Hello there! I’m Samantha Reyes, and if you’re reading this, you’re probably a homeowner who wants to make a solid, informed decision about your HVAC upgrade. You care about comfort, you care about cost, and you want to avoid surprises. So let’s walk through what you need to know about the cost of central air for homes of various sizes — 1,000 sq ft, 1,200 sq ft, 1,500 sq ft, 2,000 sq ft — and how that intersects with the 3‑ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 system from Goodman. In doing so, we’ll talk about keywords like: “cost of central air for 1000 sq ft house”, “cost of central air for 1200 sq ft house”, “new HVAC system cost 1500 sq ft”, “hvac installation cost for 1000 sq ft home”, “cost of central air for 2000 sq ft house”, “how much is a 5 ton AC unit installed”, and more.
We’ll cover:
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Why square‑footage matters when budgeting for central air
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How to estimate cost ranges for homes 900‑3,000 sq ft
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What drives cost higher or lower (ductwork, tonnage, efficiency, region)
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Where this Goodman 3‑ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 bundle fits in, and whether it makes sense for your home
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My practical takeaways so you walk into quotes with clarity and confidence
The Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 bundle
You’re looking at a matched bundle: a 3‑ton outdoor condenser + air handler, rated at 14.5 SEER2 and using the R‑32 refrigerant (which is more future‑friendly). This system is marketed for homes around roughly 1,500‑2,800 sq ft, depending on your insulation, layout, ceiling height, and ductwork. Because of that size range, it’s a helpful reference point for us to build cost‑scenarios.
Section 1: Why “cost of central air per home size” matters
When you hear phrases like “cost of central air for 1000 sq ft house” or “cost of central air for 2000 sq ft house”, you’re really talking about the relationship between your home’s size (square footage) and how much you should budget for a whole‑home central air system. According to leading cost‑guides:
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Many sources say that installing central air typically costs between $3.00 and $7.50 per square foot in many installations.
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Another guide states average installed costs range from about $3,500‑$7,500 for many full central AC replacements in homes (before major ductwork) but escalate depending on size and complexity.
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For example, a cost guide shows that homes under 1,500 sq ft in areas with existing ductwork could see lower costs; homes with poor ducts or needing major changes will be at the higher end. (Modernize)
What this means for you: If your home is 1,000 sq ft and you have good existing ductwork, your cost should be meaningfully lower than if your home is 2,000 sq ft with outdated ducts. Understanding that difference helps you spot a quote that’s reasonable vs one where you might be paying extra.
Section 2: Cost‑scenarios by home size
Let’s walk through several realistic scenarios, using our bundle reference and credible cost‑data, so you can plug in your home size and get a sense of what to budget. I’ll reference the keywords you specified.
Scenario A: Home size ~900 sq ft
Keyword focus: “cost of central air for 900 sq ft house”, “hvac for 1000 sq ft house / hvac for 1000 sq ft”
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According to cost per sq ft data ($3–$7.50/sq ft) a home at 900 sq ft might range roughly: 900 × $3.00 = ~$2,700 on the low end; 900 × $7.50 = ~$6,750 on the high end. (Fixr)
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If you already have ducts in good shape, minimal obstacles, you might be closer to the lower side (~$3–$4/sq ft) -> ~$2,700–$3,600.
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If you need ductwork repair, difficult access, premium equipment, you might be in the $5,000+ range.
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For comparison: many full system replacement charts indicate $3,500‑$7,500 typical for many homes even with average size.
Takeaway: For a 900 sq ft home you might realistically budget $3,000–$6,000 for central air (equipment + install + moderate ductwork). If you’re quoted $10K+, ask what’s adding the extra $4K+.
Scenario B: Home size ~1,000 sq ft
Keyword: “cost of central air for 1000 sq ft house”, “hvac installation cost for 1000 sq ft home”
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Cost per sq ft: 1,000 × $3.00 = ~$3,000 low end; 1,000 × $7.50 = ~$7,500 high end.
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If you have decent ducts, good layout, you might land ~$4,000–$5,000.
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If ducts are outdated, or home is complex, you might approach ~$7,000+.
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One cost guide suggests houses under 1,500 sq ft in lower cost‑areas might run as low as ~$5,000.
Takeaway: Budget $4,000–$8,000 for a 1,000 sq ft home to get new central air comfortably, unless there’s major duct or structural work.
Scenario C: Home size ~1,200 sq ft
Keyword: “cost of central air for 1200 sq ft house”, “hvac unit cost for 1200 square feet”
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Estimate: 1,200 × $3.00 = ~$3,600; 1,200 × $7.50 = ~$9,000.
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With good existing ductwork and an efficient mid‑level system you might hit ~$5,000–$6,000.
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If more complexity or premium equipment, you could be ~$8,000–$9,000+.
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A home size of ~1,500 sq ft is often used as a baseline in many cost studies for “moderate” size. (Super Brothers Plumbing Heating & Air)
Takeaway: For 1,200 sq ft plan $5,000–$9,000, with goal closer to the lower end if conditions are favorable.
