If you're planning an HVAC replacement in Hood River or The Dalles, the first question is almost always about price. And the honest answer is that it depends on factors specific to your home — system size, existing ductwork condition, equipment efficiency, and installation complexity. This page gives you realistic ranges for the most common projects across the Gorge corridor so you can budget accurately and evaluate quotes fairly.
Central AC Replacement Cost
A central air conditioner replacement in Hood River or The Dalles typically runs $4,000–$8,500 installed. What moves the number:
- System capacity (tons) — most Gorge homes need 2–3.5 ton units; larger homes in The Dalles with more square footage may need 4 tons
- Efficiency rating — higher SEER2 costs more upfront but reduces summer electric bills
- Brand and product line
- Ductwork condition — deteriorated or leaky ducts need repair or replacement before a new unit performs well
- Electrical upgrades — some older homes in both cities need panel or wiring work to support a new system
Furnace Replacement Cost
Gas furnace replacement runs $3,500–$7,500 installed. Key variables:
- Furnace capacity (BTUs) — sized to your home's heat loss; The Dalles homes often need more capacity than Hood River homes at similar square footage due to harder winters on the east end of the Gorge
- Efficiency rating — 80% AFUE vs. 95%+ high-efficiency
- Stage count — single-stage, two-stage, or modulating
- Venting — high-efficiency furnaces require PVC venting instead of a metal flue, which may add cost in older homes
High-efficiency furnaces (95%+ AFUE) cost more upfront but reduce gas bills meaningfully in the Gorge's cold winters. Payback period is typically 5–8 years depending on usage.
Heat Pump Installation Cost
A new air-source heat pump — providing both heating and cooling — typically costs $5,500–$10,000 installed. Cold-climate models engineered for Pacific Northwest winters sit at the higher end but eliminate the need for supplemental heat in most Gorge conditions. For The Dalles, where winters run harder than Hood River, cold-climate models are worth the investment.
Mini-Split Installation Cost
- Single-zone system: $2,500–$5,000 installed
- Two-zone system: $4,500–$8,000 installed
- Three to four zone system: $7,000–$14,000+ installed
Tier-one brands (Mitsubishi, Daikin) cost more than entry-level alternatives but carry better warranties and better cold-weather performance — meaningful in both Hood River and The Dalles. See our mini-split installation page for more.
What to Watch For When Comparing Quotes
- Is equipment included, or is this labor-only?
- What happens if ductwork needs repair during installation?
- Does the price include permit and inspection fees?
- What's the equipment warranty and the contractor's labor warranty?
- Is a load calculation included, or did they just match whatever was there before?
A quote that's low because it excludes equipment or ignores ductwork problems isn't a good deal — it's an incomplete number. We provide itemized written estimates before any work begins.
Oregon and Federal Incentives
High-efficiency equipment may qualify for federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act — up to $600 for efficient AC and furnace equipment, or up to $2,000 for heat pumps. Energy Trust of Oregon offers additional incentives for qualifying installations. We can tell you which systems qualify when we prepare your estimate.
Ready for an Actual Number?
These ranges are for budget planning. The only way to get an accurate figure for your home is an in-home assessment — we measure, evaluate the existing system, check ductwork, and give you a written quote at no charge. See our HVAC installation page for how the process works, or call us to schedule.