Furnace/HVAC Replacement Cost in San Francisco (2026)
Average cost in San Francisco
$7,250 – $18,125
$7 – $10 per sq ft
In San Francisco, the average is $13,823 and most projects cost between $7,250 and $18,125, or about $7 – $10 per sq ft. Prices are before tax and based on 9 sources.
Cost Breakdown
Itemized15 SEER2/92% AFUE units
46%
Licensed C-20 contractor
35%
SF DBI fees & plan review
10%
Venting, linesets, and pads
5%
Old unit haul-away & testing
4%
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 Francisco
Likely range $7,250 – $18,125
- Equipment46%$6,359
- Labor35%$4,838
- Permits & Inspections10%$1,382
- Materials & Supplies5%$691
- Disposal & HERS4%$553
Furnace only
$13,823
AC only
$15,110
Furnace + AC
$21,544
Heat pump (full system)
$26,692
Calibrated to 9 researched sources for San Francisco. Before tax. Real quotes vary with site conditions.
📈Price Momentum
Year-over-year~1 year ago
$12,858
Today
$13,823
Furnace/HVAC Replacement in San Francisco is ↑ 7.5% compared to roughly a year ago — about $964 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 Francisco
Verified providersCabrillo Plumbing, Heating & Air
78 Dorman Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124, USA
1,187 reviews
Magic Plumbing Heating & Cooling
1455 Bancroft Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124, USA
1,931 reviews
Next HVAC and Appliance repair
1 Henry Adams St Unit S324, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
374 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
Yes, but 2026 is the final year for most installations. New legislation passed by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District will outlaw the sale and installation of new gas furnaces starting in 2027 to promote electrification.
San Francisco has some of the highest permit fees in the U.S. For residential HVAC replacements, combined building, mechanical, and electrical permit fees typically range from $800 to $3,000 depending on project valuation.
Under California Title 24 standards effective in 2026, new split-system cooling equipment must meet a minimum of 15 SEER2, and gas furnaces must have a minimum efficiency of 92% AFUE.
Yes, most HVAC replacements in California require Home Energy Rating System (HERS) verification by a third-party inspector to ensure duct sealing and refrigerant charge meet state code, typically adding $150 to $400 to the project.
📊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.