Full HVAC replacement on the Palouse typically runs anywhere from $6,000 for a straight furnace swap to $25,000+ for a full high-efficiency dual-fuel system in a larger home. The range is wide for a reason — every house is different — but here are honest, house-specific ranges for what most Moscow and Pullman installs actually cost.
What actually drives HVAC replacement cost?
Five things move the price more than anything else: equipment tier (baseline vs high-efficiency variable-capacity), system size (tonnage or BTU), ductwork condition, whether it's a like-for-like swap or a fuel/equipment change, and any electrical, gas, or venting upgrades required to bring the install up to current code.
Two houses that look identical from the street can quote thousands of dollars apart if one needs duct modifications, a new gas line, or an electrical service upgrade. That's not a contractor padding the bill — it's the actual scope of work to leave you with a system that runs correctly.
What are realistic ranges for typical Palouse jobs?
- Furnace-only replacement (80% AFUE, like-for-like): roughly $6,000–$9,000 for most Moscow/Pullman homes.
- Furnace replacement (95%+ high-efficiency, may need new venting): roughly $8,500–$12,000.
- Central AC replacement (straight cool, matched to existing furnace): roughly $8,000–$14,000 depending on size and equipment tier.
- Cold-climate heat pump (full system, ducted): roughly $14,000–$22,000 for typical Palouse homes; more in larger or multi-zone homes.
- Ductless mini-split (single-zone): roughly $5,500–$9,000 installed; multi-zone systems scale from there.
- Full furnace + AC replacement (matched system): roughly $12,000–$20,000 depending on efficiency tier.
These are honest ranges based on 24 years of installs on the Palouse — not a national average that ignores local labor, permit, and terrain realities. A specific quote requires a walk-through.
Where do people get burned on pricing?
The biggest trap is comparing quotes that aren't actually the same scope. One contractor might quote a bare equipment swap; another might quote a full replacement including duct sealing, a new pad, updated venting, and code-required electrical work. The second quote looks more expensive but is often the honest one — you either pay for that work now or pay for it later with higher bills, more repairs, and shorter equipment life.
The second trap is chasing the cheapest quote to a contractor with no local presence. A national installer with a Palouse subcontract crew can leave you with a warranty phone tree instead of a truck at your door in January. Ask how service calls work after the install — if the answer is vague, you have your answer.
How does financing change the math?
Unlimited works with Optimus for HVAC financing. Rather than dropping a five-figure lump on a system replacement, most Palouse homeowners finance across a term that lets the monthly cost track (or beat) the utility savings from the new equipment. Terms and rates vary by credit tier and by promotional programs at time of application — we walk you through the specific numbers as part of the quote, so you can decide whether financing makes sense for your budget.
What we've seen on the Palouse
Twenty-four years of quoting installs across Moscow, Pullman, Lewiston, Clarkston, and Colfax gives us a specific view: the cheapest quote almost always ends up more expensive over the equipment's lifetime, and the most expensive quote isn't always the best one either. What matters is whether the contractor is doing manual-J sizing, replacing the parts that actually need replacing, and standing behind the warranty locally. As a Daikin premier dealer we're factory-trained on the equipment, and we live here — meaning our name is on the install for the next 15 years.
What to do next
The only way to know what your specific home costs is a walk-through and load calculation. We'll come out, look at the current system, size for your actual house (not just square footage), and give you an itemized quote you can compare apples-to-apples against anyone else. Call (208) 596-7757 or request a free assessment through our contact form.