Seasonal tune-up and full diagnostic on your Carrier, Trane, or Goodman system - readings shown to you before any repair is proposed
Diagnosis first, numbers second - you approve the repair price before a single part goes in.
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AfterHow Much Does HVAC Cost in Seattle?
Most HVAC work in Seattle runs between $95 and $8,850, depending on whether you need a tune-up, a repair, or a full system replacement. A standard tune-up costs $95-$235, AC repair runs $175-$765, furnace repair runs $175-$825, and a new AC installation lands between $4,130 and $8,850. Repairs are usually done same day; installations get scheduled within the week.
Those are real Seattle numbers, not national averages. Puget Sound pricing reflects the cost of doing business here: higher labor rates, longer permit timelines through Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI), and a short cooling season that makes every AC call count. If you’re comparing quotes and one is dramatically lower, ask what’s missing. There’s usually something.
Key Takeaways
- HVAC costs in Seattle range from $95 for a tune-up up to $8,850 for a full AC installation.
- Repairs typically run $175-$825 and are often finished the same day.
- Seattle’s mild, damp climate means most systems fail from moisture and deferred maintenance, not extreme heat.
- You always get a written price before any work starts with Meadowsweet - no numbers change mid-job.
- Free estimates: call (747) 966-3037 and a live person answers, day or night.
HVAC Cost Breakdown (2026)
Here’s what Seattle homeowners actually pay across the four most common jobs. These ranges cover labor, standard parts, and diagnostics. If a job needs a compressor, heat exchanger, or full refrigerant recovery, expect the top of the range.
| Service | Typical Seattle Price Range | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC Tune-Up | $95-$235 | Filter swap, coil clean, refrigerant check, electrical inspection, airflow test |
| AC Repair | $175-$765 | Diagnostic, capacitor/contactor/thermostat repair, minor refrigerant top-off |
| Furnace Repair | $175-$825 | Ignitor, flame sensor, blower motor, control board, inducer motor |
| AC Installation | $4,130-$8,850 | New condenser, coil, line set, permit, haul-away, startup and balancing |
The two biggest swing factors are parts and access. A capacitor job is a quick visit. A failed compressor is a five-hour day and a part that ships from a regional warehouse, which is why it pushes the AC repair range toward the top. On installations, higher SEER2 ratings, variable-speed equipment, and second-story or tight-attic line runs all add cost. A straightforward single-story install in Ballard sits near the bottom of the range; a two-zone system with a new pad, duct modifications, and an SDCI permit lands near the top.
What Affects HVAC Pricing in Seattle
- Equipment brand. We service nine major brands - Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Goodman, Rheem, York, Daikin, Bryant, and American Standard - and parts pricing varies widely. A Carrier or Trane part usually costs more than the equivalent Goodman part, even for the same function.
- System age and refrigerant type. Systems using R-22 (pre-2010) are expensive to service because the refrigerant is phased out. If your unit is over 15 years old in a West Seattle bungalow, repair costs climb fast.
- Moisture and corrosion. Seattle’s damp climate corrodes outdoor condenser coils and rusts electrical connections faster than dry markets. A Queen Anne homeowner with a coastal-facing condenser often needs more frequent coil cleaning than a homeowner inland in Bellevue.
- Age of the home and duct condition. Many 1920s-1950s homes in Wallingford, Fremont, and Green Lake have undersized or unsealed ducts. Fixing airflow can add $400-$1,200 to a job that looked like a simple repair.
- Permits and inspection. New installations in Seattle require an SDCI mechanical permit. Pulling and scheduling inspection adds time and a fee, typically $150-$350 rolled into the install quote.
- Season and urgency. Peak AC season runs July-September. Emergency calls on a 92°F day in Beacon Hill cost more than the same repair scheduled in May. Winter furnace calls spike during cold snaps in January and February.
What Drives a Full Installation Quote
Installation is the one job where the range is widest, so it helps to know which line items move the total. A written estimate from Meadowsweet breaks each of these out before any work starts:
- Equipment size and efficiency. A 2-ton single-stage unit costs less than a 3-ton variable-speed system. Right-sizing matters more than upsizing in Seattle’s climate.
- Line set and electrical. Reusing an existing line set saves money. New runs through finished walls or a second floor add labor hours.
- Ductwork. Sealing and balancing existing ducts is included on some jobs; full duct replacement is a separate line item.
- Permit and haul-away. SDCI permit plus disposal of the old condenser.
- Thermostat and controls. A basic programmable thermostat is often bundled. Smart thermostats and zoning add cost.
If you’re weighing a repair against a replacement, our home page walks through the decision framework we use in the field. The short version: if the repair cost exceeds 40% of a new install and the system is over 12 years old, replacement usually makes more financial sense over a five-year window.
How to Save on HVAC in Seattle
There are three honest ways to lower your HVAC bill in Seattle, and none of them involve cutting corners.
- Annual tune-ups. A $95-$235 tune-up every spring catches the small failures that turn into $700 repairs. Coil cleaning alone can cut cooling costs 10-15% on a Puget Sound system that’s been sitting through a wet winter.
