Gas furnace replacement cost in Washington, DC
Installed, 80,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency
A typical furnace (80,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency) costs about $5,000 installed in the Washington area, 3% above the national figure, because HVAC technicians here earn a median $35 an hour against $29 nationally.
Prices by size in Washington
| Size | Low | Typical | High | National typical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60,000 BTU, 80% efficiency | $3,750 | $4,250 | $5,600 | $4,100 |
| 60,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency | $4,500 | $4,900 | $5,950 | $4,750 |
| 80,000 BTU, 80% efficiency | $3,850 | $4,200 | $5,200 | $4,050 |
| 80,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency | $4,550 | $5,000 | $6,150 | $4,850 |
| 100,000 BTU, 80% efficiency | $4,000 | $4,400 | $5,650 | $4,250 |
| 100,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency | $4,700 | $5,150 | $6,200 | $4,950 |
Local labor: what HVAC technicians earn here
| Hourly wage | Washington metro | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $28 | $23 |
| Median | $35 | $29 |
| 75th percentile | $43 | $37 |
The Washington market
In the District, the Department of Buildings (DOB) says new and replacement gas appliances and new and replacement HVAC equipment need a permit. Only DC contractors licensed in the specific trade may apply, and a Mechanical Instant Permit, which covers installing one new air conditioning unit up to 10 tons, can only be issued to licensed contractors. You schedule a DOB inspection once the work is done, and a permit goes invalid if it has no approved inspection within 12 months. The fee schedule lists $36 for the first furnace, $65 for the first residential central AC system up to 5 tons and a $20 minimum plus 10%. Row houses with boilers and radiators are common: EIA found boilers provide main heat in 22% of DC homes and heat pumps in 14%. Arlington, Alexandria and the Maryland suburbs follow their own county rules.
Furnaces are the main heat in 47% of District homes. Older row houses that use boilers need a different quote, so be sure the contractor is pricing the system you actually have. In a row house, ask where a high-efficiency furnace's plastic vent would exit, since side walls are often shared. Ask whether the water heater will still vent properly once the furnace leaves the chimney.
Permits in Washington
| Permit for this job | Yes (source) |
|---|---|
| Fee | Itemized: furnace or unit heater $36 first, $16 each additional; central AC up to 5 tons (residential) $65 first; plumbing fixture $26 first, $20 each additional; minimum permit fee $20 (+10% = $22). Instant permit fees 'average $36.30'. |
| Who can pull it | Licensed DC trade contractor only for plumbing/mechanical trade permits |
| Inspection | Yes |
Rebates in District of Columbia
HEAR: open with limits. HOMES: status unclear. Source: DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE), checked October 13, 2026.
- DC Sustainable Energy Utility residential rebates: Heat pump, HPWH and HVAC rebates at any income ('up to $5,000 off electric equipment' enhanced rebates)
What these programs cover, and other states
Other systems in Washington
- Gas tank water heater
- Gas tankless water heater
- Central air conditioner
- Heat pump (ducted, outdoor unit + air handler)
Gas furnace cost in other metros
Sources
- DC DOB: What projects require a permit
- DC DOB: Mechanical Instant Permits
- DC DOB permit fee schedule
- DC Sustainable Energy Utility: residential rebates
- DCSEU: Affordable Home Electrification Program
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for space heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for water heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for air conditioning in U.S. homes by state
- BLS OEWS May 2025, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV (49-9021 HVAC mechanics and installers)
- DOE Consumer Furnaces Final Rule TSD (Sep 2023), Table 8.2.12 (2022$); labor share from App. 8D (11.97 person-hours, $705 of $2,527)