How Much Does a Gas Furnace Cost?
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Natural gas is considered to be the most energy efficient way to heat your home. If you’re in need of a new gas furnace, the cost will depend on the square footage of the home and the type of furnace you choose.
How much does a gas furnace cost?
On average, the cost to install a new gas furnace can cost as little as $1,000 to as much as $10,000 installed. This cost will depend on the AFUE rating, size of your home, the brand, BTU, contractor and geographical location.
A basic gas furnace with an AFUE of 80% can range from $500 to $1,200. A mid-range furnace with an AFUE of 80% can cost $700 to $1,400. A higher-end furnace with an 80% AFUE can cost $1,300 to $2,500. These are all prices for the furnace only and won’t include professional installation.
On the table below, you will see the terms BTU and AFUE. BTU stands for British Thermal Units and this will measure how much energy it will take to melt one pound of ice one degree Fahrenheit. The typical home will require 30 to 60 BTU per square foot, depending on the climate and regional climate. The colder your home is, the higher this BTU should be. AFUE, which stands for Annual Fuel Efficiency, will evaluate the efficiency of the furnace. Anything in the 90s is considered to be highly efficient, while anything in the 80s range will be considered standard. Take this number and this will tell you exactly how efficient the furnace may be. For example, a furnace with a 90 rating will have a 90% efficient rating, saving you money on your utility bills.
| BTU | AFUE | Gas Furnace Prices |
|---|---|---|
| 44,000 | 95 | $900 to $1,300 |
| 60,000 | 96 | $2,100 to $2,900 |
| 66,000 | 95 | $900 to $1,300 |
| 80,000 | 96 | $2,400 to $3,000 |
| 88,000 | 95 | $1,100 to $1,500 |
| 100,000 | 95 | $2,700 to $3,300 |
| 110,000 | 95 | $1,300 to $1,700 |
NOTE: This is the price range for the furnace only. This won’t include installation prices. It’s safe to add at least $1,000 to $2,000 on top of the prices above to factor in installation.
Top brands to consider (and the costs installed)
| Brand | Standard Price (installed) | High Efficiency (installed) |
|---|---|---|
| Amana | $3,000 to $6,000 | $5,000 to $7,500 |
| American Standard | $2,000 to $10,000 | $3,000 to $13,000 |
| Bryant | $3,000 to $10,000 | $4,000 to $13,500 |
| Carrier | $2,000 to $10,000 | $5,000 to $13,500 (the Carrier Infinity 96, for instance, retails for $2,000) |
| Goodman | $3,000 to $6,000 | $5,000 to $9,500 |
| Heil | $3,000 to $6,000 | $5,000 to $9,500 |
| Lennox | $3,000 to $6,000 | $5,000 to $9,500 (the ML195 and EL195E, for example, retails for $1,600) |
| Nordyne | $2,500 to $6,000 | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Payne | $3,000 to $6,000 | $5,000 to $9,500 |
| Rheem | $1,000 to $3,000 | $4,000 to $7,500 |
| Rudd | $3,500 to $6,000 | $5,000 to $12,500 |
| Trane | $2,000 to $4,000 | $4,000 to $13,000 (the xc95m, for example, retails for $2,600 to $3,400) |
| York | $2,000 to $4,000 | $4,000 to $13,000 |
What are the extra costs?
Homes that have never had any gas furnace will need new ductwork installed. The cost of new ductwork can cost $7 to $13 per linear foot and this will depend on the local hourly rates, the material being used and the complexity of the job. Even if your home has the necessary ductwork, most professionals will want to inspect it to make sure no leaks are present. If there are leaks, they will recommend replacing the ducts to increase the efficiency. Leaks, if found, can lead to up to a 30% reduction in heat coming from your furnace.
Permits and/or inspections may be required, depending on your local city laws. These permits will relatively inexpensive and will cost less than $150.
Even if you purchased your own furnace, installation costs can range anywhere from $2,000 to more than $7,000. This will all depend on the complexity of the job, the contractor you choose and the geographical location.
Adding a humidifier can be an additional $500 to $800. An air purifer system can cost as much as $1,500.
Converting an older oil burning furnace to a gas-based can cost $1,000 to $6,000 more. This can depend on the local regulations and the location of the tank.
Factor in basic maintenance in the future such as replacing the filters, keeping the blower motor clean and annual inspections. Repairs can often occur such as replacing the heat exchanger, thermocouple or fixing the pilot light assembly. Refer to our repair rate table below to see what a common repair may cost.
| Part/s | Cost (professionally installed) |
|---|---|
| Draft Inducer Motor | $400 to $900 |
| Electrical Breaker | $60 to $300 |
| Electronic Pilot | $100 to $250 |
| Electronic Thermostat | $50 to $250 |
| Gas Burner | $150 to $550 |
| Gas Shut Off Valve | $200 to $350 |
| Heat Exchanger | $900 to $1,500 |
| Hot Surface Ignitor | $100 to $300 |
| Mechanical Thermostat | $100 to $400 |
| PSC Blower Motor | $400 to $800 |
| Safety Limit Switch | $100 to $300 |
| Service Call Only | $60 to $170 |
| Standard Blower Motor | $400 to $700 |
| Thermocouple | $100 to $300 |
Gas furnace overview
Common gas furnace features can include variable speed blowers, special variable heat output, HEPA air filtration, dual heat exchangers, a non-pilot ignition system and zoned heating options.
The average furnace will last 15 to 20 years if maintained properly.
Replacing a furnace will take about a day to replace, depending on the existing lines and the location of the unit.
Tips to know
Lower efficient furnaces may be cheaper, but keep in mind it will come at a price since most won’t carry extensive warranties.
FamilyHandman.com notes you should try to pick a furnace with a 92 percent efficiency rating. The higher the efficiency is, the more complex the system can get, leading to costly repairs in the future. A high efficient furnace is recommended for those who live in colder climates and if you feel you’re going to stay in your home for more than 10 years.
How can I save money?
Choose a furnace that has a high-efficiency rating. A high-efficiency rating ensures that you will have a lower monthly electric bill and will save you money in the long run.
Choose a furnace that has the right energy output for your house. If you have a small to moderate sized house, you don’t need a furnace that has high energy output. At the same time, you would not want to buy a gas furnace that has a low energy output if you have a larger house. A system that is too weak or too powerful won’t run as it should and could make the home uncomfortable.
Get quotes from at least three different companies/installers. When receiving the quote, check with the Better Business Bureau and personal references. If you don’t want to bother calling people over the phone, consider having quotes delivered to your inbox for free by using HomeAdvisor.com. Never go with the lowest bidder, however. A good estimate will include a well written contract with an outline and will tell you exactly what you’re getting. If you’re getting a brand you have never heard of before, then you may want to do your own fact checking.
Purchasing a highly efficient furnace may qualify you for incentives or tax credits. Check with your local city or state to see if you qualify for any.
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