How much does an electric furnace cost?
How much does an electric furnace cost?
$1,900 – $5,600 Average cost to replace
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.
| 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.
| National average cost | $3,750 |
| Minimum cost | $1,600 |
| Maximum cost | $8,000 |
| Average range | $1,900 to $5,600 |
*Based on research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
New electric furnace installation cost vs. replacement
Replacing an existing furnace costs $1,950 to $7,500 total, depending on the size and brand of the unit, install complexity, modifications, permits, and labor. Furnace installations requiring new ductwork or electrical upgrades cost $1,500 to $6,000 more.
| Factor | New installation | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| New furnace unit | $700 – $2,600 | $700 – $2,600 |
| Labor | $600 – $2,300 | $750 – $2,500 |
| Supplies and materials | $150 – $200 | $150 – $200 |
| Duct installation or repair | $2,400 – $6,600 | $0 – $700 |
| Permits and fees | $250 – $1,500 | $250 – $1,500 |
| Average total | $4,100 – $13,200 | $1,950 – $7,500 |
*The replacement labor cost includes removing the old furnace.
Other potential costs include:
Drywall repair costs $100 to $400+.
Electrical upgrades cost $250 to $2,500, for a new panel or circuit breaker.
Framing in a utility closet to house the furnace costs $500 to $2,000.
Electric furnace labor costs
Installation labor for an electric furnace costs $750 to $2,500 for replacements or $600 to $2,300 for new installs
Furnace technicians charge $75 to $150 per hour, plus $30 to $50 hourly per assistant. A furnace takes 5 to 18 hours to install or replace.
| Job type | Labor (hours)* | Labor cost |
|---|---|---|
| New installation | 5 – 10 | $600 – $2,300 |
| Replacement | 8 – 18 | $750 – $2,500 |
*Estimated labor hours do not include installing new ductwork.
New electric furnace installations take 5 to 10 hours, depending on the job complexity.
Electric furnace replacements take 8 to 18 hours due to the additional work of removing the old unit and other modifications for the new furnace to fit.
Retrofitting a new electric furnace into a home without existing air ducts costs more in labor for new ducts, electrical upgrades, and other modifications.
Labor costs increase for work in areas that are difficult to access.
Electric furnace prices
Electric furnace prices for a home are $650 to $5,600 for the unit alone, depending on the brand, size in BTUs, and features. Mobile home electric furnaces cost $450 to $1,500 without installation.
Home electric furnace cost by BTU
A 70,000-BTU electric furnace for a 2,000-square-foot home costs $2,300 to $5,300 installed. Most residential electric furnaces sizes are 20,000 to 120,000 BTUs. Manual J load calculations help installers select the right furnace size for your home.
| Furnace size (BTU) | Unit cost | Total replacement cost |
|---|---|---|
| 20,000 | $650 – $1,500 | $1,650 – $4,200 |
| 30,000 | $700 – $1,800 | $1,700 – $4,500 |
| 40,000 | $800 – $2,000 | $1,800 – $4,700 |
| 50,000 | $1,000 – $2,200 | $2,000 – $4,900 |
| 60,000 | $1,200 – $2,400 | $2,200 – $5,100 |
| 70,000 | $1,300 – $2,600 | $2,300 – $5,300 |
| 80,000 | $1,600 – $2,800 | $2,600 – $5,500 |
| 90,000 | $1,700 – $3,100 | $2,700 – $5,800 |
| 100,000 | $1,800 – $3,500 | $2,800 – $6,200 |
| 120,000 | $2,500 – $4,500 | $3,500 – $7,200 |
British Thermal Units (BTU) measures the amount of heat output. A 100,000 BTU furnace with 90% efficiency only produces 90,000 BTUs of heating.
Best electric furnace brands and prices
The best electric furnace brands are King Electric, Stelpro, and Winchester.
Budget models with single-speed (PSC) blowers only operate at full speed, making them less efficient.
Multi-speed blowers have low- and high-speed settings.
