How much does a new furnace cost to replace?
Columbus, OH

How much does a new furnace cost to replace?

Columbus, OH

How much does a new furnace cost to replace?

$2,000 – $5,400average furnace replacement cost
$3,300 – $10,000high-efficiency furnace installed cost

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$2,000 – $5,400 average furnace replacement cost

$3,300 – $10,000 high-efficiency furnace installed cost


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Sarah Noel
Written by
Sarah Noel
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Furnace replacement cost

Furnace replacement costs $2,000 to $5,400 on average, depending on the system size, fuel type, efficiency, and brand. New furnace prices are $700 to $2,800 for the heating system, plus $900 to $3,000 for the installation labor. Installing a new furnace and ductwork costs $3,400 to $11,000.

Furnace replacement cost - chart
Furnace replacement cost - chart
Furnace replacement cost
Type Average cost to replace
Gas furnace $2,000 – $5,200
Electric furnace $1,900 – $5,600
Oil furnace $2,500 – $6,000
Propane furnace $2,200 – $5,700
Heat pump $3,800 – $8,200
Geothermal heat pump $15,000 – $35,000
Coal furnace $4,500 – $10,000
Mobile home furnace $950 – $4,500

  • Most furnaces last 15 to 30 years.

  • Gas furnaces are most common and have the lowest operating costs for homeowners.

  • High-efficiency furnaces cost 30% to 100% more, but save $100 to $200 per year on energy bills.

Get free estimates from furnace replacement & installers near you.

Average new furnace cost

The following table shows the average cost to install a new furnace, including the unit and labor.

Average new furnace cost - chart
Average new furnace cost - chart
New furnace cost
National average cost $3,700
Minimum cost $1,000
Maximum cost $12,000
Average range $2,000 to $5,400

*Based on research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Average cost to replace furnace by type

The average cost to replace a furnace is $2,000 to $5,400 for gas, electric, propane, and oil systems. A mobile home furnace replacement costs $950 to $4,500.

Average cost to replace furnace by home size
Home size (SF) Gas / propane Electric Oil
1,300 – 1,600 $1,800 – $5,700 $1,700 – $5,100 $2,400 – $5,600
1,600 – 1,900 $1,850 – $5,900 $1,800 – $5,300 $2,500 – $5,700
1,900 – 2,200 $1,900 – $6,000 $2,000 – $5,500 $2,600 – $5,800
2,200 – 2,600 $2,000 – $6,200 $2,200 – $6,200 $2,700 – $6,000
2,600 – 3,200 $2,100 – $6,300 $2,300 – $7,200 $3,000 – $7,000

Gas furnace replacement cost

gas furnace replacement costs $2,000 to $5,200, depending on the size and brand. High-efficiency gas furnaces cost 30% to 50% more, but save $100 to $200 per year on utility bills. Natural gas furnaces are ideal in most climates, have the lowest operating costs, and last 15 to 25 years.

Gas furnace cost to replace - chart
Gas furnace cost to replace - chart
Gas furnace replacement cost
Brand Unit cost Total cost installed*
AirQuest $650 – $2,500 $1,850 – $5,500
American Standard $850 – $3,000 $2,050 – $6,000
Blueridge $600 – $2,000 $1,800 – $5,000
Bryant $800 – $3,400 $2,000 – $6,400
Carrier $1,000 – $2,800 $2,200 – $5,800
Century $1,000 – $1,500 $2,200 – $4,500
Direct Comfort $600 – $2,500 $1,800 – $5,500
Goodman $600 – $3,200 $1,800 – $6,200
Lennox $1,400 – $7,500 $2,600 – $10,500
MRCOOL $800 – $1,500 $2,000 – $4,500
Rheem / Ruud $800 – $3,900 $2,000 – $6,900
Royalton $1,300 – $3,200 $2,500 – $6,200
Trane $1,200 – $3,000 $2,400 – $6,000
Winchester $1,200 – $3,400 $2,400 – $6,400
York $800 – $2,000 $2,000 – $5,000

*Prices exclude new gas lines.

Natural gas furnace pros and cons
Pros Cons
  • Lowest operating costs
  • Heats up quickly
  • Pairs easily with AC or heat pump
  • Ideal for most climates
  • Natural gas is widely available
  • Requires a gas line, ductwork, venting, & carbon monoxide detector
  • Gas-leak safety hazards
  • Requires regular maintenance

Electric furnace replacement cost

An electric furnace replacement costs $1,900 to $5,600, depending on the size, brand, and installation complexity. Electric furnaces are most common in warmer climates and last 20 to 30 years but cost 3 to 4 times more to operate than natural gas.

