Albuquerque is a moderate cost-of-living market — pricing guide and permit rules below.
Albuquerque hvac rates: $3,000-$10,000 per system. Always get 3 written quotes and verify NM licensing at New Mexico RLD (rld.nm.gov). Sales tax on materials: 7.5%.
Albuquerque requires permits when work exceeds $10,000 or involves full system replacement. Your licensed contractor pulls the permit — if they ask you to pull it, that's a red flag.