A new residential HVAC system in Sacramento typically costs $7,000 to $15,000 installed for a standard central-AC-and-gas-furnace replacement at 3 to 5 tons, and $10,000 to $18,000 installed for a high-efficiency heat pump over the same range. Variable-speed, two-stage, and premium brands push the heat-pump range higher; basic single-stage replacements of existing equipment on existing ductwork sit at the low end.
The 2026 incentive that still moves the out-of-pocket number is SMUD's heat-pump rebate for qualifying equipment, quoted at the estimate because program amounts change. The federal §25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit is not allowed for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 — do not budget a $2,000 federal credit into a 2026 install. Income-qualified point-of-sale electrification rebates may still apply through California's rollout; we only include programs that are open on the quote date.
Ductwork repair, panel upgrades, and permitting add cost outside the base equipment quote. Homes with undersized electrical panels commonly need a service upgrade before a whole-home heat-pump install, which can add $2,500 to $5,000. PRO MAX provides an itemized quote separating equipment, labor, ductwork, electrical, and permit fees so the numbers are transparent.