Gas Central Heating Cost

Typical costs:

• For new construction or as part of an extensive remodeling project where the walls are already torn one, installing a gas central heating system typically costs $10,000-$20,000 or more, depending on the size of the house, the complexity of the system (such as the number registers that release heat into the interior space or the number of independent heating zones) and the type of furnace. High-efficiency gas furnaces usually cost $500-$1,500 more than a standard model.
• In a house with existing usable ductwork, replacing a gas furnace with another gas furnace can cost $1,700-$4,000 for basic installation of a standard-efficiency unit or $5,000-$7,000 for a more complex installation in an area with high labor rates; and $2,500-$6,000 for basic installation of a high-efficiency gas furnace or $7,000-$12,000 for a more complex project. CostHelper readers report paying $5,000-$8,250 for a new central-heat gas furnace using existing ductwork, for an average cost of $6,990; most of these projects also included an air conditioner or a heat pump as part of the central system.
• If ductwork must be completely replaced or added inside intact walls, installing gas central heating can cost $2,700-$12,000 or more with a standard-efficiency furnace, or $3,500-$22,000 or more with a high-efficiency unit. CostHelper readers report paying $8,200-$15,500 for a gas central heating system with new ductwork, at an average cost of $11,681; the more expensive projects included an air conditioner or a heat pump as part of the central system.

• It typically takes a day or two to replace the furnace in an existing gas central heating system, and a week or more to install a new gas central heating system, depending on the size and layout of the house and the complexity of the system. A replacement project should include removal and proper disposal of the old unit.
• 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.

• 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.
• Older ductwork might contain asbestos, creating unpredictable additional costs for asbestos removal.

• 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^[1] tracks energy-efficiency incentives offered by utilities and by state, federal and local government agencies. For example, utility companies in Wisconsin^[2] pay a $125 "reward" for furnaces with a 90% AFUE rating and $275 for 95% models.
• 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.

• The Environmental Protection Agency lists tips for hiring a heating and cooling contractor^[3] .
• Referrals are available from the North American Technician Excellence certification program^[4] and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America^[5] .
• Request and check references; ask about length and type of experience; and be sure they are properly bonded, insured and licensed.

1.  www.dsireusa.org/
2.  www.focusonenergy.com/residential/efficient-products-appliances/residential-rewards
3.  www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_contractors_10tips
4.  www.hvacradvice.com/
5.  www.acca.org/consumer/find-a-contractor/

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