How Much Does a Gas Furnace Cost to Install?

When temperatures drop, your furnace becomes your home’s most important appliance. Throughout the coldest months of the year, you need a well-functioning heating system to keep your household comfortable until warmer weather arrives.

Accordingly, if your gas furnace stops working in winter, you can’t ignore the issue. Thankfully, furnaces typically last for years with proper maintenance and occasional repairs.

But if your furnace has stopped working entirely, you may need to replace it with a new one. And while heat is essential, the thought of a big bill can send chills down your spine.

Don’t panic. In this article, we’ll break down the typical costs associated with replacing a gas furnace, allowing you to assess your potential costs. We’ll also cover some signs that you might need a new furnace and a few maintenance tips for future reference.

What is the Average Cost of Replacing a Gas Furnace?

The cost of replacing a gas furnace can vary dramatically depending on the type of furnace you choose and the complexity of the installation process. You can expect to pay between $3,000 and $7,000 to replace your gas furnace with a new one.

At some point in 2023 or 2024, many households can get a 100 percent rebate (up to $8,000) to install a new electric heat pump to replace a gas furnace through provisions in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. Keep this generous rebate in mind if you qualify and intend to replace your furnace soon.

What factors play into the final cost? In determining the cost of replacing your furnace, three main components count.

Size

The size of the furnace required for your home depends on factors like square footage, insulation, and climate. You’ll need to consult with a heating system expert to determine the right size of furnace needed to keep your home comfortable.

Larger furnaces may require more expensive installation procedures due to their increased size and weight. This could involve additional labor, equipment, and potentially modifications to the installation area, all of which can add to the overall cost of installation.

A larger furnace with higher heating capacity will generally cost thousands more than a smaller one.

Furnace Type

Gas furnace prices can differ depending on their efficiency and features. More efficient furnaces have a higher price tag and models with extra features cost more than basic furnace models.

• Basic single-stage furnaces operate at one fixed heating output level. They are generally less expensive to purchase but might result in less energy efficiency and comfort. You’ll typically spend around $3,000 to $4,000 to install a new single-state furnace in most areas.
• Two-stage furnaces have two levels of heating output, allowing them to operate at a lower level when less heating is needed. They can be more efficient and comfortable than single-stage furnaces but tend to cost more than single-stage units. You can typically expect to spend around $4,000 to $5,000 on a two-stage furnace.
• Modulating furnaces continuously adjust their heating output to maintain a consistent temperature. They offer the highest efficiency and comfort but are typically the most expensive option. Modulating furnaces often cost around $5,000 to $7,000 in most areas of the country.

The actual cost of installing a new furnace in your area may vary depending on shipping costs and labor rates charged by contractors. To get an accurate estimate installing a new furnace, schedule a free consultation with our Sears Home Services HVAC experts.

Furnace Brand

Well-established brands often have a reputation for producing high-quality and reliable furnaces. Units from reputable brands are typically built with better materials, undergo more rigorous testing, and cost more than lesser-known furnace brands.

Additionally, established brands usually invest heavily in research and development to improve their products’ efficiency, performance, and features. This innovation can lead to higher-priced furnaces.

Trust Sears Home Services for Furnace Repair and Replacement

When your furnace breaks down, you’ll want to get it fixed fast. Sears Home Services has repair technicians in your area and we’re ready to help. We often have same-day and next-day furnace repair appointments available.

As soon as you notice any problems with your furnace, schedule furnace repair and we’ll send a Sears Technician right out to your home to fix it.

When it’s time to install a new furnace, schedule a free at-home consultation with a Sears heating and cooling expert. We’ll explain your options, so you can choose the new furnace that’s right for your house and budget.

We’re dedicated to your satisfaction. All work is backed by our Sears warranty and satisfaction guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Furnace Repair, Maintenance and Replacement

What are the Signs that My Gas Furnace Needs to Be Replaced?

As our cost estimates make clear, replacing a gas furnace is a significant investment. And because a new furnace is a pricey purchase, you’ll want to look out for warning signs that yours is not functioning correctly.

Catching these potential concerns will help you call in professional help. From there, an HVAC professional can fix an issue before it becomes more severe or warn you that your furnace will need replacement.

If you see any of the following red flags with your furnace, there may be a significant issue that needs to be addressed.

