Furnace Replacement Cost in Warwick, Rhode Island
Our 2026 estimate for furnace replacement in Warwick, RI is $3,800 to $9,200. That puts Warwick 18% above the national average, mainly because of higher incomes and home values, which push labor rates up and the bigger heating equipment this climate calls for.
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Warwick Weather and HVAC Load
Warwick logs 5,478 heating degree days and 812 cooling degree days in a normal year, based on the closest NOAA weather station. Heating is the bigger job here, and furnaces and heat pumps in Warwick put in far more hours than the air conditioner. On average, Warwick gets 109 freezing nights and 12 days above 90°F per year. Snowfall averages about 37 inches. For a 2,000 sq ft house, this climate points to a heating load somewhere near 60,000 BTU/h. Treat that as a starting number. A Manual J calculation will move it up or down based on insulation and windows.
| Heating degree days / year | 5,478 |
|---|---|
| Cooling degree days / year | 812 |
| Nights at or below 32°F | 109 |
| Days above 90°F | 12 |
| Average low / high | 43.1°F / 61.1°F |
Warwick Housing Stock
The median Warwick home dates to 1961, according to the Census ACS. That makes the typical house about 65 years old. A lot of these homes are on their second or third system by now. The ductwork is usually original, and leaky joints are common. Owners live in 73.4% of occupied homes, roughly 27,000 households. Homes here have a median value of $322,000 and households a median income of $87,536. Those two numbers drive the labor adjustment in our estimate.
Kent County had 2 hail days and 11 days with damaging thunderstorm winds from 2020 through 2025, according to NOAA storm records. The largest hail reported was 1.25 inches across. Storms here are more likely to cause power surges than coil damage, so a surge protector on the outdoor unit is worth the small cost. In Warwick, 21.4% of residents are 65 or older. For older adults, a house with no heat in January or no AC during a heat wave is a medical risk. Mention it when you call, since many companies put those calls first.
When Replacement Makes Sense
- A repair quote runs past a third of the cost of a new unit
- A tech found a cracked heat exchanger, or the CO detector has gone off
- The furnace is 15 to 20 years old or more
- Some rooms stay cold, the burner short-cycles, or the ignitor keeps failing
What Moves the Price
- AFUE rating: a basic 80% unit vs. a 96% condensing furnace
- New PVC venting if you move to a condensing model
- BTU size, which should come from a Manual J load calculation
- Condition of the existing ductwork and any changes it needs
- Permit and inspection fees, which the local building department sets
- Single-stage, two-stage or modulating gas valve
For Warwick we raised the national figures about 18%, based on local income, home values and climate-based equipment sizing. Get at least three written quotes; real bids can land outside this range.
What the Quote Should Cover
- Gas line and vent connections
- Combustion and safety tests
- Removing and hauling away the old furnace
- The permit and the manufacturer warranty registration
- The new furnace, filter rack and thermostat wiring
Rhode Island Permits, Efficiency Rules and Rebates
Rhode Island falls in the DOE's North region. New split central air conditioners must meet at least 13.4 SEER2, and heat pumps sold anywhere in the U.S. need 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2. Expect the contractor to pull a mechanical permit for a replacement job in Warwick. If a bidder suggests skipping it, move on. Also ask for a Rhode Island license or registration number and proof of insurance. The federal 25C tax credit ended for equipment installed after December 31, 2025, so incentives now come mostly from utilities and state programs. Check your electric and gas utility's rebate page before you pick equipment.
Before You Hire
- Make sure all three quotes are for the same AFUE and staging, or you can't compare them.
- Replace it in early fall if you can. A no-heat emergency in January costs more and leaves you fewer choices.
- Look up utility rebates on 95%+ AFUE units before you buy.
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Furnace Replacement Questions from Warwick Homeowners
How much is furnace replacement in Warwick?
Plan on $3,800 to $9,200, with most jobs near $6,800. Equipment efficiency, house size and the condition of the ducts and wiring decide where your quote falls.
When is the best time to schedule furnace replacement in Warwick?
Between late spring and early fall. Warwick averages 109 freezing nights a year, and heating calls spike from November through February.
How long does a furnace replacement take?
A straight swap is usually done in one day, somewhere between 4 and 10 hours. Moving to a condensing furnace with new PVC venting can add a few more.
Is a high-efficiency furnace worth it?
In cold climates, a 95%+ AFUE furnace usually earns back the price difference in lower gas bills. Where winters are mild, the payback can take a very long time.
Furnace Replacement Near Warwick
- Cranston $3,800 to $9,400
- East Providence $3,700 to $9,000
- Providence $3,500 to $8,600
- Pawtucket $3,500 to $8,600
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-year estimates 2019-2023 and 2024 population estimates; NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020, station Providence T F Green Airport; NOAA Storm Events Database 2020-2025, Kent County. Prices are our estimates, not contractor quotes. Updated 2026.