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 |  | Gas Furnace: $400-$12,000+ |  | Oil-Fired Furnace: $2,000-$10,000+ |
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A furnace can be either a self-contained unit or the heart of a central heating system that blows the warmed air through ductwork. Furnaces, which heat air and distribute it, are typically powered by gas (either natural gas or propane) or fuel oil, and measured in British thermal units; one BTU is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. A furnace rated 50,000 BTU consumes 50,000 BTUs an hour.
Typical costs: | - Replacing a gas furnace can cost $400-$2,000 for a self-contained and vented wall unit that provides hot air directly to the surrounding space; $900-$3,500 for a gas floor furnace (heat rises from a grill flush with the floor); $1,700-$7,500 for a mid-efficiency gas furnace in a central heating system; and $2,500-$12,000 or more for a high-efficiency gas furnace in a central heating system.
- Replacing an oil-fired furnace in a central heating system starts typically costs $2,000-$5,000 for a basic installation, but can reach $6,000-$10,000 or more for complex installations.
Related articles: Boiler, Central Heating, Heating Oil, Heating Oil Tank, Ductwork, Heat Pump
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What should be included: | - A heating system that is too weak or too powerful for the size of the house won't run properly and make the home uncomfortable. A contractor should calculate the actual capacity needed based on industry standards.
- Replacing a floor or wall furnace typically takes a day or less. A self-contained floor or wall furnace must be vented (typically through an exterior wall) but there is no ductwork to carry air to other parts of the home.
- Replacing a furnace in a central heating system can take a day or two, and possibly longer depending on the condition of the existing lines and pipes. A furnace in a central heating system typically has a burner, where the fuel is delivered and consumed; a heat exchanger (or exchangers) to transfer heat from the burner to the air; and blowers/fans to distribute the heated air into the ductwork. Mr. Fix-It has a detailed overview[1] that includes basic terms and standard system set-ups.
Additional costs: | - A building/mechanical permit is usually required to replace a furnace. Permit and inspection fees are typically about $50-$300, but can cost more in some locations. Many contractors include getting the proper permits and inspections as part of the installation process, but might bill for these fees separately.
- 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 can cost $500-$3,000 or more, depending on local rates and the tank's size, condition and accessibility.
- Older ductwork might contain asbestos, creating unpredictable additional costs for asbestos removal.
Discounts: | - It might be possible to get a low-cost loan, rebate or tax credit for installing an energy-efficient central heating system. The database of State Incentives for Renewables & Energy Efficiency[2] tracks energy-efficiency incentives offered by utilities and by state, federal and local government agencies. For example, utility companies in Wisconsin[3] pay a $125 "reward" for furnaces with a 90% AFUE rating and $275 for 95% models.
- It is possible to make an old furnace work better or to buy a smaller, less-expensive model by taking 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[4] .
- Try to schedule work in the spring or fall, when contractors typically have fewer emergency calls for heating or air conditioning work. It can be easier to get the work done, and to get the lowest rates.
Shopping for a furnace: | - The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy provides guidelines[5] for deciding when to replace an old heating system, and the Environmental Protection Agency lists tips for hiring a heating and cooling contractor[6] .
- Shopping for a furnace typically means calling contractors and getting estimates. Referrals are available from the North American Technician Excellence certification program[7] and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America[8] .
- Request and check references; ask about length and type of experience; and be sure they are properly bonded, insured and licensed.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: GlazedBiscuit in Watertown, WI. | Posted: January 23rd, 2023 09:01AM |
| Type: gas | Brand: Whirlpool |
| Model: | Installer: Carew |
older furnace blowing cool air, tech came out and fixed the short circut by replacing the control board. a brittle piece broke and disconnected so the whole board needed replacement. it was $129 for the service call, and a little over $500 for the part/labor. in total it ended up being $700. |
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| Posted by: Marci Hess in Springfield, MO. | Posted: July 22nd, 2016 03:07PM |
| Type: ? | Brand: ?? |
| Model: ? | Installer: ?? |
Man out to my mobile and said it would most likely cost $1,900.00 and when he gave me the bid it was 2995.95 big jump senior on disability ans ssi. I was asking for help from a Government program and they said they just don't have that kind of money. Still waiting for second bid to come in. I live on 743.00 a month and can't get help from any one. May have to put my things in storage and live in my car after I sell my moble home that I have been living in for 15 years that is bought and payed for. |
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| Posted by: RiverKat in Silver Spring, MD. | Posted: April 15th, 2016 07:04AM |
| Type: Gas Furnace and AC Unit | Brand: American Standard |
| Model: Gold 95V, Silver 16 | Installer: |
Replacement of 30yr old furnace, humidifier and AC unit. 1400 Sq Ft house.
