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The average cost to replace furnace and ac together is $7,500, though most Utah homeowners budget somewhere between $5,000 and $15,000 depending on home size, equipment efficiency, and installation complexity.
Here's a quick snapshot so you can plan your budget before reading further:
| Replacement Scenario | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Furnace only | $3,500 – $7,500 |
| AC unit only | $3,900 – $8,000 |
| Furnace + AC bundled (standard) | $5,000 – $12,500 |
| Furnace + AC bundled (high-efficiency) | $8,500 – $17,500 |
| Average for a 2,000 sq ft home | $7,000 – $14,500 |
Bundling both systems together typically saves homeowners $2,000 to $5,000 compared to replacing them separately — because contractors share labor, pull a single permit, and make one trip.
That said, the final number on your quote depends on several factors: your home's square footage, the efficiency ratings you choose, local labor rates, and whether your ductwork needs attention.
If your system is aging — or worse, already failing in the middle of a Utah winter — the pressure to decide fast can be expensive. Knowing the real numbers before you call a contractor puts you in control.
I'm Luke Jordan, owner of iRepair Heating and Air, and I've helped hundreds of homeowners across the Wasatch Front navigate the average cost to replace furnace and ac without overpaying or getting stuck with the wrong system. In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to make a confident, budget-smart decision.
Average cost to replace furnace and ac basics:
When we talk about the average cost to replace furnace and ac, we aren't just looking at the price tags on the metal boxes sitting in your basement or backyard. In 2026, the landscape of HVAC pricing has shifted due to new efficiency standards and labor trends. While the national average sits around $7,500, we often see full system replacements range from $5,000 to $30,000 for ultra-high-end, variable-speed setups.
Most of our neighbors in Salt Lake and Ogden find their "sweet spot" with a mid-efficiency paired system that costs roughly $8,000 to $11,000 installed. This typically includes a standard gas furnace and a central air conditioner. If you are looking for a more detailed look at these numbers, you can check out this Average Cost to Replace Furnace and AC Unit | Complete Price Breakdown for a national perspective.
One of the most common questions we get is: "Do I really have to do both at once?" Technically, no. But from a financial standpoint, it’s almost always the smarter move.
When you bundle, you are essentially taking advantage of "economy of scale." We are already at your house with the vacuum pump, the torches, and the crew. By doing both the furnace and the AC at the same time, we can save you anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 in total costs. This happens because we only have to pull one permit, perform one "commissioning" (the final testing of the system), and handle disposal fees once.
Furthermore, modern HVAC systems are designed to work as a team. Your furnace contains the blower motor that your AC uses to move cold air. If you put a brand new, high-efficiency AC on top of a 20-year-old furnace, that old blower motor might not be able to handle the airflow requirements, which could void your new AC's warranty or cause it to underperform by as much as 30%. For a deeper dive into why we recommend this, read our How Much To Swap Your Hvac A Guide To Combined Replacement Costs.
Size matters—at least when it comes to BTUs and Tonnage. An undersized system will run constantly, never reaching your desired temperature, while an oversized system will "short-cycle," turning on and off so fast that it never removes humidity from the air. Both scenarios lead to high bills and a shorter equipment lifespan.
Here is how the average cost to replace furnace and ac typically scales by home size in the Utah market:
| Home Square Footage | Required AC Tonnage | Required Furnace BTUs | Estimated Bundled Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 – 1,500 | 2.0 – 2.5 Tons | 40,000 – 60,000 | $5,500 – $8,500 |
| 1,600 – 2,000 | 2.5 – 3.0 Tons | 60,000 – 80,000 | $7,000 – $11,000 |
| 2,100 – 2,500 | 3.0 – 3.5 Tons | 80,000 – 100,000 | $8,500 – $13,500 |
| 2,600 – 3,000+ | 4.0 – 5.0 Tons | 100,000 – 120,000 | $11,000 – $18,000+ |
Note: These are estimates. A professional "Manual J" load calculation is the only way to know the exact size your home needs.
If you've gathered three different quotes and the prices are all over the map, don't panic. The average cost to replace furnace and ac is influenced by more than just the brand name on the box.
First, there is the Manual J Load Calculation. If a contractor walks into your home, looks at your old unit, and says, "Yep, you need a 3-ton," without measuring your windows, checking your insulation, or asking about your south-facing walls, run. Proper sizing is the most critical part of the installation.
