1. Why the Cooling Side Gets the Spotlight — but Heating & Ducts Are the Unsung Partner
When homeowners shop HVAC, often the conversation starts with “AC unit price” or “cooling capacity”. But as Savvy Mavi, I always say: don’t forget the other half of the system — your heating method, your ductwork, and how all of it integrates.
In this case, your device from Goodman — the 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 bundle — covers the cooling side (and the matched indoor/outdoor system). But the true value of that bundle is unlocked when paired with a properly sized heating system, appropriate ductwork, and installation that considers both sides holistically.
That means understanding:
-
The ducted heating system cost when you already have ducts or need to upgrade them.
-
The furnace pump replacement cost (in some cases this includes replacement of blower, fan, or auxiliary components in the furnace/air handler).
-
The cost to install heat pump and ducts when you’re replacing or upgrading both the heating/cooling and the ductwork.
Why does it matter? Because even if you pick a great cooling system, if the heating side or ducts are neglected you could end up with poor comfort, higher energy bills, and earlier replacement. Not savvy.
2. Recap: The Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle — Your Cooling Anchor
Before diving deeper into cost mechanics, let’s recap what you’re getting with the Goodman bundle:
-
Capacity: 3 Tons (approx 36,000 BTUs of cooling capacity) — suitable for many mid-sized homes depending on climate, insulation, and load.
-
Efficiency: 14.5 SEER2 — a solid modern rating (though not ultra premium) meaning good value.
-
Refrigerant: R-32 — a forward-looking refrigerant with lower global warming potential, more efficient heat transfer.
-
Matched indoor/outdoor bundle — which matters for performance because mismatched components reduce life-span and efficiency.
So if you buy that bundle (cooling side), you’re well positioned. But the smart move is to plan the heating side and ductwork at the same time so everything works together — which brings us to cost estimates.
3. Ducted Heating System Cost — What It Means and What to Expect
What is a “ducted heating system”?
In essence, when we talk about a ducted heating system, we mean a heating system (furnace, air handler, or heat-pump) that uses the same ductwork as your cooling side to distribute warm air throughout the home. The ducts are the network of supply and return passages that deliver conditioned air.
Why cost varies widely
When you evaluate “ducted heating system cost,” it depends on several major variables:
-
Are the ducts already present and in good shape (sealed, insulated, sized properly)?
-
Are you replacing only the heating unit (furnace/air handler) or also modifying ducts?
-
How easy is access (attic, crawl-space, basement)?
-
Are there zoning systems, long duct runs, or major retrofits needed?
-
Efficiency of the equipment (AFUE for furnace or HSPF/SEER for heat-pump).
-
Local labor rates and permits.
What published data says
A cost guide from HVAC.com reports: for a typical central system including ductwork, the cost to install a 3-ton HVAC system with new ductwork can be $9,500-$13,500 depending on brand and installation complexity. They note new ductwork typically costs $2,000-$3,000 per ton of HVAC capacity. (HVAC.com)
Another source, Call Waldrop, suggests new ductwork alone averages $1,400-$5,600 depending on size and configuration. (Call Waldrop)
That means: if you’re about to upgrade your cooling and do the heating side and ducts at the same time, you should budget properly for the ductwork component and the heating unit component (not just the cooling side).
Application to your situation
Because you’re upgrading to the Goodman 3 Ton cooling bundle, you likely already have a duct network sized for that tonnage (assuming your home size fits). So your major questions regarding ducts are:
-
Are the ducts properly sealed/insulated? If not, you’ll lose performance.
-
Is the airflow sized correctly for the new system (or your home)? If not, the heating boost may cost you more.
-
Will any parts of the ductwork need replacement or modification now that you are upgrading? If yes, you’ll incur incremental cost.
So when you get quotes ask: “What is the ductwork cost included?” and compare it to published ranges ($1,400-$5,600 for moderate modifications) to see if you’re being charged fairly.
4. Furnace Pump Replacement Cost — Hidden But Important
What is a “furnace pump”?
