Furnace/HVAC Replacement Cost in San Diego (2026)
Average cost in San Diego
$6,500 – $22,000
$3 – $6 per sq ft
In San Diego, the average is $12,632 and most projects cost between $6,500 and $22,000, or about $3 – $6 per sq ft. Prices are before tax and based on 9 sources.
Cost Breakdown
ItemizedFurnace, AC, or Heat Pump unit
45%
Installation by licensed C-20 contractor
35%
Flex duct, insulation, and registers
12%
City permits, Title 24, and HERS testing
5%
Removal and recycling of old unit
3%
Sales Tax at 7.25%
📋What's Included
ScopeTypically Includes
- Furnace or AC unit
- Thermostat
- Basic ductwork connections
- Refrigerant
- Labor & installation
- Old unit disposal
Typically Excludes
- Full ductwork replacement
- Zoning systems
- Smart home integration
- Permits & inspections
- Humidifier or air purifier
Based on a standard 2,000 sq ft home with existing ductwork.
🧮Estimate your project
LiveYour estimate in San Diego
Likely range $6,500 – $22,000
- Equipment45%$5,684
- Labor35%$4,421
- Ductwork & Materials12%$1,516
- Permits & Compliance5%$632
- Disposal3%$379
Furnace only
$12,632
AC only
$13,808
Furnace + AC
$19,689
Heat pump (full system)
$24,393
Calibrated to 9 researched sources for San Diego. Before tax. Real quotes vary with site conditions.
📈Price Momentum
Year-over-year~1 year ago
$10,705
Today
$12,632
Furnace/HVAC Replacement in San Diego is ↑ 18.0% compared to roughly a year ago — about $1,927 more on the average project.
Comparison derived from the year-over-year change rate, not a month-by-month price index. We don't store historical snapshots yet — when we do, this will become a real time series.
🏢Top HVAC Replace Contractors in San Diego
Verified providersSmith & Sons Heating and Air Inc.
8859 Balboa Ave Ste E, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
328 reviews
Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating
7318 Conestoga Ct, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
185 reviews
EZ Breezy Heating & Air
5160 Mercury Point Unit B, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
584 reviews
Friar's Plumbing Heating and AC Repair
5555 Magnatron Blvd Ste G, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
669 reviews
Provider data sourced from public business directories. Ratings and reviews are public and may change. LookupCost is not affiliated with listed providers.
💬What People Actually Paid
Community❓Common Questions
Homeowners must budget approximately $245 for a Title 24 energy report and $200–$600 for City of San Diego mechanical permits. Additionally, HERS duct leakage testing is required by state law for final inspection.
The phase-down of R-410A in favor of new refrigerants like R-454B has introduced a 'new tech' price bump of 15% to 25% due to updated sensors and manufacturing requirements in 2026 models.
Yes, residents can access up to $8,000 in combined incentives, including TECH Clean California rebates for heat pumps, SDG&E energy efficiency programs, and federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.
In San Diego, a full duct system replacement averages about $4,300, though minor repairs or modifications typically range from $1,000 to $2,100 for a standard 2,000 sq ft home.
📊Our Methodology
How we collect dataAggregated from 5+ verified web sources and cost databases
Licensed contractor estimates and regional cost guides
Government construction and labor statistics
Community-reported project costs and reviews
Last data collection: 1 months ago. Updates run weekly. All costs in USD.
About this data
Cost figures are estimates synthesized from public market data using AI research and refreshed regularly. Real project costs vary by scope, materials, contractor, and site conditions. Always get verified quotes from licensed contractors for your specific project.
Spotted bad data? Let us know — we'll review and update.