Ashburn, VA

Ashburn, VA

How much does an electric furnace cost?

$1,900 –$5,600Average cost to replace

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

$1,900 –$5,600Average cost to replace

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
Written by
Sarah Noel
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa

Electric furnace cost

A new electric furnace costs $1,900 to$5,600 to install or replace. New electric furnace prices are $1,000 to$3,500 on average for the unit and parts, plus $800 to$2,500 for installation labor. Operating costs to run an electric furnace are $130 to$180 per month.

Electric furnace cost
Home size (square feet) Unit cost Total replacement cost
1,300 – 1,600 $700 –$2,400 $1,700 –$5,100
1,600 – 1,900 $800 –$2,600 $1,800 –$5,300
1,900 – 2,200 $1,000 –$2,800 $2,000 –$5,500
2,200 – 2,600 $1,200 –$3,500 $2,200 –$6,200
2,600 – 3,200 $1,300 –$4,500 $2,300 –$7,200

*Not including permits.

• Electric furnaces are ideal for small spaces without external air ducts, warmer climates that need less heating, or homeowners without access to natural gas.

• An electric furnace lasts 20 to 30 years—5 years longer than gas systems.

• Electric furnaces cost less to replace than gas furnaces, but cost 2 to 4 times as much to run.

• All electric forced-air furnaces for a house are high-efficiency with an AFUE rating of 100.

• Compare new furnace costs for all fuel types, including gas, oil, and propane.

Average electric furnace cost

The following table shows the average cost to replace a residential electric furnace, including the unit and labor.

What size electric furnace do I need?

The right electric furnace size is 20 to 60 BTUs per square foot, depending on the climate zone. An average 1,900- to 2,600-square-foot home needs a 45,000- to 100,000-BTU electric furnace. The home’s size, climate, and level of insulation determine the furnace size needed.

Electric furnace size calculator
Home size (square foot) BTU output needed
1,300 – 1,600 30,000 – 65,000
1,600 – 1,900 40,000 – 75,000
1,900 – 2,200 45,000 – 90,000
2,200 – 2,600 55,000 – 100,000
2,600 – 3,200 65,000 – 130,000

*Based on 25 to 40 BTUs per square foot. Extreme winter zones need bigger sizes.

Electric furnace FAQs

How does an electric furnace work?

An electric furnace works by using coiled heating elements to warm up air before blowing the hot air through the home’s air vents. Electric furnaces run on any electrical power source, including solar power. Some units also connect to electric heat pumps for more home energy efficiency.

1. The furnace pulls in cold air through attached and filtered air ducts.

2. The blower-motor fan sends air up through heating-element coils to heat the air.

3. Fans force heated air up through the outflow chamber connected to air ducts.

4. The ductwork system directs the heated air throughout the home.

How long does an electric furnace last?

An electric furnace lasts 20 to 30 years, depending on the model, climate, and usage frequency. In comparison, gas furnaces last 15 to 25 years. Investing in a high-quality brand, professional installation, and annual maintenance ensures a longer lifespan.

How efficient are electric furnaces?

New electric furnaces are 100% efficient with an AFUE rating of 100. In comparison, gas furnaces are between 80% and 98% efficient. Electric furnaces are cheaper and easier to install than gas furnaces, but electricity costs may be double natural gas in most regions.

Tips for maintaining heat efficiency:

• Keep the filters clean.

• Seal all ductwork properly.

• Use a programmable thermostat.

• Plan regular maintenance and checkups.

Hiring an HVAC contractor

Hiring a licensed HVAC professional is essential for their training in electrical work, sheet-metal modifications, and plumbing to guarantee a safe install. DIY furnace installations are illegal in most places and highly dangerous.

• Look for HVAC installers certified by a North American Technician Excellence (NATE) organization like the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

• Select licensed, insured, and bonded HVAC contractors experienced with installing electric furnaces.

• Collect copies of all paperwork: estimate details, heating-load calculations, project plans, billed orders, permits, warranties, and work contracts.

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

• Compare three itemized quotes from different companies. Beware of the cheapest bids that often mean lower-quality work.

• Settle on a total project cost before signing contracts.

• Plan a payment schedule instead of making complete payments up front.

Questions to ask the HVAC installer

• How many electric furnaces have you installed in this area?

• Can you list references from your past electric furnace installations?

• Are all labor and materials fees listed in this estimate?

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

• Can you recommend any specific electric furnaces that qualify for a local rebate?

• Will you inspect my electrical connections and ductwork before the installation?

• Is my existing ductwork in good condition for connecting to a new furnace?

• What type of furnace and home modifications can lower my utility bills?

• Can you give me an ongoing service plan for this new furnace system?

• What warranties do you offer?

• Will you provide extra sealing on my ductwork?

• How long will the installation take?

• Can you show me plans for new modifications and where the new furnace will go?

• Will my contract guarantee that I get an electric furnace with the exact make, model number, and energy rating I ordered?

• Do you offer financing plans?

• Will you pull all the permits?

• Do you have Wi-Fi-enabled units to monitor my HVAC system?

• Will you remove all debris after installation, and does this cost extra?

• What’s your response time if extreme weather conditions occur?

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