Introduction
Hey everyone — Tony Marino here. If you’re thinking about upgrading your home’s HVAC system, you’ve probably landed on two big questions: What’s the cost going to be? and How do I get the best value without sacrificing comfort or performance?
In this post, I’m going to walk you through how the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 bundle fits into a modern home’s heating & cooling strategy — and more importantly, how you should budget for the ducted heating system cost, the furnace pump replacement cost (yes, that part matters) and the cost to install heat pump and ducts when everything from the outdoor unit to the indoor ductwork is considered.
We’ll break down the equipment, the install variables, what drives cost up or down — and how you as a homeowner can make smart trade‑offs so you’re not left with surprise bills or a system that underperforms.
Understanding the Equipment: Cooling Side First
Before diving full tilt into heating system costs, let’s anchor ourselves with what you’re getting in the Goodman bundle:
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A 3‑ton capacity system — meaning roughly sized for a mid‑sized home (depending on insulation, climate, windows, etc.).
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14.5 SEER2 — solid efficiency for cooling.
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R‑32 refrigerant — modern refrigerant with lower global warming potential, more future proof.
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Matched system: The condenser + coil/handler are designed to work together, which means better performance and fewer compatibility risks.
Now, the reason the cooling side matters: when you’re upgrading or replacing your HVAC system, you’re often doing both cooling and heating — or at least planning for it. So you need to budget for everything: ducts, install, efficiency, heating mode. The “bundle” gives you the cooling piece, but the heating side (especially if you’re going ducted, or installing a heat pump, or doing furnace replacement) is where many budgets get stretched.
Ducted Heating System Cost — The Hidden Big Line Item
When I walk into many homes, one of the first things I check is the ductwork. Many homeowners underestimate how much the condition, layout and compatibility of the duct system impacts cost and performance. So let’s look at ducted heating system cost.
Why ductwork enters the equation
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If you have an older home with leaky ducts, undersized returns, non‑insulated runs or poorly balanced airflow, your new system will struggle.
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If you’re switching from an older furnace or may be adding a heat pump, your ducts might need modification.
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In many cases, installing or upgrading ducts can cost just as much—or more—than the equipment itself.
Typical cost ranges
According to several guides:
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The cost to install a 3‑ton HVAC system with new ductwork often falls in the $9,500‑$13,500 range. For example, one cost guide noted: “3‑ton system: $9,500–$13,500 depending on brand” and they said new ductwork typically costs about $2,000–$3,000 per ton. (HVAC.com)
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For heat pump installs (which often are used for ducted heating and cooling), the ductwork component alone can run an additional $2,000‑$7,500 depending on size and accessibility. (Angi)
What homeowners should check
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Are the return and supply ducts properly sized and sealed?
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Is the insulation adequate (especially if ducts run through attic or crawlspaces)?
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Are there long runs or awkward geometry that increase losses?
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Is the blower/air handler matched to the duct design? If you install a high‑efficiency air handler but the ducts restrict airflow, you’ll lose efficiency.
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Will installing new ducts or modifying old ones require structural work (attic access, framing, venting, ceiling penetrations)? That adds cost.
So when considering your budget, include a duct allowance. Even if your ducts appear “fine”, I often recommend budgeting at least $1,000‑$3,000 for ductwork checks, sealing, minor modifications—more if major redesign is needed.
Furnace Pump Replacement Cost — Don’t Overlook the Indoor Component
You might hear “furnace pump replacement cost” and think “Oh, just the blower motor or a secondary component” — but in many systems, especially when heating and cooling are integrated, the indoor air handler or blower system (the “pump” of the forced‑air system) is a major part of cost.
What I mean by “furnace pump”
In standard forced‑air systems, the blower (the fan) is basically the “pump” moving air through ducts. When you upgrade cooling, you often keep or reuse the air handler. But when the system is older or you switch to heat pump/ducted heating, you may need to replace that indoor unit or blower assembly. That adds cost: new blower, new controls, possibly new blower motor, modifications.
Typical cost ranges
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While exact data for “furnace pump replacement” is less standardized, we can infer from cost guides for full heating system replacements: a new heat pump system including indoor unit and ducting might run $8,000‑$15,000 installed. (This Old House)
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If you’re just replacing the blower or indoor fan section on an existing system, you might budget a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on complexity—but when combined with ducts and heating system upgrade, it becomes a significant line item.
What to ask your installer
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Will the existing air handler/blower be reused? If yes, what condition is it in?
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Are the blower motor and controls compatible with the new system (especially if you’re installing a heat pump or high‑efficiency system)?
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Will modifications to the indoor unit require new electrical wiring, new expansion blower, new controls?
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If your ducts are being upgraded, will the blower need resizing or replacement to match airflow?
In summary: include a “blower/air handler” allowance when budgeting. Even if you don’t replace it today, plan for the future.
Cost to Install Heat Pump and Ducts — The Full Upgrade View
Now let’s bring together the whole scenario: you’re installing a new heat pump (or ducted heating system), you’re upgrading ducts, you’re integrating the cooling side too (probably the Goodman bundle or similar). What is the cost to install heat pump and ducts? Because once you have that number in mind, you can compare fairly to “cooling only” or “furnace only” scenarios.