Furnace-Am Stand Gold S9V2 2stage/coil Energy Star
Humidifier-AprilAire 400
AC Unit-Am Stand Silver 16, SEER 17 2.5 ton
Thermostat-Touchscreen Wifi TStat |
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| Posted by: phoenix56 in Watchung, NJ. | Posted: February 25th, 2016 11:02AM |
| Type: Natural Gas | Brand: Weil McClain |
| Model: | Installer: PSE&G |
Brand New High Efficiency unit, included all new copper pipes, proper venting, etc. Was able to pay through my bill over a 2 year period interest free! Very happy with the job and I know it's up to code. |
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| Posted by: Archytype in chicago, IL. | Posted: February 13th, 2015 04:02AM |
| Model: Am Std 95% | Installer: KET Installations |
Replace 80% furnace with new 60,00 btu 95% furnace, new humidifier, and 4" filter. New fan coil. New a/c unit was seer 13 am Std gold, 2.5 ton. Also new copper piping for refrigerant. Felt like a good deal to me. |
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| Posted by: WarmRob in Butler, NJ. | Posted: January 12th, 2015 10:01PM |
| Type: Propane Furnace | Brand: Bryant |
| Model: Legacy 80, 135k BTU | Installer: |
Furnace died, emergency phone call to HVAC company. Was at the house in an hour. No charge for diagnostic, discussed options for new furnace. Had everything installed the next day in 6-7hours. Installed upgraded cleaner and humidifer as well.
Price includes labor, new equipment, propane conversion, removal and disposal old equipment. |
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| Posted by: VeryAngry in Colts Neck, NJ. | Posted: September 18th, 2014 11:09AM |
| Type: Forced Air Natural Gas | Brand: Lennox |
For a 16 SEER AC, 96% effiency Lennox system 3.5 ton(and coil), 2 bath fans, and sealing my insulation, I was quoted $18,211... |
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| Posted by: Ripmeoffnomore in Ashby, MA. | Posted: October 23rd, 2013 08:10AM |
| Type: heat/hot water combo | Brand: triangle tube |
| Model: cc85 | Installer: R H Ordway |
Was disappointed with sales tactics and length of time to install. We felt inconvenienced and cheated by promises that were not kept. Some old parts were reused and other material taken without consent. System seems to work fine and job looks presentable but material cost was about $3300 and labor about $2500 for a two day job that took a month of questions and 20 hours over a course of eight days to finish. $125/hour???? |
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| Posted by: a user in Alliance, OH. | Posted: April 24th, 2013 05:04AM |
| Type: Natural Gas | Brand: Trane |
| Model: XR95 + XR13 Condensor | Installer: Country Comfort Inc |
The install took less than 8 hours. The contractor was very good. The Furnace is a 60000 BTU which works great. |
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| Posted by: Jed Bullward in Ft worth, TX. | Posted: April 3rd, 2013 08:04PM |
| Model: Coleman | Installer: Canard A/C & Heating Benbook |
I've have an 20+ year old Colemen unit Inside & Outside...12sear unit...it may need some ducted work repairs in accitc space and major tune-up...also inside & out because of the HOT Texas summer...also possible 1960's wall and ceil insulation cuz after 2 owner from 1969's there's have been no upgrades to anything except for yearly tunes and minor reporz...blower motor and a box that was responsible for lighting the pilot light...it was subjugated I replace the drain pain also but that had to be custom made since Coleman went out of business |
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| Posted by: a user in Minneapolis, MN. | Posted: November 20th, 2012 12:11PM |
| Model: DLX96 | Installer: |
Had a 96% efficiency furnace and efficient air conditioner as well as an air cleaner and humidifier installed for $6,750 in my 1500 sq foot 1.5 story house. |
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| Posted by: lkjsdflgj asgjklsdfgn in West Des Moines, IA. | Posted: June 25th, 2012 09:06AM |
2200 Sq Ft Main
Sized For Lower Level Finish
Fresh Air Blower
Equipment:
Furnace Lennox 90000 BTU 93 %
Lennox 3.5 TON A/C
$ 8.250.00
To Include:
Bath Vents
Dryer Vents
Gas to furnace, and stub for water heater
Programmable thermostat
Installation will meet Energy Star requirements
All material and labor to complete HVAC installation
Fire Place DR 500 SSDVR 3530 $ 650.00 |
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| Posted by: wheelz in mission b.c., Other. | Posted: March 26th, 2012 06:03AM |
| Type: A.S. | Brand: |
Was told that the price difference between models Freedom 80 and Comfort R is 1,300 does this sound ok? Insurance is replacing my furnace due to a flood and i wanted to upgrade to the highest american standard (before the communicating one) and was told its a 1300 diff. |
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| Posted by: jrymn in Akron, CO. | Posted: October 28th, 2011 08:10AM |