Average electric furnace cost - chart
Average electric furnace cost - chart
Electric furnace replacement cost
Brand Unit cost Total cost installed
Goodman $700 – $900 $1,700 – $3,600
Direct Comfort $650 – $850 $1,650 – $3,550
King Electric $1,400 – $5,600 $2,400 – $8,300
Stelpro $1,100 – $2,300 $2,100 – $5,000
Winchester $1,100 – $1,600 $2,100 – $4,300

Electric furnace pros and cons
Pros Cons
  • Low installation costs
  • Energy-efficiency of 100%
  • Doesn’t produce carbon monoxide
  • Low maintenance & easy operation
  • Fits in mobile homes & small spaces
  • No gas lines, fuel tanks, or venting necessary
  • Costs 3 to 4 times more to operate than natural gas.
  • Produces dry air that can aggravate allergies
  • System failure in power outages

Oil furnace replacement cost

Oil furnace replacement costs $2,500 to $6,000, depending on the size, brand, and efficiency. Oil furnaces are common in remote areas or colder climates like the Northeastern U.S. and last 15 to 25 years.

Oil furnace replacement cost - chart
Oil furnace replacement cost - chart
Oil furnace replacement cost
Brand Unit cost* Total cost installed*
Adams $3,100 – $10,000 $4,100 – $13,000
American Standard $1,200 – $2,000 $2,200 – $5,000
Armstrong Air $1,200 – $4,300 $2,200 – $7,300
Bryant $1,500 – $3,900 $2,500 – $6,900
Blueridge $1,500 – $2,000 $2,500 – $5,000
Carrier $1,800 – $2,600 $2,800 – $5,600
Century / Mars $2,000 – $4,000 $3,000 – $7,000
Comfort-Aire $1,700 – $3,000 $2,700 – $6,000
Crown Boiler $1,900 – $3,100 $2,900 – $6,100
Ducane $1,400 – $3,700 $2,400 – $6,700
Granby $1,800 – $3,400 $2,800 – $6,400
Heil QuietComfort $1,700 – $2,200 $2,700 – $5,200
Kerr $3,300 – $5,000 $4,300 – $8,000
Lennox $1,900 – $3,200 $2,900 – $6,200
Miller / Nortek $1,900 – $4,200 $2,900 – $7,200
Olsen $1,700 – $3,700 $2,700 – $6,700
Regal / Regal Star $1,800 – $3,000 $2,800 – $6,000
Rheem / Ruud $1,400 – $4,000 $2,400 – $7,000
Thermo Pride $2,300 – $3,200 $3,300 – $6,200
Trane $1,400 – $3,000 $2,400 – $6,000
Williamson-Thermoflo $1,700 – $3,500 $2,700 – $6,500

*Not including oil tank. High-efficiency systems cost up to 100% more.

Oil furnace pros and cons
Pros Cons
  • Produces more heat per BTU than natural gas
  • No smoke, soot, or odors when maintained
  • Non-toxic, non-explosive, and biodegradable fuel
  • Outlasts gas furnaces
  • Lower efficiency, higher fuel prices, and noisier than gas
  • Added oil-tank expenses and refills
  • Regular oil filter & chimney cleaning
  • Needs additives in freezing temperatures
  • Leaks from old oil tanks

Propane furnace replacement cost

propane furnace costs $2,200 to $5,700 with installation, depending on the brand, size, and efficiency rating. Propane furnaces are common in rural areas and last 15 to 20 years.

Propane furnace cost - chart
Propane furnace cost - chart
  • A new propane tank costs $1,700 to $4,300 to install, while renting a tank costs $50 to $200 per year.

  • A gas to propane furnace conversion kit costs $150 to $500.

Propane furnace replacement cost
Brand Unit cost* Total cost installed*
AirQuest $650 – $2,500 $2,050 – $6,000
American Standard $850 – $3,000 $2,250 – $6,500
Blueridge $600 – $2,000 $2,000 – $5,500
Bryant $800 – $3,400 $2,200 – $6,900
Carrier $1,000 – $2,800 $2,400 – $6,300
Century $1,000 – $1,500 $2,400 – $5,000
Direct Comfort $600 – $2,500 $2,000 – $6,000
Goodman $600 – $3,200 $2,000 – $6,700
Lennox $1,400 – $7,500 $2,800 – $11,000
MRCOOL $800 – $1,500 $2,200 – $5,000
Rheem / Ruud $800 – $3,900 $2,200 – $7,400
Royalton $1,300 – $3,200 $2,700 – $6,700
Trane $1,200 – $3,000 $2,600 – $6,500
Winchester $1,200 – $3,400 $2,600 – $6,900
York $800 – $2,000 $2,200 – $5,500

*Not including propane tank. High-efficiency units cost 50% more but use 10% less propane.

