HVAC replacement cost in Boston, MA

Average $7,500; common $5,000 to $12,500; up to $22,000 with new ductwork.

A typical HVAC replacement in Boston, MA is about $8,230, including a permit fee of $122.20.

What we assumed

We price HVAC replacement in Boston, MA at 3-ton (36,000 BTU) like-for-like split system.

For the permit line we assumed a like-for-like 3-ton (36,000 BTU) AC/heat pump plus an 80,000 BTU mid-efficiency gas furnace, with sheet metal for the first 200 lin/sq ft only, so the low fee is $120.40, the typical fee is $122.20, and the high fee is $125.80. Low is a furnace-only 60,000 BTU path plus the sheet-metal minimum. High is a 120,000 BTU furnace plus the same first 200 lin/sq ft. Each total is the gas furnace/heater line ($20 + $50 each + $0.09 per 1,000 BTU) plus sheet metal ($20 + $25). Electrical stays an unpublished amp/outlet extra and is not in those totals. Full arithmetic is in the calculation note on this page. The official typical project value is $7,500.

Questions about this estimate

How much does HVAC replacement cost in Boston, MA?

Typical all-in is about $8,230. The official ISD permit fee of $122.20 (gas furnace/heater line plus sheet metal for the first 200 lin/sq ft) is included in the all-in.

Is a permit required for HVAC replacement in Boston, MA?

Yes. Inspectional Services Department (ISD) requires a permit for a typical HVAC replacement in Boston, MA. The typical listed fee is $122.20. A like-for-like 3-ton (36,000 BTU) AC/heat pump plus an 80,000 BTU gas furnace, with sheet metal for the first 200 lin/sq ft only, is the official path, and the typical fee on that path is $122.20.

What is included in this HVAC replacement estimate for Boston, MA?

The estimate is labor adjusted for local wages in Boston, MA, plus materials at the national figure, at the typical size in the table above. The official typical permit fee of $122.20 is included in the all-in typical. The $77.20 gas furnace/heater at 80,000 BTU and the $45 sheet-metal first 200 lin/sq ft are included in that $122.20. Electrical ($20 + $1 per outlet or $0.25 per amp if a new circuit is required) is not dollarized and is not part of that total.

Why might the Boston permit fee differ from this typical figure?

The official Boston, MA fee comes from Boston ISD Building Fees 5/15/2023; Gas Permits; Sheet Metal Permits (tiered). The typical path is $122.20 for a like-for-like 3-ton AC/heat pump plus an 80,000 BTU gas furnace and sheet metal for the first 200 lin/sq ft. The low fee is $120.40 and the high fee is $125.80. Full arithmetic is in the calculation note on this page. Electrical ($20 + $1 per outlet or $0.25 per amp) is not dollarized. Verify the fee with Inspectional Services Department (ISD).

How is the typical permit fee calculated for HVAC replacement in Boston, MA?

The gas furnace/heater line is $20 + $50 each + $0.09 per 1,000 BTU, plus sheet metal at $20 + $25 for the first 200 lin/sq ft. The 60,000 BTU, 80,000 BTU, and 120,000 BTU walk is in the calculation note on this page.

What project value is this HVAC replacement permit fee based on in Boston, MA?

The official typical project value is $7,500. The official assumed valuations of $5,000, $7,500, and $16,000 are job-value context. The typical fee is $122.20 from the 80,000 BTU gas line plus sheet metal, not from a percent of that valuation. Low and high arithmetic are in the calculation note on this page.