FairReplace

Gas furnace replacement cost in San Diego, CA

Installed, 80,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency

Low$4,550
Typical$5,050
High$6,150

Metro area: San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA. Wages: BLS, May 2025. Permit notes checked October 2026.

A typical furnace (80,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency) costs about $5,050 installed in the San Diego area, 4% above the national figure, because HVAC technicians here earn a median $36 an hour against $29 nationally.

Gas furnace (80,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency), installed

Prices for: San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Low$4,550
Typical$5,050
High$6,150

Unit $1,700 (online list price, middle of 9 listings) plus installation about $3,350 for this area. Permit fees and code extras are listed below the table.

How this estimate is built

Prices by size in San Diego

SizeLowTypicalHighNational typical
60,000 BTU, 80% efficiency$3,750$4,300$5,650$4,100
60,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency$4,500$4,950$6,000$4,750
80,000 BTU, 80% efficiency$3,850$4,250$5,250$4,050
80,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency$4,550$5,050$6,150$4,850
100,000 BTU, 80% efficiency$4,000$4,450$5,700$4,250
100,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency$4,700$5,150$6,250$4,950

Local labor: what HVAC technicians earn here

Hourly wageSan Diego metroUnited States
25th percentile$28$23
Median$36$29
75th percentile$44$37

The San Diego market

The City of San Diego's Development Services Department requires a Simple MEP (no-plan) permit to replace a water heater, furnace, condensing unit, heat pump package unit or mini-split in a single-family home or duplex. Repair only needs no permit. One local quirk: the simple route covers water heater replacements except tankless types. Homeowners, property owners and licensed contractors may apply, and owner-builders upload Form DS-3042. An inspection can be scheduled once the invoice is paid and the permit issued. Per-item fees are listed as $122.97 for a water heater, $176.57 each for a furnace, heat pump package unit or mini-split and $131.52 for a condensing unit, though the city table should be checked directly. State law requires seismic bracing on every replacement water heater. Chula Vista, Carlsbad and other county cities issue their own permits.

Coastal San Diego homes use their heat lightly, so an old furnace may have few running hours yet still face safety or parts problems. Ask the contractor what specifically is failing, and whether a part is still available, before agreeing to a full replacement. When replacement is due and the AC is aging too, ask for a heat pump price, since mild winters ask little of one.

Permits in San Diego

Permit for this jobYes (furnace, condensing unit, heat pump package unit, mini-split replacement need a Simple MEP permit; repair only is exempt) (source)
FeePer-item: water heater $122.97 each; furnace/FAU $176.57 each; heat pump package unit $176.57 each; air handler/mini-split $176.57 each; condensing unit for HVAC $131.52 each.
Who can pull itHomeowner/property owner (owner-builder with Form DS-3042) or licensed contractor
InspectionYes

Rebates in California

HEAR: paused. HOMES: announced, not open yet. Source: California Energy Commission, checked October 13, 2026.

  • TECH Clean California: Statewide heat pump HVAC and heat pump water heater incentives via contractors; also administers HEEHRA (fully reserved)
  • Golden State Rebates: Instant rebates on efficient appliances at retailers

What these programs cover, and other states

Other systems in San Diego

Gas furnace cost in other metros

Sources