HVAC System Replacement Cost in Savannah, Georgia

Expect to pay $8,500 to $18,500 for full HVAC system replacement in Savannah, GA. Most homeowners end up near $14,000, depending on the equipment tier and how much of the old setup can be reused.
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Savannah Weather and HVAC Load
Savannah logs 1,675 heating degree days and 2,596 cooling degree days in a normal year, based on the closest NOAA weather station. Cooling carries most of the load, which is why compressors and condenser fan motors wear out faster here than in northern cities. Count on roughly 21 nights below 32°F and 80 afternoons past 90°F in a typical year. For a 2,000 sq ft house, this climate points to a heating load somewhere near 35,000 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 | 1,675 |
|---|---|
| Cooling degree days / year | 2,596 |
| Nights at or below 32°F | 21 |
| Days above 90°F | 80 |
| Average low / high | 57.2°F / 77.7°F |
Savannah Housing Stock
Census figures put the median build year in Savannah at 1971, so a typical house here has about 55 years on it. A lot of these homes are on their second or third system by now. The ductwork is usually original, and leaky joints are common. About 26,000 households here own their home, 44.4% of the occupied total. The median home value is $225,200, and median household income is $56,782. We use both figures to adjust labor and pricing for this page.
Chatham County had 10 hail days and 40 days with damaging thunderstorm winds from 2020 through 2025, according to NOAA storm records. The largest hail reported was 1.75 inches across. Hail flattens the thin aluminum fins on condenser coils and cuts airflow. After a big storm, take a look at the outdoor unit; homeowners insurance often covers the damage.
When Replacement Makes Sense
- Both the heating and cooling equipment are 15 years old or more
- An old R-22 AC paired with an aging furnace
- Both units keep needing repairs
What Moves the Price
- Thermostat and zoning upgrades
- Efficiency ratings: SEER2, AFUE and HSPF2
- Equipment sized to the house and climate
- Furnace plus AC, or heat pump plus air handler
- Permits and electrical work
- Duct repair or replacement
We kept the national figures close to unchanged for Savannah using local income, home values and the equipment size this climate needs. Real bids can still come in outside the range, so collect three written quotes.
What the Quote Should Cover
- A load calculation and system design
- Removing the old equipment
- New, matched heating and cooling equipment
- Duct connections and sealing
- Startup, testing and warranty registration
Georgia Permits, Efficiency Rules and Rebates
Georgia is in the DOE's Southeast region, where new split central air conditioners need at least 14.3 SEER2 (13.8 SEER2 for systems of 45,000 BTU/h and up). Expect the contractor to pull a mechanical permit for a replacement job in Savannah. If a bidder suggests skipping it, move on. Also ask for a Georgia 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
- Replacing both pieces at once usually costs less than two separate jobs a few years apart.
- Get one quote for a heat pump system and one for a furnace plus AC.
- Make every bidder quote the same efficiency ratings, or the prices won't compare.
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HVAC System Replacement Questions from Savannah Homeowners
How much is full HVAC system replacement in Savannah?
Plan on $8,500 to $18,500, with most jobs near $14,000. Equipment efficiency, house size and the condition of the ducts and wiring decide where your quote falls.
When is the best time to schedule full HVAC system replacement in Savannah?
Between late fall and early spring. With 80 days over 90°F, Savannah contractors are booked solid all summer, and off-season jobs are easier to schedule and negotiate.
Can I replace only the AC and keep my furnace?
Yes, as long as the indoor coil and blower work with the new AC. A mismatched system loses efficiency and can void the warranty.
How often should an HVAC system be replaced?
Most systems get replaced every 15 to 20 years. AC units and heat pumps usually wear out before gas furnaces do.
HVAC System Replacement Near Savannah
- Macon-Bibb County $7,800 to $17,100
- Athens $8,100 to $17,600
- Augusta $7,900 to $17,300
- South Fulton $9,000 to $19,700
- Columbus $7,900 to $17,100
- Sandy Springs $10,700 to $23,300
- Atlanta $9,500 to $20,700
- Roswell $11,100 to $24,100
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-year estimates 2019-2023 and 2024 population estimates; NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020, station Savannah International Airport; NOAA Storm Events Database 2020-2025, Chatham County. Prices are our estimates, not contractor quotes. Updated 2026.