How much does a gas furnace cost?
How much does a gas furnace cost?
$700 – $6,200 average price (unit only)
$3,800 – $12,000 average total cost (unit + labor)
Average gas furnace cost
Gas furnace replacement costs $3,800 to $12,000 on average for the unit and labor, depending on the unit's efficiency, brand, and the installation complexity. Gas furnace prices range from $700 to $6,200 for the unit alone. A furnace with higher efficiency costs more up front but decreases long-term energy bills.
| Efficiency rating (AFUE) | Average unit cost | Average installed cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (80% – 89%) | $700 – $1,800 | $3,800 – $6,200 |
| Moderate (90% – 95%) | $1,500 – $3,700 | $5,200 – $8,800 |
| High (96%+) | $2,800 – $6,200 | $7,500 – $12,000 |
*Not including ductwork modifications or replacement
Standard-efficiency gas furnace
A standard-efficiency gas furnace costs $700 to $1,800 for the unit alone or $3,800 to $6,200 installed and has an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 80% to 89%. Standard models are the entry point, with basic single-stage functionality. Common in older homes, they cost less up front and work well in milder climates, but waste more fuel, leading to higher annual heating costs.
Moderate-efficiency gas furnace
A moderate-efficiency gas furnace (90% to 95% AFUE) costs $1,500 to $3,700 for the unit alone or $5,200 to $8,800 with installation. Moderate-efficiency furnaces balance equipment cost and energy savings. Often two-stage or variable-speed, they heat more evenly than standard models and lower monthly bills, justifying the slightly higher initial cost for many households.
High-efficiency gas furnace
A high-efficiency gas furnace costs $2,800 to $6,200 for the unit alone or $7,500 to $12,000 installed and has an AFUE of 96% or higher. Premium furnaces have multiple modulating stages, sealed combustion, and advanced controls for peak energy savings. Lower fuel use offsets the larger upfront investment, especially in cold climates. These often qualify for rebates or incentives.
Gas furnace prices by home size
Using the correct furnace size for your home ensures you stay comfortable without wasting energy. Most homes use 30 to 60 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per square foot. Smaller homes or homes in warmer climates can use lower-capacity models, which are less expensive to purchase and install.
Higher BTU ranges have higher upfront costs but also keep operating costs lower by running more efficiently. For example, a large 90,000 BTU furnace costs $5,800 to $9,500 installed. The following chart shows typical unit and installed costs by home size:
| Home size (square feet) | Furnace size (BTUs) | Average unit cost | Average installed cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,200 | 40,000 – 50,000 | $700 – $2,300 | $3,800 – $6,700 |
| 1,200 – 1,600 | 50,000 – 60,000 | $1,000 – $2,700 | $4,200 – $7,200 |
| 1,600 – 2,000 | 60,000 – 70,000 | $1,100 – $3,200 | $4,700 – $8,000 |
| 2,000 – 2,500 | 70,000 – 90,000 | $1,300 – $4,800 | $5,100 – $9,500 |
| 2,500 – 3,000+ | 90,000 – 120,000 | $1,600 – $6,200 | $5,800 – $12,000 |
*Not including ductwork modifications or replacement
Oversizing raises purchase and fuel costs, while undersizing means you'll struggle to heat your whole home. Your HVAC pro can help calculate the best fit based on square footage, insulation, and your climate.
Gas furnace replacement cost factors
Many variables affect the cost of a gas furnace and installation:
Furnace efficiency rating: Higher AFUE ratings lead to lower energy bills but increase the upfront price.
Home size and layout: Larger homes need higher BTU models, which raises costs.
Installation complexity: Replacing ductwork, updating venting, or addressing electrical/gas line issues can all increase labor costs.
Brand and features: Premium brands, advanced controls, and extras like variable-speed blowers come with higher price tags.
Climate and region: Homes in harsher climates and high cost-of-living areas tend to see higher installation costs.
Removal and disposal: Some contractors include the removal and disposal of an existing furnace in their installation quote; some charge an additional $150 to $400.
Ductwork
Most furnace replacements can use the existing HVAC ductwork, although sometimes modifications or replacements are necessary to optimize performance. Minor duct sealing and repairs cost $300 to $1,500 and often improve energy efficiency significantly. If your ducts are beyond repair, ductwork replacement costs $1,400 to $5,600+.
Repairs and maintenance
Furnace repair costs $75 to $150 per hour, plus parts. Gas furnace repairs cost $100 to $480 on average, depending on the brand, furnace size, condition, and warranty coverage.
Regular furnace tune-ups cost $70 to $200. Annual maintenance packages cost $150 to $500 but include more services, like minor repairs or inspections on top of a tune-up. Professional furnace cleaning costs $70 to $300.
System type and speed
The type of compressor your furnace uses affects both the cost and performance:
Single-stage furnaces operate at one speed only, running at full capacity whenever they're on.
Two-stage furnaces use high and low speeds for better efficiency and temperature control.