Scenario D: Home size ~1,500 sq ft
Keyword: “new hvac system cost 1500 sq ft”, “ac unit for 1500 sq ft home cost”, “cost of central air for 1500 sq ft house”
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Using per sq ft: 1,500 × $3 = ~$4,500; 1,500 × $7.50 = ~$11,250.
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Many cost‑data sets indicate that homes ~1,500‑2,000 sq ft might expect ~$6,000–$12,000 depending on scope.
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If you have good ducts, moderate efficiency system (like our Goodman bundle), you might land ~$6,000–$8,000.
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If you need major ductwork, high efficiency, difficult access, you could reach $10K+.
Takeaway: For a 1,500 sq ft home budget $6,000–$10,000+ depending on conditions.
Scenario E: Home size ~2,000 sq ft
Keyword: “cost of central air for 2000 sq ft house”
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Using per sq ft: 2,000 × $3 = ~$6,000 low; 2,000×$7.50 = ~$15,000 high.
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According to one major data set, a new HVAC system for a 2,000‑2,500 sq ft home averages ~$13,430 (equipment+install) in 2025.
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So if your home is 2,000 sq ft with average ducts and a mid‑range system, you might expect ~$9,000‑$12,000.
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If your home’s layout is complex or you upgrade to premium equipment, it could push $15,000+.
Takeaway: For 2,000 sq ft homes consider $9,000–$15,000+ for full central air replacement.
Scenario F: Larger homes / higher tonnage
Keywords: “ac unit for 3000 sq ft house cost”, “how much is a 5 ton AC unit installed”
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Many cost studies show 3,000 sq ft homes could cost $8,700–$21,600 for central air installation.
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Specifically for a 5‑ton AC (which might serve ~3,000 sq ft depending on climate/ducts), cost is naturally higher. NerdWallet shows ~$4,500–$9,700 equipment only for 5‑ton units in some data. (NerdWallet)
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Large homes often need either a single large system or multiple zones — both increase complexity & cost.
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Important note: As you go up in size and tonnage, the cost per sq ft may reduce slightly (economies of scale) but total cost obviously increases.
Takeaway: For 3,000 sq ft homes or 5‑ton installs budget $10,000+, often $15k–$20k+ in many regions for a full replacement, depending on ducts and upgrades.
Section 3: How the Goodman 3 Ton Bundle Fits In
Now let’s bring in the Goodman 3‑ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 bundle and see how it helps you anchor your decision.
Why this bundle is a useful benchmark
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3‑ton size hits the sweet spot for many homes in the 1,500‑2,800 sq ft range — that means if your home falls in that range, this system is very relevant.
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14.5 SEER2 efficiency means you’re not paying ultra‑premium for ultra‑high efficiency — you get a solid mid‑efficiency unit which helps keep costs reasonable.
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R‑32 refrigerant is more future‑proof (environmental/ regulatory trend‑wise) which means less risk of being behind the curve.
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The equipment cost of this bundle is lower than many premium brands, meaning more budget remains for install, ductwork, and zoning rather than getting “price‑shock” from equipment alone.
How to map this bundle to the scenarios
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If your home is ~1,500 sq ft and you buy this bundle: equipment cost is perhaps modest, so your total cost may land toward the lower side of the scenario range ($6k‑$8k) if ducts are acceptable.
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If your home is ~2,000 sq ft and you choose this bundle: you may need to ensure ducts are properly sized, maybe upgrade slightly, but you can still aim for $9k‑$12k if install is efficient.
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If your home is larger (e.g., ~2,800 sq ft) and you think of using the bundle: you’ll want to confirm that 3‑ton is sufficient (maybe you need 3.5‑4 ton) else you risk under‑sizing. In that case your cost may be higher because you’re stretching capacity.
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If your ducts are poor or you add premium features (zoning, IAQ, variable speed, ultra‑quiet), your cost might approach the upper end of the range.
Why this helps your “cost per square foot” perspective
Using this bundle, you can derive an approximate cost per square foot by dividing your expected total cost by your home’s size. If total cost is $8,000 and home is 1,600 sq ft, that’s $8,000 ÷ 1,600 = $5.00/sq ft. That sits within many cost‑guide ranges ($3–$7.50/sq ft). That helps validate that your quote is in line with expectations.
Section 4: Cost Drivers — Why Two Homes of Same Size Can Have Very Different Costs
As you compare quotes, you’ll see big variations. Why? Because so many variables affect final cost beyond just home size. Here are the key drivers:
1. Ductwork & existing infrastructure
If your home already has properly sized, well‑sealed ductwork, your cost is lower. If ducts are leaking, undersized, or you need extensive work, cost increases. For example, one cost guide says ductwork alone can add from $2,000 to $7,500+.
2. Equipment efficiency & features
Higher SEER ratings (16+, variable speed) cost more upfront but reduce energy bills. A mid‑efficiency 14.5 SEER2 unit costs less than an 18‑20 SEER ultra‑premium. Brand also matters: premium brands cost more. (UGI Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing)
3. Home size, layout, and tonnage required
Square footage, ceiling height, number of rooms, amount of sunlight, number of exterior walls all affect the load calculation and size required. Larger tonnage = higher cost. Plus, homes with complex layouts or multiple zones drive cost higher.