Top-rated electric furnaces have efficient variable-speed (ECM) blowers.
| Brand | Furnace unit cost | Total replacement cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Goodman | $700 – $900 | $1,100 – $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 |
*Includes basic installation and connections to existing electricity and ductwork only.
Other top furnace brands such as American Standard, Carrier, Coleman, Lennox, Rheem, and Trane don't produce electric furnaces.
High-efficiency electric furnace prices
All electric furnaces are high-efficiency (AFUE 100) because they convert 100% of the electricity they use into heating. A home needs sealed ducts and insulation for maximum furnace efficiency.
Reduce monthly electric bills with the following energy-efficiency improvements:
Energy audit – A home energy assessment costs $200 to $500 to find ways to save money on heating and cooling.
Insulation – Installing new insulation costs $900 to $3,000 on average.
Upgrading windows – Window replacement costs $400 to $800 each. Window glass replacement costs $150 to $500 on average for better-insulating glass. Older homes lose 10% to 35% of energy from drafty windows.
Zoning – An HVAC zoning system costs $1,700 to $4,500 with installation. Zoned houses have 30% lower energy bills through controlled heating and cooling of each room.
Alternatively, heat pumps are the most energy-efficient electric heating system and use only 50% of the electricity an electric furnace does. Heat pump installation costs $3,800 to $8,200.
Mobile home electric furnace prices
Mobile home electric furnace replacement costs $950 to $3,000 for 35,000- to 70,000-BTU models. New mobile home electric furnace prices are $450 to $1,500 for the unit only. Mobile home furnaces typically have downflow vents since most mobile homes have ductwork under the floors.
| Brand* | Furnace unit cost | Total cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Alpine | $700 – $800 | $1,200 – $2,300 |
| Coleman | $700 – $1,500 | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Mortex | $800 – $1,050 | $1,300 – $2,550 |
| Nordyne / Intertherm | $650 – $1,000 | $1,150 – $2,500 |
| Revolv | $450 – $1,150 | $950 – $2,650 |
*These HUD-approved units are only compatible with mobile homes or manufactured houses.
Electric furnaces are the safest heating option for mobile homes because they:
Don’t create combustion gases or carbon monoxide
Don’t require external vents
Don’t have any connected flammable fuel supply
Electric furnace replacement cost factors
Replacement costs for electric furnaces depend on:
Home size and heating needs – Larger houses or regions with extremely cold climates need bigger furnaces.
Manual J load calculation is used to select the correct size system. Manual J costs $200 to $400, but many contractors include it in their estimate.
Building codes – Old wiring, electrical panels, ductwork, vents, and insulation may need replacing to meet current code regulations.
Storage space modifications – Carpentry work applies when altering a basement or closet to accommodate a larger unit.
Electrical upgrades – When installing a new electric unit that uses more electricity, electrical wiring work may be necessary to upgrade circuits.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Installing new ducts | $2,400 – $6,600 |
| Replacing old ducts | $1,400 – $5,600 |
| Duct repairs | $200 – $700 |
| Duct sealing | $400 – $2,700 |
| Duct cleaning | $300 – $700 |
| Old furnace removal and disposal | $140 – $400 |
| Permits and inspections | $250 – $1,500 |
| Thermostat replacement | $140 – $350 |
| Upgrade electrical panel | $1,300 – $2,500 |
Electric furnace ductwork cost
Before replacing or installing a new electric furnace, the HVAC technician typically cleans and inspects the existing ducts for leaks or necessary repairs. Ductwork charges may include:
New ductwork installation costs $2,400 to $6,600.
The cost to replace ductwork is $1,400 to $5,600 total or $25 to $55 per linear foot.
Air duct cleaning costs $200 to $1,000 total or $25 to $50 per vent and improves the system’s efficiency and air quality.
Duct repair costs $200 to $700, depending on the duct size and location.
Ductwork sealing costs $400 to $2,700 and improves energy efficiency.