Variable-speed furnaces continuously adjust their output for optimal efficiency.
Gas furnace installation cost by brand
Gas furnace pricing varies widely by brand. Top companies like York, Trane, and Lennox tend to have the highest cost to install a gas furnace, but they are also considered more reliable than some other companies.
| Brand | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| Amana furnace cost | $2,100 – $8,200 |
| Rheem or Ruud furnace cost | $2,500 – $7,800 |
| Bryant furnace cost | $2,300 – $7,000 |
| Lennox furnace cost | $3,000 – $9,500 |
| Coleman furnace cost | $3,000 – $6,700 |
| Heil furnace cost | $2,400 – $5,700 |
| Goodman furnace cost | $2,100 – $6,300 |
| American Standard furnace cost | $2,700 – $9,000 |
| Carrier furnace cost | $2,400 – $8,000 |
| York furnace cost | $2,300 – $10,000 |
| Trane furnace cost | $5,200 – $13,500 |
Check out our guide on the Best Furnace Brands for more details on the top brands!
Cost to convert to a gas furnace
Converting your heating system to a gas furnace can bring substantial savings, better reliability, and modern performance. Installing a new gas line costs $12 to $25 per linear foot or $500 to $2,000 total. The table below shows the average cost for the most common conversion types:
| Conversion type | Total average cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Propane to gas | $650 – $1,900 | Switching to natural gas for lower fuel prices |
| Electric to gas | $1,800 – $6,500 | Ideal if you need better heat in cold regions |
| Heat pump to gas | $1,800 – $7,500 | Add or swap a gas furnace for cold climates |
| Oil to gas | $3,800 – $12,000+ | Common when gas line access becomes available |
When to replace a gas furnace
Deciding when to replace your gas furnace can save you money, improve comfort, and keep your home safe. Furnaces last 15 to 25 years, but many factors can shorten or extend their lifespan. Pay attention to these signs that indicate it may be time for a replacement rather than continued repair:
Age of the furnace: If your furnace is approaching 15 to 25 years or is even older, it may become less efficient and prone to breakdowns.
Frequent and costly repairs: If you find yourself calling for repairs often or facing expensive fixes, replacement is often more cost-effective in the long run.
Rising energy bills: A furnace losing efficiency will use more gas to heat your home, causing your utility bills to increase even if your usage habits stay the same.
Uneven or inadequate heating: When your home no longer heats evenly or fully, your furnace may be struggling to keep up, signaling internal wear or incorrect sizing.
Strange noises or odors: Banging, rattling, or squealing noises, as well as unusual smells like burning plastic or gas, can indicate serious safety or mechanical issues.
Visible rust or cracks: Corrosion or cracks in the furnace components suggest deteriorating parts that impair performance and could pose hazards.
Gas furnace FAQs
How long does a gas furnace last?
A gas furnace will last 15 to 25 years if you care for it with regular maintenance. Some may stretch past 25 years in ideal conditions, but repair needs and efficiency drop-offs increase after year 15.
How does a gas furnace work?
A gas furnace draws in cold air, warms it by burning gas in a heat exchanger, then distributes the heated air through ductwork. The combustion gases are vented outdoors while the heated air circulates in your home.
Does a gas furnace use electricity?
Yes, a gas furnace needs electricity to run the blower, controls, and electronic ignition system. It won't heat your home during a power outage, even though the primary heat comes from natural gas.
How many watts does a gas furnace use?
A gas furnace's blower motor uses 400 to 800 watts of electricity on average when running. Modern variable-capacity blowers may use as little as 60 to 500 watts during low-speed operation, keeping energy usage efficient.
Is my furnace gas or electric?
To determine whether you have a gas or electric furnace, look for a gas line connection and exhaust vent on or near your furnace. Gas furnaces have burners and a flue. Electric models don't have a gas line and only need a large electrical supply.
Does a gas furnace have a pilot light?
Newer furnace models use electronic ignition rather than a standing pilot light. Older gas furnaces may still have a small, continuously burning flame (the pilot light) for ignition.
Getting estimates from furnace installers
Comparing bids from several local furnace installers ensures a fair price and a smooth experience. Use these tips when getting quotes:
Gather at least three detailed, written bids outlining equipment, labor, and warranties.
Check customer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Clarify exactly what's included, such as the new furnace, installation, new thermostat, ductwork changes, and permits.
Ask for model names and efficiency ratings to compare apples to apples.
Be alert for special rebates, off-season pricing, or utility incentives for high-efficiency upgrades.
Questions to ask a furnace pro
Before you hire anyone, make sure your contractor can answer these questions clearly:
What's included in the quoted price?
How will the new furnace be sized for my home?
Are permits or inspections required?
What is the AFUE rating and warranty on this unit?
Who will handle the removal of my old furnace?
How long will the installation take, and when can you schedule it?
Are there any available rebates or efficiency incentives?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.