Heating and cooling in Apex, priced before you pick a system.
Answer four short questions about your system. We pass your request to independent local HVAC contractors who can quote the work. It's free, and you don't have to hire anyone.
Free, no-obligation quotes
AC, heat pumps, furnaces and ductwork
Takes about a minute; nothing is paid here
Step 1 of 4Free quote
Request sent.
Here's what happens next: local HVAC contractors review your details and contact you to arrange a visit and quote. Compare them and choose whoever suits you, or no one at all.
HVAC work you can get quoted in Apex
Most Apex homes are cooled by central air and heated by either a heat pump or a gas furnace. Tell us what you have and what's wrong, and the contractors you hear from will know what to expect.
System replacement
Replacing an aging AC, heat pump or furnace. Ask each contractor to size the new system with a load calculation rather than simply matching the old unit.
Angi's 2026 data puts the average full HVAC replacement around $7,500, typically $5,000 to $12,500, and up to about $22,000 with new ductwork and add-ons. A standard heat pump averages about $6,087 installed, and central AC replacement averages about $5,978.
System size, efficiency rating, ductwork condition and how hard the equipment is to reach (attics and crawl spaces are common in Apex) all change the price. Use these ranges to check quotes; they are not quotes.
Yes, in most cases. The Town of Apex Building Inspections division states that a permit is required, regardless of cost, for work that adds, repairs or replaces heating or air conditioning equipment, and its examples include replacing and reconnecting furnaces and modifying the heating and air conditioning system. This follows the North Carolina rule that permits are needed before altering any mechanical system.
In practice, a licensed mechanical contractor applies for the permit and the town inspects the finished installation. A homeowner can only do permitted HVAC work themselves if they own and will live in the house for at least 12 months after the final inspection, according to the town's permit application. Homes outside town limits are permitted by Wake County, which also requires a mechanical permit for HVAC replacement.
Replacing an AC, heat pump or furnace: mechanical permit required
Ductwork changes and new systems: permit required
The town's application notes outdoor units must meet screening rules in the Unified Development Ordinance
Ask every contractor to confirm the permit is in their quote
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm with the Town of Apex Building Inspections division before work starts.
How it works
1
Describe the system
Four short questions: what you need, the system type, how soon and your ZIP. Contact details come last.
2
Hear from local contractors
Independent HVAC contractors who serve Apex contact you to look at the system and quote in writing.
3
Compare and decide
Ask for the load calculation, equipment model numbers, efficiency ratings, warranty terms and whether the permit is included. Hire whoever fits, or no one.
Heating and cooling in Apex: what's different here
Apex is in western Wake County, with a humid subtropical climate: hot, humid summers and generally mild winters with occasional hard freezes. Cooling and dehumidification do most of the work here, which is why system sizing matters. An oversized AC cools quickly but shuts off before it removes much humidity, leaving the house cool and clammy.
Apex is one of the few North Carolina towns with its own electric utility. The Town of Apex supplies electricity to part of town, while other addresses are served by Duke Energy, so check with your provider about any efficiency rebates before you choose equipment.
Much of Apex has been built in the last few decades, from neighborhoods near historic downtown and Salem Street to newer subdivisions off US 64 and NC 55. Many homes have equipment in attics or crawl spaces, and two-story homes often have a separate system or zone upstairs. If one floor is always uncomfortable, ask contractors about duct sealing, zoning or a second system before you replace equipment.
Service area
Requests are welcome from across Apex (ZIP codes 27502, 27523, 27539) and nearby western Wake County communities. Enter your ZIP in the form so contractors can confirm they cover your street.
Apex
Downtown Apex
Holly Springs
Cary
New Hill
Fuquay-Varina
Morrisville
Green Level
Questions Apex homeowners ask about HVAC
How much does a new HVAC system cost in Apex?+
Angi's 2026 national data puts most full replacements between about $5,000 and $12,500, with an average of around $7,500. New ductwork, higher efficiency equipment or a second system for an upstairs zone cost more.
Do I need a permit to replace my AC in Apex?+
Yes. The Town of Apex requires a permit for replacing heating and air conditioning equipment regardless of cost. Your contractor normally pulls it.
Should I get a heat pump or a furnace?+
Heat pumps work well in central North Carolina's mild winters and handle both heating and cooling. Some homeowners with gas service choose a dual-fuel system that uses a furnace on the coldest days. Ask contractors to compare operating costs for your home.
How long do HVAC systems last?+
Lifespans vary with use and maintenance. Many homeowners start comparing repair and replacement costs when a system is 10 to 15 years old or needs a major repair.
Why is my upstairs always hot?+
Common causes include undersized or leaky ductwork, poor attic insulation and a single system trying to serve two floors. A contractor can measure airflow and recommend fixes.
Are there rebates for efficient equipment?+
Rebates depend on your utility and current programs. Check with your electric provider, either the Town of Apex or Duke Energy, before you buy.