ComfortCostGuide

Metro cost guide

Salt Lake City, Utah: HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator

Replacing an HVAC system in Salt Lake City typically runs $3,500 to $7,000 for a gas furnace alone, $4,000 to $7,500 for central air conditioning, and $7,500 to $13,000 for a matched AC and furnace pair installed together. Heat pumps fall between $6,000 and $12,000, while ductless mini-splits range from $3,500 to $10,000 depending on how many zones you need. Local labor runs slightly below the national average, with an HVAC labor index of 0.93 and an average technician wage around $28.85 per hour.

Worked example

Take a 1,900-square-foot two-story house in the Sugar House area with a 20-year-old gas furnace and an outdoor condenser that's finally quit. The homeowner replaces both at once with a mid-efficiency furnace and a matched 3-ton AC, reusing the existing ductwork and line set where it passes inspection. That job lands near the middle of the local $7,500-$13,000 combined range, around $10,000, with the price moving up if the flue needs reworking for a condensing furnace or down if the install is a straightforward like-for-like swap.

Frequently asked questions

Is a heat pump worth it in Salt Lake City's climate?

Salt Lake City sits in climate zone 5, so winters are cold enough that heat pump sizing and backup heat matter. Installed costs run $6,000 to $12,000, which is above a gas furnace at $3,500 to $7,000, so the decision usually comes down to your electric rates, whether you already have gas service, and how much cooling you need in summer.

Why is it cheaper to replace the furnace and AC at the same time?

Separately, a furnace runs $3,500 to $7,000 and central AC runs $4,000 to $7,500, which could total $15,000 at the high end. Done together, the Salt Lake City range is $7,500 to $13,000 because the crew makes one trip, shares the sheet metal and electrical work, and you get a properly matched indoor and outdoor unit.

What do HVAC installers charge for labor in Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City has a labor index of 0.93, meaning HVAC labor here runs about 7% below the national average. The average technician wage is roughly $28.85 per hour, though the rate a contractor bills you includes overhead, insurance, and warranty coverage on top of that.

How much does a ductless mini-split cost in Salt Lake City?

Mini-splits run $3,500 to $10,000 installed in the Salt Lake City area. A single-zone unit for a finished basement, addition, or converted garage sits at the low end, while a multi-zone system covering several rooms of an older home without ductwork pushes toward the top.

Does a hot Salt Lake summer mean I need a bigger AC?

Not necessarily. Sizing depends on your home's square footage, insulation, window area, and duct condition, not just outdoor temperature, and an oversized unit short-cycles and dehumidifies poorly. Ask any contractor bidding in the $4,000 to $7,500 central AC range to show you a room-by-room load calculation rather than just matching your old unit's tonnage.

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