In HVAC contexts some people use “pump” to refer to the blower, fan assembly or fan motor in the furnace/air handler. In more literal cases, it might refer to the condensate pump or the circulation pump in hydronic systems. For our discussion, we’ll interpret “furnace pump replacement cost” as the cost to replace essential fan/blower components or pumps within a forced-air furnace/air-handler system.
Why it matters
If your heating side (furnace or air handler) has aging components — say the blower motor is wearing, or the pump is failing — that adds to cost. If you’re upgrading cooling (Goodman bundle) and leaving the old heating side, you may end up paying significant “furnace pump replacement cost” later — which erodes value.
Published data
For example: a simple condensate pump replacement can cost $250-$440 on average. (While not exactly the furnace blower, it gives perspective for smaller component replacements.) (BVS Home Experts)
But when you include blower motor replacement, cabinet, controls, etc., you’re looking at hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on age, access, and complexity.
What to ask
As you upgrade, ask your contractor:
-
If we keep the existing air handler/furnace blower motor, what is its age and condition?
-
Is any “furnace pump” (blower) or component near end-of-life?
-
Is it more cost-effective to replace the blower/pump now as part of the upgrade rather than later?
-
What is the extra cost if we upgrade the blower motor to a variable-speed type (which improves efficiency & comfort)?
By doing so, you avoid surprises like “oh by the way the blower is shot and we need $1,200 more”.
5. Cost to Install Heat Pump and Ducts — What You Need to Know
Now to the big question: if you decide your heating side will be a heat pump (or you’re doing a full replace of heating + cooling + ducts), what is the cost to install heat pump and ducts?
What published cost guides show
-
A comprehensive guide from the brand Carrier lists heat pump installation and replacements ranging $6,000 to $25,000+ depending on size, home condition, ductwork modifications and region. (Carrier)
-
Another data site shows typical heat pump replacement cost about $8,930-$14,160 for a standard 2.5-3 ton system, including components and ducts as needed. (Heat Pump Price Guides)
-
For full system including ductwork, one guide from HVAC.com shows for 3-ton systems $9,500-$13,500 inclusive (with ductwork cost at $2,000-$3,000 per ton) (HVAC.com)
Why these numbers vary
-
Size of the system (tons)
-
Efficiency level of heat pump
-
Existing ductwork condition (reuse vs replace)
-
Home layout & accessibility
-
Whether cooling side is also being replaced (you are)
-
Local labor and permit costs
How this relates to your Goodman setup
Since you’re upgrading your cooling side with the Goodman bundle, you are already in a position where ductwork and air handler decisions should happen simultaneously. So when you plan for heating side (heat pump or furnace), you must budget for:
-
The heat-pump (or heating unit) itself
-
Matching indoor equipment (air handler or coil)
-
Ductwork modifications/sealing/insulation
-
Labor, wiring, refrigerant lines, permit costs
If your home is moderate size (say ~2,000-2,500 sq ft) and ducts are in decent shape, you may land toward the lower end of the ranges (say ~$8k-$12k). If you have major duct replacement, attic/rooftop access, large home or high efficiency premium equipment, you might hit $15k-$20k+.
6. Applying These Cost Considerations With Your Goodman Cooling Bundle
Let’s walk through a hypothetical for your home assuming you pick the Goodman 3-Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 bundle for cooling, and you’re deciding on the heating side (heat pump + ducts) at the same time.
Step-by-step budgeting
a) Cooling side
-
Equipment (Goodman bundle) cost: assume ~$4,000-$5,500 (equipment only) depending region and distributor.
-
Installation, refrigerant lineset, labor: ~$2,000-$4,000 depending on complexity.
-
So cooling portion may be ~$6,000-$9,000.
b) Heating side (heat pump + ducts)
-
If ducts are in good shape, reuse existing: heating unit + install maybe ~$4,000-$7,000 (for a modest size home).
-
If ducts need moderate upgrade/sealing: add ~$1,500-$3,000.
-
If major duct replacement or difficult access: add several thousand more.
You’ll test against published benchmarks: if a standard heat pump replacement (incl ducts) is $8,930-$14,160 for typical 2.5-3 ton systems. So if your home is moderate size you might aim for $8k-$12k for heating side.
