How much does a new furnace and AC cost in Omaha?

What makes one Omaha HVAC quote higher than another?

We don't publish a price range because we can't back one up for your home. To get a real number, get written, itemized quotes, compare them line by line, and subtract any utility rebate you qualify for.

Two quotes for the "same" job can cover different work. These items change the price:

• Equipment size. A bigger system costs more. The right size comes from a load calculation, not from the size of the old unit. See [what size system the quote is for](#sizing) below.
• Efficiency. Higher SEER2 (cooling) and AFUE (furnace) ratings usually cost more up front and use less energy. In OPPD territory, a higher SEER2 rating can also mean a larger rebate.
• Equipment type. A standard AC and gas furnace, a heat pump with a furnace backup, and a variable-speed system are priced differently.
• Ducts. Leaky or undersized ducts may need sealing or changes. ENERGY STAR says a good contractor will inspect your duct system and measure airflow.
• Venting, gas, and electrical. A new furnace may need new vent pipes. Some outdoor units need electrical updates.
• Permit. The City of Omaha issues mechanical permits for residential HVAC replacements. A complete quote should say who pulls it.
• Labor and warranty. Some contractors include a labor warranty. Others charge for it or don't offer it.

Why are HVAC quotes so different for the same house?

Omaha homeowners comparing quotes online often ask some version of "is this the going rate?" Often the quotes aren't for the same thing. One may include a new coil, line set, thermostat, duct sealing, and a 10-year labor warranty. Another may be equipment and install only.

The FTC's advice for any home improvement job applies here: get multiple written estimates, don't automatically pick the lowest bid, and ask for an explanation when there's a big difference between them.

How do I compare HVAC quotes line by line?

Trane's homeowner guide says a replacement quote should be itemized. This checklist is based on Trane's list, with model numbers and warranty terms added. Use it as your checklist and ask the contractor to fill in anything missing:

1. AC or heat pump: brand, model number, and size (tons) 2. Furnace or air handler: model number, size, and efficiency 3. Indoor coil, if it's being replaced 4. Ductwork sealing or changes, if any 5. Labor 6. Disposal, permit fees, and other charges 7. Rebates the system qualifies for 8. Financing, if you want it (ask the contractor whether they offer financing)

Also ask for:

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• The AHRI certificate for the matched system. OPPD requires it for its HVAC Smart rebate.
• A load calculation. ENERGY STAR's contractor checklist suggests asking whether the contractor will size the system using ACCA Manual J and leave you the calculations.
• Warranty terms in writing. Parts and labor are often separate. Some manufacturers require you to register the equipment within a set number of days to get their longer warranty options.

What size system will the quote be for?

If one quote is for a noticeably larger system than another, ask why. The U.S. Department of Energy says rules of thumb too often lead to oversized systems, which cost more, waste energy, and cycle on and off too often. DOE points to ACCA Manual J for load calculations.

Which rebates lower the cost of a new system in Omaha?

Check which utility serves your home. It's on your bill.

• OPPD (electric): HVAC Smart rebates on a new AC or heat pump rated 15.2 SEER2 or higher: $265, $375, $450, or $525 depending on efficiency, and $525 for all heat pumps. Apply within 4 months of install and in the same calendar year. Qualifying heat pumps can also get OPPD's lower winter Rate 115.
• M.U.D. (gas): no single-family furnace rebate as of this writing.
• MidAmerican Energy (Council Bluffs): 2026 instant discounts through participating providers, including $263 to $413 for central AC, $300 to $563 for air-source heat pumps, and $563 to $713 for cold-climate heat pumps.
• Federal tax credit: the federal 25C credit ended for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025. If a quote for a 2026 install still counts a federal tax credit, ask about it.

Should I repair instead of replacing?

If the system is younger and one part failed, a repair quote may make more sense. See repair or replace your HVAC in Omaha for the rules of thumb we use. If the system is down right now, start with Omaha HVAC repair or urgent HVAC help.

Sources

• How Long Does It Take to Install an AC Unit? (Trane)
• 10 Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor (ENERGY STAR)
• Heating and Air Conditioning Installation Bid Comparison Checklist (ENERGY STAR)
• Proper Sizing of HVAC Systems (U.S. Department of Energy, Building Science Education)
• Home HVAC Warranty Registration and Coverage (Carrier)
• Can Equipment Be Registered After 60 Days from the Installation or Closing Date? (Lennox)
• How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam (Federal Trade Commission)
• Weekly Report of Mechanical Permits Issued, Sept. 5 to 11, 2022 (City of Omaha, via Omaha Daily Record)
• HVAC Smart Rebates (OPPD)
• Rebates (Metropolitan Utilities District)
• Home Discounts and Rebates (MidAmerican Energy)
• One Big Beautiful Bill provisions, including the end of the 25C credit (IRS)