Furnace Cost

• A gas floor furnace (heat rises from a grill flush with the floor) runs around $900 -$1,500, with installation averaging $1,000 -$2,000.
• A self-contained, vented, gas wall furnace that provides hot air directly to the surrounding space ranges from $500 -$1,500 depending on capacity and energy efficiency; installation can run $1,000 -$2,000.
• Replacing an older gas furnace in a central heating system with a mid-efficiency (73-83 percent) 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 replacement high-efficiency (90-97 percent) gas furnace when there's useable existing ductwork starts around $2,500 -$6,000 but depending on complexity and location can be $7,000 -$10,000 or more.
• Replacing an oil-fuel furnace starts around $2,000 -$5,000, but can run $6,000 -$10,000 or more for complex installations.

• A floor or wall model is self-contained; it must be vented but there is no ductwork to carry air to other parts of the home.
• A central heat forced-air furnace has a burner, where the fuel is delivered and burned; a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the burners to the air; and a blower/fan to distribute the heated air into the ducts. Mr. Fix-It provides a detailed overview with easy-to-understand illustrations of how things work.
• 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.
• A permit may be required to replace a furnace; check with the local planning department

• Some local governments require a fire inspection ($25 -$75) for a replacement furnace.
• Replacing an old furnace with a high-efficiency new one can also require installing a chimney liner for about $300 -$700 for a gas furnace or $700 -$1,800 for a fuel oil model. If needed, make sure this is included in all estimates.
• 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, creating unpredictable additional costs for asbestos removal.
• Adding an air cleaner to system the costs $700 -$900 and a programmable thermostat runs about $200 -$300.

• Check whether your power company offers discount packages through local dealers of energy-efficient furnaces. Your power company may also offer low-cost loans for energy-efficient home improvements.
• You might not have to buy a new furnace or you may be able to purchase a smaller, less-expensive model if you 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.
• Consumer buying a furnace with an efficiency rating of at least 90 percent may be eligible 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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