So your total upgrade budget (cooling + heating + ductwork) might realistically be in the ~$14,000-$20,000 range (depending on region and complexity).
Step-by-step savings/value alignment
-
Because you’re upgrading both sides now, you save on mobilization costs (contractor sets up once).
-
Matched indoor/outdoor components (cooling and heating) reduces mismatches and improves efficiency.
-
If you fully seal/insulate your ducts at the same time, you enhance the benefit of the cooling and heating upgrade.
-
Future operating costs drop because newer equipment (Goodman + modern heat pump) runs more efficiently, especially coupled with clean ducts.
What to ask your contractor quote for
-
A breakdown: (Cooling bundle cost) + (Heating unit cost) + (Ductwork cost).
-
Explicit ductwork condition: what part is reuse, what part is replace, what part is seal.
-
Access costs: attic, rooftop, crane, difficult runs.
-
Labor assumptions: number of labor hours, crews, mark-ups.
-
Efficiency assumptions: the SEER2, HSPF, and matching indoor/outdoor assumptions.
-
Timeline and warranty coverage.
-
Comparison: what if you only replaced cooling now and left heating/ducts for later? (Often more expensive to do separately.)
7. Savvy Mavi Tips: Avoid Budget Traps and Maximize Value
Here are my top smart tactics when you’re budgeting this kind of full-system upgrade.
Tip 1: Start with your ducts
Before carriers of “system cost” scare you: inspect your existing ducts. If they’re sealed, sized properly, insulated, and in good shape, you can reuse many parts — saving you thousands. If they’re leaky or undersized, fix them as part of the upgrade.
New ductwork installation cost ranges $1,400-$5,600 in many cases.
Tip 2: Don’t treat cooling and heating as separate projects
Many homeowners do: “We’ll fix AC now, worry about heating later.” That often increases total cost (two mobilizations, two sets of disruption) and mismatched systems. Better to coordinate both sides. Especially when you already have the Goodman cooling side planned.
Tip 3: Use cost benchmarks to negotiate
When you know that standard heat pump installation (incl ducts) is ~$8,900-$14,000 for many homes, you can ask contractors: “Why is your quote higher/lower than that?” Use these benchmarks (see guides from Angi, Carrier etc) to keep yourself informed. (Angi)
Tip 4: Efficiency is important but don’t over-spend for marginal gains
Upgrading ductwork and ensuring proper sizing often yields more value (and comfort) than upgrading from “good” to “ultra-premium” equipment. If your ducts are faulty, the best heat pump won’t deliver its promise.
Tip 5: Check for rebates & incentives
Heat pump upgrades and ductwork improvements often qualify for rebates, tax credits or utility programs. These reduce your effective cost and improve pay-back. For example, some heat pump cost guides mention tax credits. (This Old House)
Tip 6: Read the fine print on “pump” or blower replacements
If your quote includes “blower motor replacement” or “furnace pump replacement cost”, ask what condition the existing components are in, how old they are, and whether replacements now save you later expense. Replacing a failing blower later could cost you $500-$1,500+ depending on access and labor.
Tip 7: Plan for future maintenance and access
Offer your future self some mercy: ensure the installation allows service access (not in a restricted attic crawl) and the ductwork is accessible for inspection/sealing down the road.
8. Final Thoughts: Bringing It All Together
If you’re upgrading your HVAC and you already have your eye on the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 bundle for cooling, you’re off to a strong start. But to get full value, you must treat the project as whole-system: cooling + heating + ductwork.
That means:
-
Knowing your ducted heating system cost ahead of time.
-
Being aware of hidden components like furnace pump replacement cost (blower motors, fan assemblies) and factoring them in.
-
Using benchmarks for cost to install heat pump and ducts so you can budget realistically and negotiate wisely.
By doing so, you’ll avoid the common error of buying the equipment only and under-budgeting the install, the ducts, or the matching parts. You’ll get better comfort, better efficiency, and a better value—and that’s what Savvy Mavi stands for.