Propane furnace pros and cons
Pros Cons
  • Non-toxic fuel
  • Contains twice the energy (BTU) of natural gas.
  • Low-maintenance & long-lasting
  • Powers many home appliances
  • Produces less BTUs of heat than oil
  • Tanks require regular inspections
  • High flammability
  • Requires a large external tank
  • Propane energy costs 2 to 3 times more to operate than natural gas

Solar and geothermal heater costs

Solar and geothermal heating systems cost $10,000 to $35,000 installed, depending on the type. Eco-friendly heating furnaces cost more up front, but have lower operating costs, last 10 to 50 years, and qualify for larger tax credits.

  • Air-source heat pump prices are $3,800 to $8,200 installed and use 50% less energy than most electric furnaces.

  • Geothermal heat pumps cost $15,000 to $35,000 installed. Geothermal systems cost 25% to 65% less to run than conventional heat pumps and last twice as long.

  • Solar panels cost $10,600 to $26,500 to power an entire home and electric heater. Solar thermal collectors for heating only cost $2,000 to $6,000.

  • Optional LEED certification costs $3,000 to $4,000 to earn more tax credits and increase the property value.

Pros and cons of renewable-energy heating systems
Pros Cons
  • Higher system efficiency
  • Long-term energy savings
  • Eco-friendly
  • Compatible with an independent home power supply
  • High upfront costs
  • Expensive maintenance

Coal furnace cost

Replacing a coal furnace costs $4,500 to $10,000. Coal costs $100 to $270 per ton, which is the cheapest fuel source available. Coal furnaces work completely off the grid, but require the most maintenance and are the least environmentally friendly.

Coal furnace pros and cons
Pros Cons
  • High energy efficiency
  • Most affordable fuel source and is readily available
  • Easy to operate
  • Non-renewable energy and eco-unfriendly
  • Requires the most maintenance
  • Coal ash erodes pipes & steel
  • Produces the most carbon emissions

Alternative fuel sources include:

  • Wood stove installation costs $1,200 to $4,500. A wood stove warms the home quickly, and is cheaper than electricity, oil, or propane.

  • Pellet stoves cost $1,500 to $3,000 installed.

New furnace installation costs

The cost to install a new furnace depends on the heater's energy efficiency and size in BTUs, the size of your home, ductwork modifications, labor, permits, and installation complexity.

New furnace installation costs - ductwork & AC - chart
New furnace installation costs - ductwork & AC - chart
New furnace installation costs
Service Average cost*
Installation labor $600 – $3,100
New duct installation $2,400 – $6,600
Duct replacement $1,400 – $5,600
Cleaning ducts $300 – $700
Duct repair $200 – $700
Ductwork sealing $400 – $2,700
Asbestos inspections / testing $250 – $700
Asbestos abatement $700 – $2,200
Home-energy audit $200 – $500
Remove old furnace $150 – $400
New gas line $500 – $2,000
Oil or propane tank replacement $1,600 – $4,300
Permits & fees $250 – $1,500
Utility-closet framing $500 – $2,000
Basic electrical work $100 – $250
Install chimney liner $900 – $3,800
Install condensation drain $200 – $600
Thermostat replacement $140 – $350
HVAC zoning system $1,700 – $4,500
Drywall repair $150 – $325

*Many costs are optional or not required for every installation.

Labor cost to install a furnace

The labor cost to install a furnace is $600 to $3,100, depending on the system type, efficiency rating, and job complexity. Furnace installers charge $70 to $100 per hour, plus $30 to $50 hourly per assistant. A furnace takes 4 to 18 hours to install.

Labor cost to install a furnace
Type Average labor cost
Gas furnace $900 – $3,000
Electric furnace $600 – $2,500
Propane furnace $1,000 – $3,100
Oil furnace $1,000 – $3,000

*Labor only.

Contractor installing a new furnace in home
Contractor installing a new furnace in home

Cost for new furnace and ductwork

Installing a new furnace and ductwork costs $3,400 to $11,000Air duct replacement cost alone is $1,400 to $5,600 on average.

