Furnace Replacement cost: Augusta vs Savannah (2026)
The two metros aren't quite in sync on furnace replacement: Augusta sits 2% below Savannah, or roughly $5,100 versus $5,200 — about $100 apart.
Augusta GA
Lower costTypically around $5,100
Savannah GA
Typically around $5,200
Augusta vs Savannah: full breakdown
| Factor | Augusta | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $5,100 | $5,200 |
| Estimated range | $3,650–$6,550 | $3,700–$6,700 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×0.95 | ×0.98 |
| Climate zone | Hot | Hot |
| Climate factor | ×0.95 | ×0.95 |
| Local permit | $200 | $200 |
| Labor share | $3,050 | $3,100 |
| Materials/equipment | $2,050 | $2,100 |
Treat these as 2026 localized estimates for furnace replacement, not quotes from a contractor.
How much should this gap actually matter?
2% is within noise for furnace replacement — contractor selection and timing move the price more than which of these two metros you're in.
Furnace replacement by type: Augusta vs Savannah
We localize each furnace replacement type separately for both metros, applying the same labor, climate and permit adjustments each time, so you're comparing like for like.
| Type | Augusta | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Gas furnace | $3,550–$6,450 | $3,650–$6,600 |
| High-efficiency gas furnace | $3,200–$6,450 | $3,250–$6,600 |
| Electric furnace | $2,000–$4,250 | $2,050–$4,350 |
Treat these as 2026 localized estimates for furnace replacement, not quotes from a contractor.
Furnace replacement by home size: Augusta vs Savannah
Furnace cost scales with the heating capacity (BTU) your home needs — roughly 40–45 BTU per square foot in a mixed climate. Larger homes need a bigger unit and more ductwork.
| Size | Augusta | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (≈45,000 BTU) | $2,750–$4,900 | $2,800–$5,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft (≈68,000 BTU) | $3,200–$5,650 | $3,250–$5,750 |
| 2,000 sq ft (≈90,000 BTU) | $3,650–$6,550 | $3,700–$6,700 |
| 2,500 sq ft (≈110,000 BTU) | $4,200–$7,450 | $4,300–$7,600 |
| 3,000 sq ft (≈130,000 BTU) | $4,700–$8,350 | $4,850–$8,550 |
| 3,500+ sq ft (≈150,000 BTU) | $5,250–$9,250 | $5,400–$9,450 |
Localized 2026 planning estimates — not quotes. Each city adjusts the national furnace replacement range for local labor, climate and permits.
Cheapest time for furnace replacement in either city
Demand for HVAC work falls off a cliff in the shoulder months, and contractors discount to keep their crews booked. Wait for a 100-degree day or a hard freeze, though, and you're paying emergency rates for a system that just quit.
How much should you really budget for HVAC in 2026?
Ask five contractors for an HVAC quote and you'll get five different numbers — usually because they disagree on sizing, efficiency and equipment tier. Here's how our editors think through those trade-offs.
The efficiency-first case
In a hot-summer or cold-winter region, a higher SEER2/AFUE unit — or a heat pump — earns its premium back in lower bills, and utility and state rebates can still cut into the sticker (the federal 25C/25D credits ended Dec 2025). Run the payback math before defaulting to the cheapest box.
The budget-first case
Size the system to your home with a Manual J calculation and buy the standard efficiency tier (80% AFUE / 14.3 SEER2). In a mild climate the cheaper unit pays off because you rarely run it hard — paying for premium efficiency you won't use is the most common way to overspend.
The longevity case
The single biggest cost driver isn't the brand — it's correct sizing and install quality. A properly sized, well-commissioned mid-tier system with annual maintenance outlasts an oversized premium unit that short-cycles. Spend on the install, not the badge.
If there's one takeaway, it's this: sizing and install quality decide whether an HVAC system performs, not the badge on the box. Get the load calculation right, match efficiency to climate, and take the rebates on offer.
Augusta vs Savannah
Is furnace replacement cheaper in Augusta or Savannah?
Yes — Savannah costs more. Expect around $5,200 for furnace replacement there against $5,100 in Augusta, about $100 (2%) apart in 2026.
Why does furnace replacement cost more in Savannah than Augusta?
Labor rates explain most of it — 0.98 in Savannah vs 0.95 in Augusta. A hot climate versus hot accounts for the rest.
How much is furnace replacement in Augusta, GA?
Expect to pay $3,650 to $6,550 for furnace replacement in Augusta in 2026, averaging around $5,100.
When is the cheapest time to buy furnace replacement — and does it differ by city?
The best window is the same in both Augusta and Savannah: Spring and fall (Mar–May, Sep–Oct), when demand drops and installers discount to keep crews busy — typically 5–15% off peak pricing. The most expensive time anywhere is an emergency replacement during peak summer and mid-winter.
Should I choose where to live based on furnace replacement cost?
Probably not. Yes, $100 is a real gap, but it's a one-time cost you can partly offset in Savannah with off-season timing and tighter bids. Long-term factors like energy prices and home condition matter more than this one number.
Compare furnace replacement in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik