual-fuel (heat pump + gas backup) runs roughly $9,000–$15,500. Wichita and central Kansas typically run 5–10% below Kansas City metro pricing on labour, but ductwork condition — common in pre-1980 Wichita homes — can add $1,000–$3,500 for sealing or partial replacement, and $2,000–$7,500 for a full duct replacement.
Full system replacement
Both heating and cooling replaced together, with a matched coil/air handler. Usually the best value when both units are old, because matched equipment, one labour visit, and one warranty timeline beat two separate jobs.
Furnace or AC only
Sensible when the other half is young and healthy. Ask for the age, condition, and compatibility of the half you are keeping — in writing — before committing.
Heat pump / dual-fuel
One system heats and cools. Modern cold-climate heat pumps perform well in Wichita winters, and dual-fuel adds gas backup for the coldest snaps. Run the numbers on your actual usage and utility rates before choosing; the cheapest sticker price is rarely the cheapest 15-year cost.
What moves the price?
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| System size (tons / BTU) | Bigger is not better. An oversized unit short-cycles, leaves humidity high, and wears out faster. Size should come from a load calculation for your home, not a rule of thumb or a copy of the old unit's size. |
| Efficiency (SEER2 / AFUE / HSPF2) | Higher efficiency costs more up front and less to run. Compare total cost over the system's life, not just day one. |
| Ductwork | Leaky, undersized, or uninsulated ducts can waste up to about 20% of conditioned air. A new unit on bad ducts inherits the old problem. |
| Installation scope | Line-set replacement, condensate and drain work, electrical upgrades, thermostat, permits, and haul-away should be itemised — vague 'install' lines hide them. |
| Rebates and financing | Utility and federal incentives change frequently. Ask what is currently available for your exact equipment and whether the contractor handles the paperwork — and never let a promised rebate justify an inflated base price. |
Repair or replace? Use the $5,000 rule — then judgement
Multiply the repair cost by the system's age in years. If the result exceeds $5,000, replacement is usually the smarter money. Example: a $400 repair on a 15-year-old AC gives 6,000 — past the threshold. The rule is a starting point, not a law: a failed compressor or cracked heat exchanger on a 12–15-year-old system usually points to replacement, while a capacitor, contactor, or igniter on a younger system usually points to repair. Get both numbers — repair and replacement — in writing when the call is close.
How this site works
- You describe your system on the contact page — age, fuel type, symptoms, and home size if you know it.
- A local contractor (once assigned) schedules an in-home assessment, including sizing and duct inspection.
- You compare written quotes using the choosing-a-contractor guide before signing.
No contractor is listed yet.
Before you decide
General information only, not professional advice. This site covers topics that touch gas and electrical safety, refrigerant handling, contracts and warranties, rebates, and financing. Nothing here is legal, financial, tax, or engineering advice, and cost figures are published planning ranges, not quotes. Your home, your equipment, and your contract decide what applies to you.
Talk to a licensed local professional before you decide: a licensed, insured local HVAC contractor for sizing, ducts, and installation, your utility or a tax adviser for rebate and credit questions, and a licensed attorney for contract questions.