Whether upgrading your home’s heating and cooling or outfitting a commercial space, searching for a well-priced HVAC system is a serious task. An HVAC replacement or installation can be one of your largest investments as a property owner, so choosing the right brand and finding an affordable supplier is essential.

Many sellers offer great value without sacrificing quality, so you can get a reliable HVAC system at a price you can afford.

Types and Costs of HVAC Systems

Before choosing an HVAC system, it is important to understand that there are different types with varying price ranges. The following are the most common types and what you can expect to spend on average for equipment and installation.

Central Air Conditioners

Central air conditioning is a popular choice for whole-home cooling. Installing a new central AC unit typically costs around $5,750 for a 2,000-square-foot home, including equipment and labor. Prices will vary depending on unit efficiency, ductwork needs and local contractor rates.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps offer heating and cooling in a single system and are 40% to 60% more energy-efficient than traditional electric heaters. Depending on the unit’s capacity and efficiency ratings, a whole-home heat pump system can cost between $8,000 and $15,000.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Ductless mini-split systems are great for homes without ductwork because they provide zoned heating and cooling. On average, you can expect to pay around $3,000 per unit installed, though larger or multi-zone systems can increase costs.

Furnaces

Furnaces generate heat and vary in costs depending on the type of fuel they use. Electric furnaces typically cost $2,000 to $7,000, gas furnaces $3,800 to $10,000, and oil furnaces $6,750 to $10,000.

Hybrid Systems

Hybrid HVAC systems combine a heat pump with a backup furnace, automatically switching between the two for optimal energy efficiency. The national average range for a hybrid system is $7,500 to $12,000, but pricing varies by equipment type and installation complexity.

Best Places to Buy Affordable HVAC Systems

Finding a good HVAC system at a fair price often comes down to knowing where to shop. Plenty of retailers offer quality systems without breaking your budget.

1. Ingram’s Water & Air Equipment

Ingram’s Water & Air Equipment (IWAE) is a family-owned business based in Hickory, Kentucky, and sells HVAC systems and parts to consumers at competitive prices.

The company offers wholesale-level pricing on various products, including central split systems, ductless mini-splits, heat pumps and hybrid systems from name brands like MRCOOL, Goodman and Trane. If you are a budget-conscious buyer, IWAE also features an outlet section where you can find scratch-and-dent or open-box units at a big discount.

IWAE is one of the best places to purchase an HVAC system because it offers lifetime technical support. If you are a DIY-er, you can receive expert guidance throughout the installation process for free. Shipping is free on most purchases, and many customers praise IWAE for its pricing, fast delivery and helpful support team.

Benefits of choosing IWAE include:

• Wholesale pricing on top HVAC brands
• A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
• Responsive customer support
• Five- to eight-day delivery with free shipping on most orders
• A Pro Patria award winner and one of the fastest-growing companies on Inc. 5000

2. AC Direct

AC Direct is one of America’s oldest online HVAC wholesalers. It offers an expansive catalog of central air conditioners, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, package units and mobile-home systems. With a 125% low-price guarantee and free shipping on orders over $1,500, AC Direct makes accessing contractor-level pricing without markup easy.

Customers can choose from single- to multi-zone ductless systems, high-efficiency split system heat pumps, or hybrid dual-fuel configurations. The company also supports installations for tight spaces or limited ductwork. Financing options are even available if you do not have ready cash flow. The company offers lease-to-own plans with no credit needed.

While AC Direct only offers online sales, its website provides clear specs, compatibility charts and installation resources. Its volume pricing and shipping transparency are backed by guarantees, ensuring quality and affordable purchases.

Benefits of choosing AC Direct include:

• Access to contractor wholesale pricing across popular brands
• Low pricing
• Free shipping on orders over $1,500
• Flexible financing

3. AC Wholesalers

AC Wholesalers offers wholesale pricing for HVAC systems and accessories. With over 32,000 products from leading brands, it can provide you with a quality system at an affordable cost. Its catalog includes central air conditioners, gas and electric furnaces, ductless mini-splits, and more.

AC Wholesalers provides user-friendly online tools — including sizing guides and product comparison resources — so you can select appropriately and confidently. The company emphasizes a no-frills buying experience and offers free shipping and frequent clearance deals on components like coils, line sets and scratch-and-dent units.

Although it does not offer contractor referrals, its extensive online technical support makes it a good option for coordinating installations independently.

Benefits of choosing AC Wholesalers include:

• Extensive inventory from major brands
• Free shipping on orders over $199
• 30-day returns on most items
• Frequent clearance and scratch-and-dent specials
• Robust online tools and in-house expert guidance

4. HVACDirect.com

HVACDirect.com is one of the largest HVAC suppliers in the U.S. It began in 2015 with a mission to provide unbeatable prices, expert support and the best online buying experience. With over 400 employees and seven distribution centers coast to coast, it has fulfilled over 140,000 orders.

Its product lineup includes everything from central split systems to heat pumps. It also supplies a wide range of parts and indoor air accessories. Brands include ACiQ, Goodman, MRCOOL, Trane, Mitsubishi, Bosch, Carrier and more.

Customer support and shopping tools are front and center at HVACDirect.com. It offers sizing guides, rebate calculators and a how-to video on navigating the order process. Ongoing technical support is available via live chat or phone. HVACDirect.com will also assist customers in filing manufacturer warranty claims and offer an optional extended warranty through a third party.

Benefits of choosing HVACDirect.com include:

• Lowest prices guaranteed
• Free shipping with two- to five-day delivery
• Expert guidance and educational staff
• Large inventory of units and accessories

5. The Furnace Outlet

The Furnace Outlet is a U.S.-based online HVAC supplier that cuts out intermediaries and delivers wholesale-priced heating and cooling units directly to you. Its expansive inventory covers gas and electric furnaces, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, and split-system air conditioners. Plus, it sells HVAC parts and accessories when you need to replace heating and cooling components.