What the data shows
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According to one major guide (for 2025), heat pump installation costs (equipment + install) range from $6,000 to $25,000 based on size, home condition, duct modifications and region. (Carrier)
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Another source shows typical full heat pump systems (including ducts) in the $8,000‑$15,000 range for whole‑home installations (air‑source, moderate size) and higher for larger homes.
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Some cost calculators show the ductwork alone may add $2,000–$7,500 depending on complexity.
Breaking down the cost components
When you budget for “install heat pump and ducts,” you should consider:
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Equipment: outdoor unit (heat pump) + indoor handler/coil + controls.
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Ductwork: supply/return ducts, insulation, balancing, sealing, possible trunk redesign.
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Installation labor: remove old equipment, install new, connect refrigerant, test, programming.
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Electrical & controls: new breaker/circuit if required, thermostat upgrade, possible rewiring.
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Modifications: attic/crawl space access, venting, structural framing, refrigerant line length.
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Permits/investigation: load calculation (Manual J), duct design (Manual D), permitting, inspections.
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Contingency: hidden issues, minor repairs, start‑up costs, cleanup.
Example budget scenario
Let’s walk through a realistic scenario in the Midwest (say around Englewood, Ohio) — 1,800 sq ft home, moderate insulation, existing ducts but somewhat aged.
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Equipment (heat pump + indoor air handler): ~$4,500‑$7,000 depending on size/efficiency.
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Ductwork repairs/sealing/modification: ~$2,500‑$5,000.
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Labor/installation/permit/controls: ~$2,000‑$4,000.
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Contingency/troubleshooting: ~$500‑$1,500.
Total: ~$9,500‑$17,500 depending on condition/complexity. That aligns with national data: full system ~ $8k‑$15k or more.
Now if you add the cost of the cooling bundle (Goodman) as well in the same project, you might be looking at a combined upgrade cost in the ~$10k‑$20k range depending on home size, duct condition, install complexity.
How the Goodman Bundle Fits Into This Heating & Cooling Budget
So here’s where I pull it all together: The Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 bundle is your cooling anchor. If you pair it with a properly sized ducted heating system (heat pump or furnace), you want to make sure your budget covers all the pieces.
Why this bundle makes sense
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The equipment cost of the bundle is relatively modest compared to ultra‑premium gear — I found listings around $4,050 equipment price.
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That leaves more of your budget available for ducts, blower upgrades, or the heating side — which is smart because many times you’ll get better return on investment from good air distribution than from ultra‑premium cooling gear.
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Because you already have the cooling system selected, you can shift focus onto the heating/ductwork side and budget accordingly (rather than chasing “premium cooling” when your ducts are weak).
How to budget the combined heating + cooling project
Let’s build a sample budget:
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Goodman bundle equipment: ~$4,000
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Cooling install (labor, refrigerant, disconnects, etc): ~$2,000‑$3,000
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Duct upgrade/sealing/mods: ~$2,500‑$5,000
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Heating system install (heat pump + indoor unit + wiring): ~$4,000‑$8,000
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Contingency: ~$500‑$1,500
Total combined: ~$13,000‑$21,500 depending on home conditions and complexity.
Now when you measure your quotes from installers, you’ll have a realistic range and know whether you’re getting value.
8 Tech‑Pro Tips From Tony Marino for Budgeting & Install
In my years in the field, here are the tactical tips I share with homeowners when planning a ducted heating + cooling upgrade:
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Always start with a load calculation (Manual J) — skip the “just size by square footage” mindset.
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Inspect your ducts thoroughly before quotes — ask for visual inspection, duct leakage testing, return sizing.
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If ducts are poor, fix them first. A good duct system will make even a mid‑tier system perform great.
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When quoting a heat pump + ducts install, ask for separate line items: equipment, ductwork, blower/air handler, labor, electrical.
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If your blower/air handler is over 10‑15 years old, budget for replacement — it’s often overlooked but vital.
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Don’t assume “cooling only” install means your heating side is okay. Many homes assume they’ll keep the old furnace, but mismatch or old blower degrade comfort.
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Ask about civil/access issues: attic framing, long refrigerant lines, rooftop units — these add cost, time and risk.
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Get at least two quotes and compare them not just by price but by each line item and installation strategy.
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(Bonus) Consider timing: many installers offer better deals in spring/fall — ask about off‐peak scheduling.
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Plan for the future: if you want zoning, smart controls, or future expansion, include modest buffer now rather than major upgrade later.
Final Word
Alright, folks — here’s my final takeaway: Upgrading your ducted heating and cooling system is one of the most impactful home comfort investments you can make. But it also has one of the most complex cost structures: equipment + ducts + install + controls + contingency.
The Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 bundle gives you a strong cooling start. Pair it with a well‑designed ducted heating system — whether a heat pump, furnace or hybrid — and you’re positioned for reliable comfort and efficiency.
Make sure you budget smart:
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Don’t overlook ductwork or blower/air handler upgrades.
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Use the benchmarks above for ducted heating system cost, furnace pump (blower) replacement cost, and cost to install heat pump and ducts, so you’re not surprised.
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Ask the right questions, get detailed quotes, inspect your ducts, and you’ll be far ahead of the many homeowners who end up paying more than they anticipated.
