The Question Nobody Will Answer
Every homeowner replacing an AC wants the same thing: a number. Not "it depends." Not "we'd need to come out and look." Just a ballpark so they know whether they're looking at $4,000 or $14,000.
Bret gets it. Here are real planning numbers for AC replacement in St. George and surrounding areas. These aren't quotes — they're ranges based on what Bret actually installs, so you can have a realistic conversation before anyone comes to your house.
The Real Numbers
For a straight AC replacement — outdoor condenser unit and indoor evaporator coil, connected to your existing furnace and ductwork:
- Starting point: Around $4,000 for a basic, properly sized system on a straightforward installation
- Most common range: $5,000–$8,000 depending on system size, efficiency rating, and any electrical or access complications
- Higher end: $9,000–$12,000+ for larger homes, high-efficiency equipment, or installations that require significant electrical upgrades or ductwork modifications
For a combined AC + furnace replacement (both units at once, which is common when the existing furnace is also aging):
- Starting point: Around $7,500 for a basic combined system
- Most common range: $8,500–$13,000
- Higher end: $14,000–$18,000+ for large homes with high-efficiency equipment, variable-speed systems, or complex installations
What Moves the Price
The difference between a $5,000 job and a $10,000 job usually comes down to five factors:
1. System Size (Tonnage)
A 2-ton system for a 1,200 sq ft home costs less than a 5-ton system for a 3,000 sq ft home. The equipment itself is more expensive, and larger systems require heavier electrical circuits and larger line sets. Most homes in the Washington and St. George area need 3–5 ton systems.
2. Efficiency Rating (SEER2)
The federal minimum is currently 15 SEER2 for our climate zone. Higher efficiency (17–20+ SEER2) costs more upfront but uses less electricity. In St. George, where AC runs 6–7 months a year, the payback on higher efficiency is faster than in moderate climates — but there's still a point of diminishing returns. Bret will help you find the sweet spot for your usage and budget.
3. Electrical Access
If your electrical panel is full, outdated, or the existing circuit is undersized for the new equipment, electrical work adds $500–$2,000+ to the project. Older homes in St. George — especially those built in the 1980s and 1990s — sometimes need panel upgrades or new dedicated circuits.
4. Whether Both Units Need Replacing
The outdoor condenser and indoor evaporator coil are a matched pair. If you're replacing the condenser, the coil usually needs to match. If the furnace is also 15+ years old, replacing everything at once avoids paying for two separate installations and ensures the whole system is matched and warrantied together.
5. Home Layout and Access
A ground-floor installation with easy access is straightforward. A rooftop package unit, a system in a tight attic, or equipment that requires a crane adds labor and complexity. Homes in the Ledges, SunRiver, or Entrada sometimes have access challenges that affect pricing.
Why the Cheapest Bid Isn't Always Cheapest
A system that's undersized, improperly charged, or installed with shortcuts will cost less on day one — and more over the next five years. In St. George's extreme heat, installation quality matters more than almost anywhere else. An undersized system runs at full capacity all summer, wears out faster, and never quite keeps up on 110°+ days.
The difference between a $5,000 installation and a $6,500 installation might be correct sizing, proper refrigerant charge, sealed duct connections, and a contractor who actually does a load calculation instead of guessing. That $1,500 difference pays for itself in reliability, efficiency, and lifespan.
What's Not Included in Most Online Estimates
When you see "$3,500 AC replacement!" advertised online, ask what's actually included. Common exclusions that add cost:
- Permit fees (required in Washington County)
- Thermostat upgrade
- Electrical modifications
- Duct modifications or repairs
- Disposal of old equipment
- Refrigerant (sometimes billed separately)
- Line set replacement (if existing lines are damaged or wrong size)
Bret's quotes include everything needed to complete the job. No surprise add-ons after you've already committed.
How Bret Handles Pricing
Bret doesn't do good-better-best presentations. He doesn't do "today only" pricing. He looks at your home, sizes the system correctly, recommends equipment that fits your situation, and gives you a clear number in writing. If something might add cost (electrical work, duct modifications), he tells you upfront — not after the job starts.
These are planning numbers. Every home is different. But now you have a realistic range so you're not walking into a conversation blind. If you want a real ballpark for your specific situation, call or text Bret — he can usually give you a rough range in a 10-minute phone conversation before anyone needs to come out. Homeowners in Hurricane, Washington, and across Washington County get the same straight pricing.