Extra charges may include:

  • Air duct cleaning costs $200 to $1,000 total or $25 to $50 per vent.

  • Duct repair costs $200 to $700 on average.

  • Ductwork sealing costs $400 to $2,700 and improves energy efficiency.

  • Asbestos duct abatement adds $700 to $2,200 to a standard duct replacement and may affect homes built before 1978.

  • A home energy audit costs $200 to $500 to check for duct leaks and airflow optimizations.

New furnace and AC cost

Replacing a new furnace and AC costs $5,000 to $11,000, depending on the HVAC system type, brand, SEER rating, and home size.

New furnace installation cost by BTU

The following table shows new furnace installation costs by BTU size.

New furnace installation cost by BTU
Furnace size (BTU) Gas / propane* Electric Oil*
30,000 -- $1,700 – $4,500 --
40,000 $1,800 – $5,200 $1,800 – $4,700 --
50,000 $1,850 – $5,300 $2,000 – $4,900 --
60,000 $1,900 – $5,400 $2,200 – $5,100 $2,200 – $5,400
70,000 $2,000 – $5,500 $2,300 – $5,300 $2,300 – $5,500
80,000 $2,100 – $5,700 $2,600 – $5,500 $2,400 – $5,600
90,000 $2,200 – $5,900 $2,700 – $5,800 $2,500 – $5,700
100,000 $2,300 – $6,000 $2,800 – $6,200 $2,600 – $5,800
120,000 $2,400 – $6,200 $3,500 – $7,200 $2,700 – $6,000
140,000 $2,500 – $6,300 -- $2,800 – $6,700
150,000 -- -- $3,000 – $7,000

*Not including propane tank or oil tank.

Residential furnace installation cost by location

The following table shows home furnace costs by location.

Home furnace replacement cost by location
Location Average replacement cost*
Atlanta, GA $2,250 – $6,000
Boston, MA $2,750 – $7,400
Chicago, IL $2,300 – $6,200
Columbus, OH $2,100 – $5,650
Denver, CO $2,150 – $5,850
Detroit, MI $2,140 – $5,800
Houston, TX $2,500 – $6,800
Honolulu, HI $2,450 – $6,600
Indianapolis, IN $2,080 – $5,600
Jacksonville, FL $2,000 – $5,350
Los Angeles, CA $2,150 – $5,850
Minneapolis, MN $2,250 – $6,100
Nashville, TN $2,050 – $5,500
New York, NY $2,600 – $7,100
Philadelphia, PA $2,200 – $6,000
Phoenix, AZ $2,050 – $5,550
Portland, OR $2,200 – $5,950
Seattle, WA $2,200 – $6,000
Tulsa, OK $2,000 – $5,400
Washington, DC $2,250 – $6,000

*Total installation costs.

Furnace removal cost

Furnace removal and disposal costs $150 to $400, depending on the complexity, dumping fees, and distance to the dumpsite. Contractors typically include removal and disposal fees in their furnace replacement estimate.

Furnace permit cost

Furnace inspections and permits cost $250 to $1,500, depending on the furnace size, fuel source, location, and job type. Replacing a furnace without a permit is illegal. Installers should pull the permits.

furnace inspection alone costs $70 to $130.

Additional costs may include:

Get free estimates from furnace replacement & installers near you.
  • Electrical permits cost $50 to $350 for upgrading wiring in older homes.

  • Gas line permits cost $50 to $200 for connecting to existing or installing new gas lines.

  • New propane tank and line permits cost $25 to $200.

Furnace prices

New furnace prices for a house are $700 to $8,000 without installation, depending on the brand, fuel source, efficiency rating (AFUE), features, and size in BTUs.

Furnace prices by fuel source - unit only
Furnace prices by fuel source - unit only
Furnace prices by type
Type Furnace unit cost*
Gas / Propane furnace $800 – $2,700
Electric furnace $700 – $2,600
Oil furnace $1,400 – $2,800
Geothermal system $2,500 – $8,000
Solar water-heating $2,000 – $6,000
Coal furnace $2,000 – $7,500
High-intensity infrared heater $400 – $1,900

*Prices excluding installation and fuel-supply connections.

High-efficiency furnace cost

A high-efficiency furnace costs $1,000 to $5,000 for the unit alone, or 50% to 100% more than a standard-efficiency model, depending on the size, fuel type, and AFUE rating. In comparison, a standard 80% energy-efficient furnace (80-AFUE) costs $600 to $3,600. A higher AFUE lowers fuel costs.