| Type: Carrier | Brand: |
After finding out that the house that I just bought needed a new furnace, I took the opportunity to add the a/c unit as well. I got two estimates Company #1 $7800 and Company #2 $10,500. The furnace is in a crawlspace and there is an addition in my house that had no duct work which was added during the install. They also had to add to the air return on the main level. From Company #1 The furnace alone was $4600 and to add the A/C unit was $3200. I have a 1200 sq. ft. home and the furnace is 92% Efficiency Furnace. |
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| Posted by: curby in st louis, MO. | Posted: June 8th, 2011 08:06PM |
| Type: Rheem | Brand: |
ac broke and contractor said I need to replace my 1975 furnace also. I have one story home and people at work say I should get this cheaper. AC is 2.5 ton I'm not sure what the furnace is but the quote is not for 95% AFUE, should I get 90-95% AFUE rated furnace. The brand is Rheem, do these last longer than ten years, my last unit died 2 months after warranty ran out. Did not sign contract yet, but it is so hot right now. |
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| Posted by: Felt like i was buying a car in new haven county, CT. | Posted: April 6th, 2011 01:04PM |
| Type: forced air | Brand: |
Scope of work required: remove existing 275 gallon leaking oil tank and 50+ year old, floor mounted oil furnace. Replace with natural gas, energy efficient furnace, all fees, permits, natural gas company to run new line from street to house, etc. Company #1 $3850, Company #2$still waiting, Company #3 $7600. Got company #3 down to $6500. They are an A+ BBB rated company with zero complaints. |
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| Posted by: gerald wade in atco, NJ. | Posted: March 21st, 2011 01:03PM |
| Type: avg. gas furance | Brand: |
what dose it take to get the cost of a gas furance PLEASE GAS FURANCE ONLY |
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| Posted by: com com in Bethel, OH. | Posted: February 11th, 2011 01:02PM |
| Type: Heil H9mvx | Brand: |
Replaced a 90% efficient 80,000 BTU furnace with a 95% h9mvx two stage variable speed heil furnace from Thompson heating and cooling. Included all labor and 10 year full warranty. Their first quote was $7800, whittled the price down from there. |
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| Posted by: a user in manchester, NH. | Posted: January 23rd, 2011 03:01PM |
I need to replace my wall mounted gas hotwater furnace in Manchester nh, It can be wall or floor mount. I have been quoted everything from $4000 to $8000 installed. thid seems very high |
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| Posted by: Penelope in GREENFIELD, MA. | Posted: November 16th, 2010 01:11PM |
| Type: HOT AIR GAS FURNACE | Brand: |
sEARS CAME TODAY AND BEGAN THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW FURNACE
THEY HAVE TO COME BACK TOMORROW BECAUSE THEY INSTALLED A 135,000 BTU NOT THE 48,000 BTU
BUT ON THE SALES SLIP I PAID FOR THE HIGHER BTU UNIT AND THE SALESMAN MADE A MISTAKE ON MODEL NUMBER WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN PRICE FoR THESE TWO UNITS? |
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| Posted by: a user in Des Moines, IA. | Posted: April 28th, 2010 11:04AM |
| Type: RUUD | Brand: |
Had the salesman come over in conjunction with a tech to do service work on a 20+ year old unit. I knew I was in the market to replace. Pressure sales pitch, but decent contractor. I told the salesman on the spot I would balk if I felt like or got information that looked like I was getting "snowed."
Bid was $3,447 -- RUUD, 75K BTU, Two-stage, installed, vented, new thermostat, etc.
Talked to family friend who could get a furnace direct from a competitive top end brand for $1,310, and called back the original company to ask to get install team out of my house so I could get the other unit. Salesman called back after I told him the background and said he would do it for $2,700, no sales tax. A $747 drop in price! Still went with that company because prices were pretty close after figuring install/sales tax/etc. |
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| Posted by: pattingtonjbear in Pittsburgh, PA. | Posted: February 14th, 2010 08:02AM |
| Type: Forced Air Natural Gas | Brand: |
We paid 2695 for labor and materials for a new 96% efficient gas furnace in November of 09. |
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External Resources: | - www.htoyh.com/content/replace_your_furnace.pdf
- www.dsireusa.org/
- www.focusonenergy.com/residential/efficient-products-appliances/residential-rewards
- www.aceee.org/consumer/building-envelope#audit
- www.aceee.org/consumer/heating
- www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_contractors_10tips
- www.hvacradvice.com/
- www.acca.org/consumer/find-a-contractor/
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