4. Region, labor, timing
Labor rates vary by region (urban/high cost vs rural/low cost). Also, installing in high‑demand months may cost more. One cost guide points out that labor variation is real. (Edgerton HVAC)
5. Additional add‐ons & upgrades
Smart thermostats, zoning dampers, whole‑house dehumidifiers or air‑filtration systems all add cost. Also, permits, electrical upgrades, pad replacements, refrigerant updates.
6. Installation quality
Even with identical equipment, poor installation means reduced performance, shortened life span, higher energy bills — effectively increasing long‑term cost. One guide warns about cheap quotes and emphasizes workmanship.
7. Seasonal timing and incentives
Off‑season installations or taking advantage of rebates can reduce cost. Waiting too long or scheduling in peak time may raise cost.
Section 5: My Practical Advice to You
Here’s what I recommend you do as a smart shopper (just like someone running a busy home, like you!), so you get a fair deal and avoid regrets.
Step 1: Determine your home’s square footage & condition
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Measure (or verify) conditioned square footage.
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Consider layout: open‑concept vs segmented, two stories vs one, ceiling height.
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Assess existing ductwork: Are ducts well‑sealed and properly sized? Will you need duct upgrades?
Step 2: Use the cost‑per‑square‑foot benchmark
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If your home is 1,500 sq ft: expect around $4.50‑$8/sq ft for full central air (depending on condition) — so maybe $6,000–$12,000.
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If your home is 1,000 sq ft: expect maybe $3,000–$8,000 given fewer tonnage needs and simpler install.
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Compare your quote: if you’re quoted $12,000 for a 1,000 sq ft home, that’s ~$12/sq ft — high, so ask why.
Use cost‑per‑square‑foot as a sanity check.
Step 3: Use the Goodman 3‑ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 bundle as a reference
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For homes roughly 1,500‑2,000 sq ft this is a realistic system.
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If your home size and conditions match (good ducts, normal layout), then your total cost should fall in the mid‑range of scenario above.
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If you’re quoted much higher, ask what’s driving the cost (premium features? poor ducts? higher tonnage?).
Step 4: Get multiple detailed quotes
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Ask at least three reputable HVAC contractors.
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Ensure each quote breaks out: equipment model & efficiency (tonnage + SEER2), labor, permit/disposal, ductwork changes, add‑ons.
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Compare “apples to apples” — same equipment class, same scope.
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Don’t just look at total; look at cost per square foot (calculate yourself) and ask questions about major cost differences.
Step 5: Ask smart questions
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“What is the tonnage and SEER2 of the system you’re quoting?”
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“What condition are my ducts in? Will you inspect/leak‑test them?”
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“What brand and model are you using? Are there variables like variable‑speed compressor, premium features?”
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“What is included in the install? Disposal of old equipment, permits, pad, electrical?”
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“Is the equipment properly matched (condenser + air handler)?”
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“What warranty is included for parts and labor?”
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“When is the installation scheduled? Is there off‑season discount?”
Step 6: Think long‑term value
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While cost matters now, also consider how efficient the system will be, how well the install is done, how long it will last, how comfortable your home will be.
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A slightly higher upfront cost may pay off via lower energy bills and fewer repair calls — but only if the system is the right size, the ducts are good, and the install is solid.
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Use the phrase “cost per square foot” not just as a budget number, but as a gateway to evaluating value.
Section 6: Why This Matters for You (Busy Home + Smart Shopper)
Because you run a busy household and likely don’t have time to get bogged down in HVAC jargon, here’s why this approach serves you:
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You get a budget range instead of just a quote you hope is fair.
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You can evaluate quotes confidently — you’ll know if you're being asked to pay premium without clear reason.
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You’ll be less likely to pick cheap equipment with bad installation (that costs you more later) or over‑pay for ultra‑premium when you don’t need it.
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You’ll have clarity on how much capacity (tonnage) and efficiency make sense for your home size — for instance, you probably don’t need a 5‑ton unit for a 1,000 sq ft home (that would be oversizing).
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You’ll walk into the install process with realistic expectations — and fewer sleepless nights worrying “Did I pay too much?”
Section 7: Final Thoughts & My Verdict
Let me wrap up with my bottom‑line recommendation. If your home is within the 1,000‑2,000 sq ft range, and you’re looking at replacing or installing central air, the Goodman 3‑ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 bundle is a very reasonable reference point. For a 1,500 sq ft home with good ducts, you might expect total installed cost somewhere around $6,000‑$9,000 (equipment + decent install) if all goes well. For a 2,000 sq ft home perhaps $9,000‑$12,000 depending on ductwork and region.
If you get a quote significantly outside those ranges, ask what specific features or complications are driving the cost. If ducts are terrible, yes you’ll pay more — just make sure you understand what you’re paying for. If the contractor cannot explain why their quote is $10,000 higher than another for the same tonnage and efficiency, that’s a red flag.
Let’s make sure you step into your HVAC decision with clarity, confidence, and smart value — because that’s exactly what a busy‑home‑making, smart‑shopping homeowner deserves.
Here’s to your comfort, your budget, and a great decision ahead.
— Samantha Reyes