High-efficiency furnace cost
Fuel type Efficiency AFUE rating Unit cost*
Natural gas / propane Standard 80% – 89% $600 – $1,900
High 90% – 99% $900 – $3,300
Heating oil Standard 80% – 87% $1,200 – $4,000
High 90% – 97% $3,000 – $10,000
Electric High 100% $700 – $2,600

*Not including installation.

  • The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating measures the energy efficiency of furnaces. A 95-AFUE furnace turns 95% of its fuel into heat.

  • High-efficiency furnaces are eligible for an Energy Star tax credit of up to $300 and other local rebates and tax incentives.

Blower-speed options and efficiency

  • Single-stage blowers can only operate at full power, use the most electricity, and are the cheapest furnaces.

  • Two-stage or multi-speed blowers have low- and high-heat settings, reducing energy costs.

  • Variable-speed or modulating blowers run at many different speeds for precise temperature control. Variable-speed blowers are the most energy-efficient but cost the most.

Attic vs. crawl space furnace prices

Furnace prices are the same for crawl spaces and attics, but additional installation costs may apply. Modern multi-positional furnaces work with upflow, downflow, or horizontal vents in both areas.

Attic vs. crawl space furnace
Attic Crawl space
  • Downflow or horizontal systems
  • Easy to connect to ducts
  • Less efficiency
  • Dry space best for humid climates
  • Creates duct overheating
  • Insulation & ventilation needed
  • Upflow systems
  • Higher efficiency
  • Better for cold climates
  • Requires encapsulation
  • Condensation issues without stable crawl space temperatures
  • More ventilation needed to prevent radon

Additional costs may include:

Mobile home furnace prices

Mobile home furnace replacement costs $950 to $4,500, depending on the brand, size, type, and quality. Mobile home furnace prices are $450 to $2,500 for the unit alone. Most mobile homes use 35,000- to 70,000-BTU furnaces.

Mobile home furnace prices - chart
Mobile home furnace prices - chart
Mobile home furnace cost
Type Furnace unit cost Total cost installed
Gas furnace $900 – $2,500 $1,600 – $4,500
Electric furnace $450 – $1,500 $950 – $3,000

Furnace conversion installation costs

Converting a furnace to a new fuel source costs $2,000 to $10,000 on average. Natural gas and propane systems can use the same furnace. All other conversions require replacing the furnace.

Cost to convert a furnace
Conversion type Average cost*
Oil to gas $2,200 – $8,800
Electric to gas $1,800 – $5,300
Propane to gas $650 – $1,500
Gas to electric $2,900 – $9,500
Oil to electric $3,300 – $13,000
Propane to oil $4,600 – $10,700
Gas to propane (buying tank) $1,900 – $4,900
Gas to propane (leasing tank) $275 – $800
Electric to propane (leasing tank) $2,000 – $5,700
Electric to propane (buying tank) $3,700 – $9,800
Oil to propane (leasing tank) $2,400 – $9,200
Oil to propane (buying tank) $4,000 – $13,300
Boiler to furnace $10,000 – $30,000

*Prices exclude new gas lines and piping extensions.

Additional costs may include:

  • Duct installation costs $1,400 to $5,600 to replace old faulty ductwork or match new vent connections.

  • Gas line installation costs $500 to $2,000, while capping a gas line costs $75 to $150.

  • Electric panel upgrades cost $1,300 to $2,500.

  • Replacing a circuit breaker costs $150 to $200.

  • The cost to rewire an older house is $5 to $17 per square foot or $10,000 to $30,000 for the whole house to bring electrical wiring up to code.

  • Removing an oil or propane tank costs $400 to $3,400 and is mandatory by most building codes. Rented tanks may qualify for free removal.

  • Adding a condensation drain costs $200 to $600 for high-efficiency models.

Cost to replace a boiler with a furnace

Get free estimates from furnace replacement & installers near you.

Replacing a boiler with a furnace costs $10,000 to $30,000 on average. Replacement includes removing the old boiler, radiators, and piping, installing a new furnace and ducts, and refinishing the walls and floors.

In comparison, boiler replacement costs $2,200 to $7,000.

What size furnace do I need?

Furnace sizes are measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Most homes need 25 to 50 BTUs per square foot, depending on the climate zone, heating needs, and furnace efficiency (AFUE rating). Average homes from 1,600 to 2,600 square feet need a 40,000- to 130,000-BTU furnace.

