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 |  | Wall- or Floor-Mount: $1,400-$5,000+ Installed |  | Standard-Efficiency Central Furnace: $1,700-$8,000+ |  | High-Efficiency Central Furnace: $2,500-$12,000+ |
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Gas furnaces can be powered by natural gas (from a utility company) or propane (LP). Capacity is 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: | - Furnaces that are the heart of a gas central heating system are typically sold by an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) contractor, with installation included, and the AFUE rating is a major factor in the price. Replacing an aging gas furnace with a standard-efficiency model (80% AFUE, which means that 80% of its fuel is converted to heat) starts at about $1,700-$4,000, including installation, but depending on complexity and location it can cost $5,000-$8,000 or more.
- Installing a new high-efficiency (90%-97% AFUE) gas furnace starts at about $2,500-$6,000 but depending on complexity and location it can cost $7,000-$12,000 or more. CostHelper readers report paying $2,695-$5,000 for basic installation of a 95%-96% gas furnace, at an average cost of $3,465.
- Replacing an oil furnace with a gas-fired model can cost thousands of dollars more than replacing one gas furnace with another, because of the cost to remove the old oil tank ($500-$3,000 or more) and to install new gas lines, fittings, valves and other parts of the system to work with the new gas furnace. A CostHelper reader reports paying $6,500 to replace an oil furnace with a gas unit.
- A wall-mounted gas furnace that provides hot air directly to the surrounding space can cost $400-$2,500 for just the unit, depending on size, BTUs, AFUE rating, air outlet location (top outlets are typically slightly cheaper than bottom outlet models) and the controls (a wall-mount or cabinet-mount thermostat or a remote control). Installation can bring total costs to $1,400-$5,000 or more. For example, the low-profile (25.25" high, 22.25" wide, 9.5" deep) HouseWarmer HWDV181BDV 18,000 BTU Wall Furnace[1] vents directly on an outside wall, has a built-in blower and thermostat, is rated to heat up to 525 square feet and costs about $500-$830 (without installation) in propane or natural gas.
- Replacing a gas floor furnace (the heat rises from a grill flush with the floor) typically costs about $900-$2,500 for just the unit, depending on size, BTUs and features like the type of thermostat; installation brings the total cost to $2,000-$4,500 or more. At 14" wide the Cozy Challenger 90N30 Narrow 30,000 BTU Natural Gas Floor Furnace[2] fits between standard 16" floor joist spacing and costs about $900-$1,000 without installation.
Related articles: Central Heating, Electric Baseboard Heater, Radiant Floor Heating, Heat Pump, Propane, Installing a Gas Line
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What should be included: | - 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[3] that includes basic terms and standard system set-ups.
Additional costs: | - A building/mechanical permit is usually required to replace a furnace. Fees are typically about $50-$300 or more. Many contractors include getting the proper permits and inspections as part of the installation process.
- Replacing aging, leaking or inadequate ductwork typically costs about $35 -$55 a linear foot for labor and materials, or $1,000-$5,000 or more for a single-family home, depending on the length and type of ducts.
- Older ductwork might contain asbestos, creating unpredictable additional costs for asbestos removal.
- Replacing a low- or mid-efficiency furnace with a high-efficiency model may require installing a chimney liner for about $300-$700.
Discounts: | - The database of State Incentives for Renewables & Energy Efficiency[4] tracks energy-efficiency incentives offered by utilities and by state, federal and local government agencies. For example, utility companies in Wisconsin[5] pay a $125 "reward" for furnaces with a 90% AFUE rating and $275 for 95% models.
Shopping for a gas furnace: | - The Environmental Protection Agency lists tips for hiring a heating and cooling contractor[6] .
- 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[9] . Check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau[10] .
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| CostHelper News
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: waytzu in Buffalo Grove, IL. | Posted: October 30th, 2012 08:10AM |
| Type of Gas: Natural | AFUE Rating: 80 |
Very good service. Job done in 3 hours.
10 years Warrantee on parts, 1 year on labor.
American Standard, 120,000 BTU for 2300 SQ house.
Quite, safe and warm now. |
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External Resources: | - ecsretail.com/documents/HWDV/specs-HWDV-80-180-DV.pdf
- www.cozyheaters.com/pdfs/products/floor_furnace.pdf
- www.htoyh.com/content/replace_your_furnace.pdf
- www.dsireusa.org/
- www.focusonenergy.com/residential/efficient-products-appliances/residential-rewards
- www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_contractors_10tips
- www.hvacradvice.com/
- www.acca.org/consumer/find-a-contractor/
- www.contractors-license.org/
- www.bbb.org/en/us/search
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