- Filters, on schedule. Change them every 2-3 months in Seattle’s pollen-heavy spring. A clogged filter makes the blower work harder and shortens its life.
- Off-season scheduling. Book AC work in April or May, before the July rush. Book furnace work in September. You’ll often get better scheduling and avoid emergency-call pricing.
- Bundle repair with maintenance. If you need a repair anyway, adding a tune-up during the same visit saves a second trip charge.
Free estimates are standard on every Meadowsweet visit, including installations. No pressure, no vague numbers. Call (747) 966-3037 and we’ll give you a written price before anything starts.
The Cedarwell Care Promise: What’s Included on Every Job
Price matters, but so does what happens to your home while we’re in it. Meadowsweet is part of the Cedarwell family of HVAC companies, founded in 2004, and the Cedarwell Care Promise applies to every visit:
- A written price before any work starts. Always. No exception, no surprise line items.
- Background-checked, uniformed technicians who follow the C.A.R.E. values code: Clean up like it’s their own home, Ask before moving anything, Respect the family’s time and quiet hours, Explain the price before the work.
- Shoe covers and drop cloths on every visit - protecting floors and play areas from the moment we walk in.
- A photo of the clean-up before the crew leaves. Sent to you, so you know the house looks the way it did when we arrived.
- The 365-Day Done Right Promise. If it’s not done right, we make it right. No fine print, no runarounds.
We’re also mindful of kids and pets. If a napping child or a nervous dog is in the house, we’ll keep tools quiet and use pet-safe products around sleeping areas. That’s not a special request - it’s built into how the crew operates.
FAQs - HVAC Cost in Seattle
How much does AC repair cost in Seattle?
AC repair in Seattle typically costs $175-$765, with most jobs landing around $300-$450. The final price depends on the failed part and refrigerant type. Most AC repairs are finished same day. Call (747) 966-3037 for an exact quote - estimates are free.
How much does furnace repair cost in Seattle?
Furnace repair runs $175-$825. A flame sensor or ignitor replacement sits near the low end; a blower motor or control board replacement sits near the top. Winter emergency calls may add a trip fee on top of the repair. Call (747) 966-3037 for a same-day estimate.
How much does a new AC unit cost in Seattle?
A full AC installation in Seattle runs $4,130-$8,850, including equipment, labor, permit, and haul-away. The low end covers a straightforward single-story swap; the high end covers variable-speed equipment, new line sets, and duct work. Call (747) 966-3037 for a free written estimate.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace my AC in Seattle?
Repair is cheaper in the short term if the system is under 12 years old and the repair is under $800. Replacement makes more sense if the system is over 12 years old, uses phased-out R-22 refrigerant, or has had two or more major repairs in the last three years. Call (747) 966-3037 and we’ll walk through both numbers with you, no pressure.
How much does an HVAC tune-up cost in Seattle?
A tune-up in Seattle costs $95-$235, covering filter, coils, refrigerant levels, electrical connections, and airflow. Annual tune-ups are the cheapest way to avoid larger repair bills. Call (747) 966-3037 to book yours before the summer rush.
Do you service all HVAC brands?
We service nine major equipment brands: Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Goodman, Rheem, York, Daikin, Bryant, and American Standard. If your system is one of those, we can repair or replace it. If it’s not, call (747) 966-3037 and we’ll let you know honestly whether we’re the right fit.
Why do HVAC prices vary so much between Seattle companies?
The three biggest variables are what’s included, who does the work, and whether the quote is real. A lower quote often leaves out the permit, the haul-away, or the diagnostic fee, then adds them later. With Meadowsweet, you get a written price before any work starts, so the number on the estimate is the number on the invoice.
Get a Free Estimate from Meadowsweet Heating & Air
If you’re comparing HVAC prices in Seattle, the fastest way to get a real number is to call us. We answer the phone with a live person 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - nights, weekends, and holidays. No voicemail queue, no “someone will call you back.” You’ll get a written price before any work starts, on every visit, every time.
Call (747) 966-3037 for a free estimate. Whether you need a quick tune-up, a same-day repair, or a full system installation, we’ll show up in uniform, lay down drop cloths, explain the price before we start, and send you a photo of the clean-up before we leave. That’s the Cedarwell Care Promise, and it’s backed by the 365-Day Done Right Promise on every job.
Written by Luis Serrano, Owner at Meadowsweet Heating & Air, serving Seattle since 2004.
Pricing reflects the Seattle market as of 2026. Meadowsweet Heating & Air offers free estimates - call (747) 966-3037.
What Our Customers Say
"AC repair in July. The tech laid a mat down by the indoor unit and wore booties through the house. Fixed it fast and left zero mess. Quiet and kind, good with our nervous dog too."
- Delia Frost"Good repair and a very tidy, respectful tech. The appointment window was wide and he came near the end of it, but he texted ahead. Work itself was clean and done right."
- Nadine Oakley"Furnace tune up before winter. He was careful going in and out, closed the gate behind him every time because of the kids, and cleaned up the work area completely. Calm, thorough guy."
- Marcus Pell