Central Forced Air Heating Cost

• Costs depend on how difficult it will be to reach areas of the home when installing equipment. Prices vary depending on whether the home has an accessible attic and basement, crawlspace or a slab foundation. A house under construction or being remodeled where the walls are exposed, for example, will be less expensive than homes where walls will need to be removed and repaired (often cost-prohibitive) to install ducts.
• Installing a mid-efficiency (73-83 percent) gas unit when there's existing useable ductwork starts around $1,700 -$4,000, but depending on complexity and location can run $5,000 -$7,500 or more.
• A high-efficiency (90-97 percent) gas forced-air furnace (with useable existing ductwork) starts around $2,500 -$6,000 but depending on complexity and location can be $7,000 -$10,000 or more.
• Installing a complete gas forced-air central heating system (including ductwork) in new construction or an extensive remodeling project runs about $10,000 -$14,000 or more, depending on complexity. A high-efficiency system usually costs about $500 -$1,500 more than a mid-efficiency unit. Overall prices will be lower if labor costs in your area are less than the national average.

• Central heating has three basic components: a heat source/furnace; the circulatory system/ductwork; and an on-off switch/thermostat. Mr. Fix-It provides a detailed overview with easy-to-understand illustrations of how things work.
• Bigger isn't necessarily better; a heating system that's too powerful for your home won't run properly, producing an uncomfortable living environment. A contractor should calculate the actual capacity needed.
• Most municipalities require a permit to install or replace a furnace or heating system; check with the local planning department

• Some local governments require a fire inspection ($25 -$75).
• Removing an old fuel oil tank from the basement costs around, $500 -$1,500 and up depending on the complexity; removing an abandoned underground oil tank starts around $1,500 -$3,000 and goes up depending on complexity.
• Older ductwork might contain asbestos, created additional costs for asbestos removal.
• Adding an air cleaner to the system costs around $700 -$900; a programmable thermostat runs about $200 -$300; and adding multiple zones (allowing different areas of the home to be heated independently) can add another $1,000 -$2,000.

• Check whether your power company offers discount packages through local dealers of energy-efficient heating systems. If you need help with financing, the power company may provide loans for this type of energy-efficient home improvement.
• When installing forced-air central heat in an existing home, you might be able to purchase a smaller (and less expensive) model if you first take energy-saving steps such as finding and sealing any air leaks, adding insulation or upgrading/replacing inefficient doors and windows. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy offers detailed guidelines.
• An energy-efficient furnace may qualify for a federal tax credit.

• The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy provides guidelines for deciding to replace an old heating system and selecting a new one, and tips for choosing a heating contractor.
• Major manufacturers include Armstrong Air, Bryant, Carrier, Rheem, Thermo Pride and Trane.
• Referrals are available from the North American Technician Excellence certification program and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America.
• Get several estimates, making clear what is (and isn't) included in each quote. Request and check references; ask about the contractor's length and type of experience; and be sure they're properly bonded, insured and licensed in your state. See if there are any complaints with the Better Business Bureau.

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