If you are searching for HVAC replacement costs, you are in the right place. This page shows you real installed prices for new air conditioning and heat pump systems in the Vero Beach and Treasure Coast area. No forms to fill out before you see a number. No sales games.
We are Bates Air and Heat. We have served homeowners in Vero Beach and along Florida’s Treasure Coast for years. We believe you deserve to know what something costs before anyone walks through your door.
Getting a number on a new system should not require an appointment, a sales pitch, or a long wait.
Here is how it works:
Enter your address and your preferred efficiency tier in the pricing tables below.
Call us or use the form on our website to schedule your free on-site estimate. We will confirm ductwork, electrical, and access conditions.
No obligation. No pressure. We show you what we find during the site visit and explain any differences from the online estimate before any work begins.
All prices below are installed prices. That means equipment plus labor plus standard materials for a typical residential replacement. Prices assume your existing ductwork and electrical are in serviceable condition.
If your ductwork needs repairs or your electrical panel needs an upgrade, we will tell you that during the site visit before any work starts. See the ‘What Can Affect Your Price’ section below for details.
| Tier | SEER2 Range | Best For | Typical Savings vs. Standard | Est. Installed Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (GOOD) | 14-16 SEER2 | Budget-focused replacements, rentals, or older homes where resale is near-term | Baseline | Starting from $8,725 |
| 2 Stage (BETTER) | 16-18 SEER2 | Homes occupied year-round where energy bills matter but budget is moderate | Moderate savings | Starting from $10,200 |
| Entry Level Variable Speed (BEST) | 17-18 SEER2 | Families who run the AC heavily April through October | Significant savings | Starting from $12,575 |
| True Variable Speed (ELITE) | 19+ SEER2 | Long-term homeowners who want the lowest possible utility bills and top comfort | Maximum savings | Starting from $17,100 |
A split AC cools your home but does not provide heat. This is a common setup for homeowners who have a separate gas furnace or a heat strip for the rare cool nights in Vero Beach.
| Capacity (Tons) | Standard Efficiency 14-16 SEER2 | 2 Stage 16-18 SEER2 | Entry Level Variable Speed 17-18 SEER2 | True Variable Speed 19+ SEER2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Tons | $8,725 | $10,200 | $12,575 | $17,100 |
| 2.5 Tons | $8,950 | $10,425 | $12,750 | $17,725 |
| 3 Tons | $9,525 | $10,425 | $12,750 | $17,725 |
| 3.5 Tons | $10,175 | $12,025 | $15,200 | $19,100 |
| 4 Tons | $10,350 | $12,025 | $15,200 | $19,100 |
| 5 Tons | $12,800 | $13,375 | $15,575 | $19,675 |
Prices above are all-in installed prices for standard replacements in the Vero Beach area. All systems include equipment, labor, startup, and basic permits where required. Final price confirmed after free site visit. Starting from $8,725.
A split heat pump both cools in summer and heats in winter. For the Sea Coast Florida climate, heat pumps are the most efficient option because they use ambient heat from the outside air rather than burning fuel.
| Tons | BTU | Standard Efficiency 14-16 SEER2 | 2 Stage 16-18 SEER2 | Entry Level Variable Speed 17-18 SEER2 | True Variable Speed 19+ SEER2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Tons | 24,000 BTU | $9,975 | $12,100 | $13,750 | $20,399 |
| 2.5 Tons | 30,000 BTU | $10,525 | $12,450 | $14,550 | $21,599 |
| 3 Tons | 36,000 BTU | $10,525 | $12,450 | $14,550 | $21,599 |
| 3.5 Tons | 40,000 BTU | $11,525 | $13,100 | $14,975 | $22,399 |
| 4 Tons | 45,000 BTU | $12,550 | $14,325 | $16,250 | $22,399 |
| 5 Tons | 55,000 BTU | $14,325 | $16,250 | $18,125 | $24,499 |
Prices above are all-in installed prices for standard residential replacements. BTU capacity listed for reference. Final price confirmed after free site visit.
You do not have to pay for a new system all at once. We offer flexible financing so you can spread the investment over time. Ask about current terms when you call or schedule your estimate.
Every HVAC replacement we complete includes the following. If it is not on this list, we will tell you before we start.
Your new system comes with two layers of warranty protection:
Important: To keep your 10-year labor warranty active, your system must have yearly maintenance performed. This is a requirement of the JB Warranty program. We will remind you when your annual tune-up is due.
Your 10-year labor warranty requires one annual maintenance visit per year to stay active. This is part of the JB Warranty program. We will always remind you before your tune-up is due so you never lose coverage.
| Factor That Can Change Your Price | Typical Impact |
|---|---|
| Attic or crawl space installation (difficult access) | May add $200 to $500 |
| Old or undersized electrical panel | May require upgrade, adding $500 to $2,000+ |
| Rusted, collapsed, or improperly sized ductwork | Duct repair or replacement billed separately |
| New disconnect box or breaker | Typically $150 to $350 added |
| Long refrigerant line set runs | Additional material cost per linear foot |
| Permit fees (varies by municipality) | $50 to $300 depending on location |
| Thermostat upgrade (smart/Wi-Fi) | Optional add-on, $150 to $350 |
| Building code upgrades required during permit inspection | Varies by situation |
The 50 Percent Rule
If a repair costs more than 50 percent of what a new system would cost, and the existing system is more than 8 to 10 years old, replacement almost always makes more financial sense over the next few years. We will tell you honestly which side of that line you are on.
Before spending money on a service call, try these steps:
Florida homeowners often ask whether they need an air conditioner or a heat pump. Here is the honest breakdown for the Sea Coast area.
| Factor | Split Air Conditioner | Split Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling ability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Heating ability | None (needs separate heat source) | Yes, efficient heating down to about 35 to 40 degrees F |
| Best climate for | Year-round warm climates with separate heat source | Mild climates like Vero Beach where winters are short |
| Energy efficiency for heat | N/A | 3 to 4x more efficient than electric resistance heat |
| Starting price installed | From $8,725 | From $8,999 |
| Typical recommendation for Vero Beach | For most homeowners (roughly 99%) since winters are very mild | If you run your heat heavily even during our short, mild winters |
There is no shortage of HVAC companies in this area. Here is what we believe sets us apart. You can decide if it matters to you.
Most HVAC companies will not tell you what something costs until a salesperson is in your home. We think that is unfair. You can see our pricing right here before you ever call us.
We serve Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast area. We know the local code, the climate demands on equipment, and what works in coastal Florida homes.
If your system is repairable, we will tell you. We would rather earn your trust with an honest repair than push a replacement you do not need.
Every installation includes a 10-year labor warranty on our workmanship, including refrigerant. We also register your manufacturer warranty for you on day one.
Bates Air and Heat is veteran owned and operated. We bring the same discipline and commitment to your home that we brought to our service.
If site conditions change the price, we tell you before we start. You approve any extras before any work happens.
We offer flexible financing so a new system does not have to be an all-at-once expense.
You have seen the prices. You know what is included. You know what can affect your final number. The next step is a free, no-obligation site visit where we confirm the specifics of your home and give you a final written quote.
Here is what happens when you contact us:
We schedule a convenient time for a free site visit. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.
A licensed technician looks at your current system, ductwork, and electrical.
We give you a written quote. No pressure. No obligation. You decide if it makes sense.
If you approve, we schedule installation. Most jobs are done in one day.