Asbestos inspection and testing costs $250 to $850 and is important for homes built before or during the 1970s.
Asbestos abatement costs $10 to $25 per square foot when replacing ductwork.
Old furnace removal and disposal
Removing and disposing of an old furnace costs $150 to $400, depending on the furnace connections and local disposal fees. Contractors typically include this price in their furnace replacement quote. Otherwise, local recycling companies can haul the old unit away.
Permits and inspection fees
Inspections and HVAC permits cost $250 to $1,500 for electric furnace replacements or new installations. An extra $50 to $350 for electrical permits applies if upgrading existing electrical circuits, control wiring, and thermostat work. Contractors typically pull all permits.
Additional costs for connection parts
HVAC installers may add the following parts to complete the installation:
Thermostat replacement costs $140 to $350.
Installing a circuit breaker switch costs $150 to $300.
The cost to upgrade an electrical panel to 200 amps is $1,400 to $2,500 on average.
The cost to rewire a house is $10,000 to $30,000 or $5 to $17 per square foot. Older homes might need new or additional wiring to work with the new system.
Cost to convert to electric furnace
| Method | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Convert gas to electric | $2,900 – $9,500 |
| Convert oil to electric | $3,300 – $13,000 |
Cost to convert a gas furnace to electric
Converting a gas furnace to an electric furnace costs $2,900 to $9,500. Costs depend on the home layout, furnace location, and any electrical and ductwork modifications required.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Removal & disposal of old gas furnace | $150 – $400 |
| Electrical upgrades | $1,300 – $2,500 |
| New electric furnace unit | $600 – $2,600 |
| Installation labor | $600 – $2,500 |
| Permits and inspections | $250 – $1,500 |
| Total cost to convert | $2,900 – $9,500 |
Additional costs may apply:
Electrical upgrades to 200-amp panels are common to support both the new furnace and existing home appliances.
The cost to cap a gas line is $75 to $150 to prevent leaks after removing the gas unit. Some utility companies offer this service free of charge.
Replacing ducts and vents costs $1,400 to $5,600 and is necessary if the existing ductwork is the wrong size, type, defective, or no longer complies with current building codes.
Alternatively, gas furnace prices are $1,500 to $6,300 installed.
Cost to convert an oil furnace to electric heat
Replacing an oil furnace with an electric furnace costs $3,300 to $13,000. The old oil furnace, oil tank, and lines need removing first. New electric furnace installations may require electrical upgrades and ductwork modifications. Prices increase for underground tank excavations.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Removal of oil furnace unit | $150 – $400 |
| Removing oil tank & oil lines | $400 – $3,500 |
| Electrical upgrades | $1,300 – $2,500 |
| New electric furnace unit | $600 – $2,600 |
| Installation labor | $600 – $2,500 |
| Permits and inspections | $250 – $1,500 |
| Total cost to convert | $3,300 – $13,000 |
Old ductwork that’s full of soot or leaking will need replacing to work effectively with an electric furnace.
In comparison, replacing an oil furnace costs $2,500 to $6,000.
Operating cost to run an electric furnace
An electric furnace costs $130 to $180 monthly or $1,600 to $2,200 per year to run. Operating costs depend on the home size and insulation, furnace model, electricity rates, and outdoor temperatures.
Electric furnaces are most common in milder climates and typically run for two hours daily.
| Time period | Cost to run* |
|---|---|
| Hour | $2.20 – $3.00 |
| Day | $4.40 – $6.00 |
| Month | $130 – $180 |
| Year | $1,600 – $2,200 |
*An electric furnace uses 20,000 watts of power per hour at an $0.11 to $0.15 per kWh electricity rate.
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.
| 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.
The furnace pulls in cold air through attached and filtered air ducts.
The blower-motor fan sends air up through heating-element coils to heat the air.
Fans force heated air up through the outflow chamber connected to air ducts.
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.
The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is the measurement of energy efficiency. This number represents how much energy the unit converts into heat.
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.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
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?