Furnace size calculator
Home size (square feet) BTU output needed*
1,200 – 1,600 30,000 – 80,000
1,600 – 1,900 40,000 – 95,000
1,900 – 2,200 45,000 – 110,000
2,200 – 2,600 55,000 – 130,000
2,600 – 2,800 65,000 – 140,000

*Based on 25 to 50 BTUs of heating per square foot.

Furnace size calculator - heating climate zones
Furnace size calculator - heating climate zones

Furnace replacement FAQs

When should you replace a furnace?

Replace a furnace when the current unit is more than 15 years old and requires frequent fixing, or when repairs cost more than half the replacement cost.

Signs a furnace should be replaced:

  • Energy bills are increasing.

  • Rooms heat unevenly.

  • Fuel lines rust or system chamber cracks.

  • The thermostat malfunctions.

  • The furnace cycles on and off frequently or makes loud noises.

  • Dust or soot buildup appears.

  • Interior air smells like a gas leak.

  • The gas-furnace flame is yellow instead of blue.

How long does it take to replace a furnace?

Replacing or installing a new furnace takes 4 to 18 hours, depending on the fuel type, size, and job complexity. Extra time applies for modifying ductwork, electrical, or gas lines, adding vents or zoning, or retrofitting a larger furnace.

Furnace installation time
Job type Labor (hours)
New furnace installation 4 – 12
Furnace replacement 5 – 18

How long does a furnace last?

A furnace lasts 15 to 30 years, depending on the fuel type, brand, usage, and maintenance frequency. Electric furnaces typically outlast gas, propane, and oil furnaces by 5 to 10 years.

Average furnace lifespan
Type Lifespan (years)
Gas furnace 15 – 25
Oil furnace 15 – 25
Electric furnace 20 – 30
Propane furnace 15 – 20

How much does it cost to relocate a furnace?

Relocating a furnace costs $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the home structure, type of furnace, and moving distance.

  • Moving a furnace a few feet is the cheapest and includes minor duct and electrical work.

  • Relocating a furnace to another area costs the most and requires new ducts, drywall, electrical work, and gas lines.

How long do furnace warranties last?

Furnace manufacturers' warranties are typically 5 to 12 years for the main components and 20 years for the heat exchanger.

  • Most brands offer optional extended warranties.

  • Contractors often include a 1-year labor warranty.

How much does it cost to run a furnace?

A natural gas furnace costs $400 to $700 per year to run on average, while electric furnaces cost $1,600 to $2,200 annually to operate.

Operating cost to run a furnace - chart
Operating cost to run a furnace - chart
Cost to run a furnace
Fuel type Average cost per month Average cost per year
Natural gas $35 – $60 $400 – $700
Electric $130 – $180 $1,600 – $2,200
Oil $80 – $145 $1,000 – $1,750
Propane $90 – $200 $1,000 – $2,500

Getting home-furnace estimates and replacement quotes

Furnace quotes are typically free. When getting furnace estimates, use this checklist:

  • Compare at least three different estimates from experienced installers.

  • Choose HVAC professionals with certifications from:

  • Avoid choosing the lowest bids that signal low-quality work.

  • Select licensed, insured, and bonded HVAC contractors.

  • Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

  • Request copies of estimates, plan diagrams, heating-load calculations, equipment orders, permits, warranties, and contracts.

  • Verify the estimates include material, labor, equipment costs, and the installation schedule.

  • Set up a payment schedule. Never pay in full up front.

  • Ask the questions below before signing a contract.

Questions to ask

  • How many furnaces have you installed?

  • Can you provide references from past jobs?

  • What’s the efficiency rating of this furnace? Do you recommend high-efficiency systems?

  • Does this furnace qualify for tax credits or rebates?

  • Is this furnace compatible with my existing ductwork, wiring, and thermostat?

  • Do you have a warranty for repairs?

  • Do you offer a maintenance plan?

  • Will you use the Manual J load calculation to size my new furnace?

  • How much are permits and inspections?

  • Are all labor, materials, old furnace disposal, and cleanup fees included in this estimate? What other costs apply?

  • Will I need electrical or gas line work?

  • Do you subcontract the electrical work?

  • Do you test my ducts for leaks?

  • How long will the installation take?

  • Do you offer financing?

  • What’s your payment timeline?

  • Do you follow all building code requirements?

  • Do I need a backup heater for this system?