The Furnace Outlet guarantees the lowest prices, so you receive the best pricing on top brands. It also offers free shipping on all orders regardless of the purchase amount. The company typically delivers within one to five business days, making it convenient and cost-effective.

Beyond pricing, the company provides strong shopper support with sizing calculators, quote-by-photo functionality and helpful instructional videos. Its onboarding tools and straightforward website help make ordering the right system feel seamless. Customers consistently appreciate the company’s value, speed of delivery and helpful service.

Benefits of choosing The Furnace Outlet include:

• 24/7 customer support
• Fast, free shipping on every order
• Buy Now Pay Later options and flexible financing
• 100% satisfaction guaranteed
• 30-day returns

6. Alpine Home Air

Alpine Home Air is one of the first online HVAC retailers in the U.S., launching in 2002 to provide contractor-grade heating, cooling and air quality equipment to consumers. Although it is headquartered in Chicago, this company is available nationwide to homeowners and business owners, offering a seamless shopping experience for all.

You can sift through a wide selection of trusted products online. Its inventory spans air conditioners, heat pumps, electric and gas furnaces, ductless mini-splits, package units, PTAC systems, and indoor air quality solutions. All products are contractor-grade and made for residential, commercial and industrial applications.

Most orders placed before the daily cutoff ship the same day, with delivery typically occurring within one to three business days across the U.S. Alpine provides sizing calculators, photo-quite submission tools, instructional videos and a large learning center covering industry-wide topics to support informed purchasing. The company also connects customers to licensed local contractors.

Benefits of choosing Alpine Home Air include:

• Direct access to contractor-grade HVAC equipment at competitive pricing
• Extensive selection of quality units and accessories
• 30-day returns with no restocking fees
• Unlimited technical support
• A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau

7. Budget Heating and Air Conditioning Inc.

Budget Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. is a leader in online HVAC equipment, offering contractor-grade heating and cooling systems to homeowners, businesses and trade professionals. The company is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, with operations also in Houston, Texas, but it fulfills orders nationwide and has served more than 115,000 customers. It operates massive warehouse facilities of over 100,000 square feet.

Budget Heating stocks full-system offerings, including split-system air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and ductless mini-splits. The platform simplifies order selection with its Quick Selector and product-specific pricing page, where bundle prices for systems are often 20% to 35% less than suggested retail prices.

Budget Heating claims to be the first HVAC company to sell directly to the public online. It still operates online today with secure transactions and technical support. Its website features advanced encryption, certified transaction security and a $250,000 identity assurance warranty for buyer peace of mind.

Benefits of Choosing Budget Heating include:

• Wholesale pricing on full HVAC systems
• Trusted name brands
• Ships worldwide
• Friendly customer service
• A secure checkout experience

How to Evaluate HVAC Suppliers for Quality and Affordability

Hundreds of HVAC suppliers are available, so it is essential to separate reliable vendors from those that may fall short on service or value. A low price is always attractive, but you want to be sure you are investing in a system backed by quality support, trusted brands and a smooth purchasing experience.

Some key factors to consider when evaluating HVAC suppliers include:

• Clear pricing and detailed product information: A trustworthy supplier will display product specifications, efficiency ratings, warranty coverage and bundled costs.
• Shipping policies and timelines: Free shipping is a nice perk, but pay attention to delivery windows and shipping terms for large freight shipments. Suppliers that offer same-day or expedited shipping and have multiple distribution centers are better able to deliver quickly and reliably.
• Customer reviews and reputation: Check Reddit and third-party review platforms like Trustpilot, Shopper Approved or the Better Business Bureau to gauge the supplier’s reputation. Consistent positive feedback on pricing, delivery and customer support is a good sign.

The Importance of Professional Installation and Maintenance

A reputable supplier may be important for receiving a quality HVAC system, but professional installation is also critical to ensure your unit works at peak efficiency. Proper installation affects everything from energy consumption to indoor comfort and system longevity.

Licensed HVAC contractors have the training and expertise to handle complicated tasks like sizing ductwork and configuring refrigerant lines. Making a mistake during installation can lead to higher energy bills and more frequent repairs. Many manufacturers also require professional installation to validate warranty coverage, so it is an investment that protects you in the long run.

Routine maintenance is also essential. Seasonal inspections, filter replacements and system tuneups maintain efficiency and prevent unexpected breakdowns. Partnering with a qualified technician for annual service ensures your system continues to run smoothly and can save you from costly repairs down the line.

Tips for Getting the Best Deal on Your HVAC System

Buying an HVAC system is a major investment, but several smart strategies ensure you get the best value for your money. Here are a few tactics to secure a great deal:

• Keep an eye on seasonal promotions and rebates: HVAC suppliers and manufacturers often run seasonal sales, most commonly during spring and fall. Additionally, check for utility company rebates or tax incentives on energy-efficient systems.
• Look for clearance, open box and scratch-and-dent deals: Many suppliers offer discounts on overstock, open-box or cosmetically imperfect units that are fully functional. These can be excellent opportunities to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
• Consider financing options: If paying upfront is a challenge, look for suppliers that offer flexible financing or lease-to-own programs.

Choosing the Right HVAC System at the Best Price

Shopping with reputable suppliers and comparing system options online allows you to secure high-quality equipment at a competitive price.

Remember, the key to maximizing your investment is selecting a supplier whose units last for years. With the right approach, you can enjoy a comfortable, energy-efficient home or business environment without stretching your budget.