Second, labor isn't just about "putting the box in." It includes reclaiming old refrigerant (which is hazardous), modifying gas lines, and ensuring the electrical panel can handle the new load. For more on what to expect during the process, take a look at this guide on whether it's Worth It in 2026?.
We’ve seen "simple" changeouts turn into complex projects because of where the unit is located.
We take pride in being transparent about these costs upfront. You can learn more about our local installation standards here: Stay Toasty With Professional Furnace Installation Across The Wasatch Front.
Living along the Wasatch Front gives us a unique climate. We deal with "The Inversion" in the winter and blistering dry heat in the summer. This means our systems work harder than those in milder climates.
In Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo, labor rates are generally higher than in rural areas, but we also have access to better utility rebates through Rocky Mountain Power and Dominion Energy. Nationally, you might see lower averages in the South where furnaces are smaller, but in Utah, we need robust heating. For a breakdown of local costs, see How Much Does It Cost to Replace an HVAC System in Utah?.
Efficiency ratings are the biggest "price dial" you can turn.
Upgrading to a variable-speed system (the "Tesla" of HVAC) can significantly increase the upfront average cost to replace furnace and ac, but it provides unmatched comfort by running at lower speeds for longer periods, keeping your home at a perfect, steady temperature.
To see what you should realistically pay for different efficiency tiers, check out What You Should Actually Pay For A New Furnace.
Is it worth spending an extra $2,000 for a high-efficiency unit? If you plan on staying in your home for more than 5 years, the answer is usually a resounding yes. High-efficiency systems can reduce your monthly utility bills by 20% to 40%.
On a home spending $200 a month on heating and cooling, a 30% savings is $60 a month—or $720 a year. Over the 15-to-20-year life of the system, that’s over $10,000 back in your pocket. Plus, you’re doing the environment a favor. You can find more details on these savings in this Sears Home Services blog post.
Timing is everything. If you call us on the first 100-degree day of July, we (and every other contractor in Utah) will be slammed. You'll likely pay "peak season" pricing, and you might have to wait a week for an install.
The "Goldilocks" months are the shoulder seasons: Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November). During these times, manufacturers often offer better rebates, and we have more flexibility in our schedule to offer "off-season" discounts.
Also, don't forget the Federal Tax Credits. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, you can claim up to $2,000 per year for a heat pump or $600 for a high-efficiency central AC and furnace. That is a direct reduction of your tax bill! For more on managing these costs, see The Ultimate Guide To Financing Your New Heating And Cooling System.
We know that $10,000 isn't exactly pocket change. That’s why we offer various financing plans, often ranging from 36 to 72 months. Some plans even offer 0% interest for the first year, allowing you to pay off the system while you save on your utility bills.
Local utility companies like Rocky Mountain Power often provide rebates ranging from $100 to $500+ for installing Energy Star-certified equipment. When you combine these with federal credits, you can often shave $3,000 off the total project cost. Check out our tips on Finding The Best Heating And Air Financing Close To Home.
In the Salt Lake area, a well-maintained gas furnace usually lasts 15 to 20 years. Central AC units typically last 12 to 15 years. If your system is over 10 years old and requires a repair that costs more than 50% of its value, it’s time to start looking at the average cost to replace furnace and ac.
Almost always. The only exception is if one of your units is relatively new (less than 5 years old). If you have a 15-year-old furnace and a 15-year-old AC, replacing them together ensures they are "matched," meaning they are designed to work together at the same efficiency level, protecting your warranty and maximizing comfort.
A professional quote should never just be a single number on a napkin. It should include:
Replacing your HVAC system is a big investment, but it shouldn't be a stressful one. By understanding the average cost to replace furnace and ac, you can move from a place of "emergency panic" to "informed planning."
At iRepair Heating and Air, we’ve built our reputation across the Wasatch Front — from Salt Lake City and Ogden to Provo and Park City — by providing fair, upfront pricing and same-day emergency service. We are a family-owned business, and we treat your home like it’s our own.
If your system is making weird noises, your bills are skyrocketing, or you just want to know where you stand, give us a call. We’ll give you an honest assessment and a clear quote so you can stay comfortable all year long.
Ready to save? Grab A New Furnace Coupon before you book your estimate!