Little or No Heat

An obvious signal of furnace issues is the absence of heat in your home. If you notice specific areas of your home are not warming up as they once did, or the whole house feels chillier than it should, your furnace could be struggling to produce the heat you need.

The problem could stem from other components of your heating system, such as particular ducts. Still, it’s worth bringing in professional help to assess the source of the issue.

Strange Sounds

Furnaces are rarely silent. But if your furnace begins to make abnormal sounds, particularly from the blower or motor, you may have a mechanical issue on your hands. For example, a whining or metallic clanging could mean trouble in the appliance.

Strange Smells

If you sense an unusual odor in your furnace’s vicinity, bring in professional help as soon as possible. The smell of gas or something burning is a red flag that something is seriously amiss.

Starting and Stopping

You might notice your furnace cycling on and off quite often, in contrast to more sustained periods of heating and allowing your home to cool. This pattern usually indicates that your furnace is shutting down before completing a full heating cycle, then quickly attempting to heat your home once again.

Several issues could cause this premature shutdown, and many of them will not warrant a full furnace replacement. An HVAC expert can help you diagnose the problem and determine the next steps accordingly.

Leaks and Puddles

If your furnace produces enough liquid to pool at the base of the appliance, don’t just mop it up and hope for the best. It’s important to determine the source of the leak as soon as possible. Water coming from in your furnace signals a substantial issue and could damage your unit if left unaddressed.

A Spike in Your Energy Bill

When a furnace is failing, its efficiency naturally plummets. Therefore, if your energy bill suddenly surges without a clear explanation (such as a sharp drop in temperature), you may wonder if your furnace is malfunctioning.

Similarly, an increased bill may call attention to ongoing issues you may have overlooked. Have you had to blast your heat more than you usually might, or felt chilly in certain parts of the house? If so, it may be time to call in expert assistance.

How Long Do Gas Furnaces Last?

While no homeowner likes replacing a new furnace, there may be some consolation: You won’t have to do it often.

Expert estimates vary, but a common rule of thumb is that gas furnaces last roughly 15 to 20 years. Additionally, with excellent maintenance and the right conditions, some furnaces can last as long as 30 years before they need to be retired.

The longevity of any appliance depends on the way it’s used. Harsh climates will naturally tax a furnace more rapidly, whereas homeowners in places with just a couple of cold months may see their furnaces last longer.

However, no matter where you live, proper maintenance will help prolong its life span. Below, we’ll share some practical tips for taking care of your gas furnace and fixing it.

How Can I Maintain and Repair My Gas Furnace?

Consistent Cleaning and Filter Replacement

You don’t need professional expertise to show your furnace the TLC it regularly requires. First and foremost, you should clean or replace your furnace’s filter every month (or more often, if your manufacturer suggests it). While it’s easy to overlook this chore, clean filters can reduce your monthly bill and extend your furnace’s life considerably.

Additionally, you’ll need to clean your blower and motor fairly often, eliminating dirt and dust that could reduce efficiency or cause mechanical problems. Adhere to your manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning these components, and be sure to turn your furnace off before you begin.

Annual Maintenance

Before cold weather sets in, you may want to hire a professional to conduct a cleaning and maintenance check of your furnace. This check can identify and prevent any problems that could happen during the coming winter, so you’re less likely to lose heat when needed.

A professional can clean components of your furnace that your efforts won’t reach, such as the combustion chamber and oil filter. These annual checks may alert you that your furnace is reaching the end of its life span, allowing you to start planning for replacement costs.

Periodic Repairs

Thankfully, most furnace problems don’t demand a complete replacement. A qualified HVAC professional can assess and fix a range of problems relatively quickly. Plus, if you catch and address furnace problems as they arise, you may be able to avoid more costly issues later.

Of course, you’ll need to hire the right professional to do essential maintenance and furnace repairs properly. You can trust the HVAC experts on the Sears Home Services team to bring the skills and knowledge to keep your furnace functioning as long as possible.

How Can I Stay Warm Without Spending Big Money?

While no homeowner looks forward to replacing their gas furnace, we hope this article has provided the information you need to estimate its costs. And when the time comes to replace your furnace, remember that Sears Home Services can help you save.

We give you great ways to save on HVAC replacement and experienced HVAC professionals at the ready. We’re here to help you keep your home comfortable. For heating help that you can trust, check out our selection and services today.