Full system replacement (AC + furnace)
Includes: matched outdoor unit, indoor coil/air handler, furnace, thermostat, line-set evaluation, condensate handling, electrical and gas connections as needed, permits, startup testing, and haul-away. A good quote names the exact model numbers, efficiency ratings, and warranty terms (parts and labour separately — they are often different lengths), plus what happens to your old refrigerant under EPA rules. Typical Kansas planning range: $8,500–$14,000 before ductwork changes.
Gas furnace replacement
Best when heating is the problem and the AC side is sound. Key choices: single-stage vs two-stage vs modulating/variable-speed, and efficiency (AFUE). Higher-efficiency condensing furnaces need proper venting and condensate drainage — confirm those are in scope, not discovered on install day. Typical Kansas range: $3,800–$9,500, with high-efficiency models at the upper end.
Central AC replacement
Best when cooling fails and the furnace is young. The coil must match the outdoor unit; a mismatched pairing can void warranties and cut efficiency. Confirm refrigerant type, line-set reuse vs replacement (old line sets sized for older refrigerants can be a problem), and whether the quote includes a new thermostat and pad/levelling work. Typical Kansas range: $4,500–$10,000.
Heat pumps and dual-fuel
A heat pump heats and cools from one system and is very efficient in mild weather. In Wichita's coldest weeks, a standard heat pump needs help — either electric backup or, in a dual-fuel setup, a gas furnace that takes over below a set temperature. Ask the contractor to show the balance point (the outdoor temperature where backup takes over) and to model running costs at your utility rates, not national averages. Typical Kansas ranges: heat pump $6,000–$13,500; dual-fuel $9,000–$15,500.
Ductless mini-splits
Best for additions, finished basements, bonus rooms, or homes without ducts. Single-zone systems run roughly $5,000–$6,500 in Kansas planning data; multi-zone systems run higher with each added head. Ask about line-set routing, condensate drainage, and whether each head has its own control — and get the per-head price, not a lump sum you cannot audit.
Ductwork: sealing, repair, replacement
Duct problems show up as hot/cold rooms, weak airflow, dust, and high bills despite a new unit. Sealing and repair typically run $500–$2,800; full replacement $2,000–$7,500, depending on access and home size. Ask whether the contractor pressure-tests ducts, what leakage target they aim for, and whether insulation upgrades in an attic or crawl space are included or separate.
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.