A furnace is one of the central components of a functional HVAC system and keeps your home comfortable, warm, and cozy, especially during winter. But, if your furnace is on its last legs and your home isn’t as energy efficient as it used to be, it might be time to invest in a new unit. We’ll teach you the telltale signs of a dying furnace, important consideration factors when buying, and what installing and maintaining entails. 

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Signs You Need a New Furnace

Most furnaces can last up to 20 years but require eventual replacement, just like every component in your heating system. If you notice your energy bills are rising or that your home’s energy efficiency isn’t what it used to be, it might be time to invest in a new furnace. Other signs you might need a new furnace include uneven heating across your home or noises or rattling from the unit. 

Don’t wait until your furnace breaks down completely before calling out a professional. Schedule an inspection right away if you notice any of these warning signs.

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Cost To Install a Furnace

Installing a new furnace is a major expense, and it can cost between $2,000 and $30,000. You can expect to pay more if your project requires ductwork modifications, labor and permit fees, or replacement HVAC parts. Higher-efficiency models, such as those that are solar-powered, will cost more upfront, but they offer long-term energy savings, which is a perk for environmentally conscious homeowners.

The average labor cost for furnace installation can vary depending on the HVAC technician or company you hire. Set a budget beforehand, and include wiggle room for unforeseen expenses. Get quotes from multiple contractors and ask for itemized estimates whenever possible. 

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Cost

Two of the most popular types of home furnaces are gas and electric. Natural gas furnaces are typically less expensive, but they only work if homeowners have a gas line connection. Gas furnaces generally cost between $800 and $2,800 for the unit and $3,800–$10,000 for installation.

Electric furnaces have lower upfront costs but frequently amount to higher monthly energy bills. A new electric furnace generally costs between $500 and $1,100, while the total installation cost is between $2,000 and $7,000. If you’re trying to decide which type is best for your home, consider how installation processes differ, which kind of furnace is most cost-effective for your home’s square footage, and what kind of furnace works for your overall budget.

Other Cost Considerations

Take note of the brand and features of each furnace while going over your budget, and compare basic models to high-efficiency furnaces. You may need to install zoning systems for multiple levels depending on your home’s size, which will increase the project’s cost. 

A technician might also recommend humidifiers or air cleaners, which can improve your furnace’s efficiency. It’s best to select a furnace with improved energy efficiency over a unit with many extra bells and whistles.

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Choosing an HVAC Contractor

Always work with a qualified, licensed HVAC professional for your furnace installation project. The right contractors will ensure a smooth installation, provide piece of mind, and leave you with a professional finish. 

Also, check for certification from industry organizations such as North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the nation’s largest nonprofit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technicians. These certifications and licenses demonstrate technicians’ dedication to their craft and highlight their experience levels. Once you find a few contracting companies that look promising, take the time to read online reviews and ask for references from friends and family members.

Take your pool of potential technicians and get written estimates from at least three. Decide which is most consistent with your budget and project difficulty. A quality contractor will always perform Manual J load calculations to properly size your furnace and walk you through each installation detail. 

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Furnace Installation Process

After you’ve hired a contractor and set a project start date, it’s time for the installation. Every project will generally start with the same few steps. You and your contractor will work together to schedule inspections, remove the old furnace, and pull out the old ductwork.

The contractor will then modify the plenum and ductwork as needed and check the gas, electrical, and drainage lines. Everything must work at peak capacity so the technician can easily connect the new unit for a seamless transition. 

New Furnace Installation

The installation shouldn’t take too long. Your contractor will perform a final check of the gas line, heat pump, and flue before setting the new furnace and securing it to the pad. The contractor will then connect everything and begin installing the new thermostat and control wiring.

Your contractor will test the furnace startup and safety switches once the gas line, electric hookups, and flue pipe are connected. If everything goes smoothly, the contractor will move on to sealing and insulating ducts. 

Correctly wiring your new system can take some trial and error on the part of your contractor. Give your installation team plenty of space and allow them to focus on their work. If there aren’t many issues, most contractors can move through this process in a day or just a few hours.

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Furnace Maintenance Tips

Your HVAC technician will probably offer you a warranty upon installation, but you should still practice proper furnace maintenance, which can extend the lifespan of your furnace, lower utility bills, and prevent expensive breakdowns. Change the air filter regularly, and schedule an annual tune-up with the same company that installed the unit. A professional can check out the entire unit and notify you if anything needs to be cleaned, fixed, or replaced during an inspection.

Ensure the vents don’t get obstructed, and install carbon monoxide detectors around the house to prevent emergencies. You can have a furnace that lasts for decades with some extra care and a few additional steps.

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Our Conclusion

A quality furnace installation requires careful planning and significant research. Do research and ask for references to find the right HVAC contractor. A contractor can also discuss with you the differences between gas and electric furnaces and which is best for your home.

Once your contractor has installed your new furnace, perform regular maintenance on the unit to keep it running at peak capacity. Schedule inspections with a qualified professional, install carbon monoxide detectors and follow any advice your installation team offers.

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FAQ About Furnace Install

Can I install my own furnace?

You can install your own furnace as a do-it-yourself project, but only if you have extensive experience working with HVAC units. Otherwise, you should abandon the DIY route and hire a qualified professional for furnace installation or furnace repair.

Is it hard to install a furnace?

Installing a furnace can be difficult, especially if you don’t have experience managing HVAC equipment. You should probably leave furnace installation to qualified HVAC companies.

Why does it cost so much to install a furnace?

It can cost a lot to install a furnace because many steps are involved, such as removing an existing furnace, cleaning and preparing the area, manually installing the new unit, and getting the unit up and running. The total cost also includes expenses associated with the unit, labor and additional parts and any special parts you might need.

How many hours does it take to install a furnace?

The number of hours it takes to install a furnace depends on your time, the size of your new furnace, how fast the HVAC installation team works, and the type of furnace you have. It probably shouldn’t take more than a single day.

What is the most energy-efficient furnace?

There are many energy-efficient furnaces on the market from trusted brands such as Lennox and Goodman. Talk to your HVAC contractor about maximizing your energy savings from your new furnace.

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