The cost of a new furnace ranges from $1,700 to $9,700, depending on the fuel type. Unless you’ve installed a heat pump as your HVAC system, you likely have a furnace that blows hot air through the ducts and vents of your house during the colder months. However, if your furnace breaks down, it can be challenging to determine whether it’s better to repair or replace your old furnace and how much those two options cost.

We researched the most common furnace costs and created a guide on how different types of furnaces work, how much they cost, and pricing factors to consider before buying a new furnace. After reading this guide, use the tool below to connect with a professional HVAC contractor near you and get an estimate on HVAC repairs or a replacement.

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What Affects Furnace Cost?

Here are a few factors that affect the price of a furnace:

• Energy efficiency: Although the DOE declares 80% to be the lowest AFUE rating for new furnaces sold, most furnaces have a rating between 83% and 95%. The higher the energy efficiency rating, the lower the average annual energy costs. Furnaces with high AFUE ratings typically cost more upfront. For example, high-efficiency gas furnaces can generally be $700–$1,500 more than mid-efficiency models, but they can save you money in the long run by reducing monthly gas bills.
• Size: The size of a furnace is measured in British thermal units (Btu) to determine the amount of space it’s able to heat. Furnace sizes usually range from 40,000–120,000 Btu. In general, you can calculate the Btu for your house by multiplying the total square footage by 40, with colder areas needing slightly more Btu per square foot. The pricing for furnaces and installation increases depending on the Btu of the unit.
• Brand: Shopping for different furnace brands is a great way to find the best deal on your furnace. Popular HVAC brands that sell furnaces include Goodman, Trane, and Lennox.
• Installation: Installation and labor costs vary depending on your location, so getting quotes from a few local HVAC professionals ensures the best price. Additionally, if you’re still deciding on a furnace type and model, reaching out to an HVAC expert can help you determine which type of furnace makes the most sense for your home.
• Tax credits: Purchasing a product with an Energy Star certification can qualify you for certain tax credits. Energy Star is an organization backed by the DOE and EPA to encourage the production and purchase of high-efficiency products, including furnaces.

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How Much Does a Furnace Cost by Type?

Although most furnaces work in the same way, they have different fuel types. Keep reading to learn about the three most common types of furnaces on the market.

Natural Gas Furnace

Gas furnaces are the most common type of furnace. Although slightly more expensive than electric furnaces, new gas models are much more efficient, saving you money on your monthly energy bill. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), many modern gas furnaces would be considered higher efficiency and can reach a rating of up to 98.5% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), making them the cheapest to run, contributing to lower utility bills and great for homeowners who live in cold climates.

If your home receives natural gas, a natural gas furnace may be your best option. If you want to spend less money upfront, purchase a mid-efficiency model with around 80%–88% AFUE. We found that the range of gas furnace costs for mid-efficiency or high-efficiency furnaces is generally near $1,700–$9,700 and includes the estimated installation rates.

Electric Furnace

Rather than burning fuel, electric furnaces use electrical currents to heat the air in the exchanger before distributing it throughout your ducts. Although they’re less efficient and more expensive to run than gas or oil furnaces, they’re better for the environment and have longer lifespans of 20–30 years. They’re also relatively cheap to purchase and install.

An electric furnace tends to be the most cost-effective for homeowners who want a lower up-front new furnace replacement cost. It’s also a great alternative to gas or oil furnaces since it doesn’t require cleaning or other maintenance related to the ash or soot from burning fuel. As the cheapest option, electric furnaces usually cost between $1,600 and $6,200, which includes furnace installation costs.

Oil Furnace

Although oil furnaces were popular in the early to mid-20th century, they have become much less common due to the availability and lower price of natural gas. However, if your home isn’t connected to natural gas and you want a furnace that will lower your energy bill more than electricity, consider an oil furnace. The oil furnace models that are produced today typically have efficiency ratings of around 80%–90%.

Keep in mind that the up-front costs for an oil furnace are typically higher than electric furnaces. Including labor and installation costs, you can expect the total cost of an oil furnace to be around $4,300–$9,200.

Type	Unit Cost	Installation Cost
Natural Gas	$700–$6,200	$1,000–$3,500
Electric	$600–$2,700	$1,000–$3,500
Oil	$1,800–$3,200	$2,500–$6,000

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How Much Do Common Furnace Repairs Cost?

Furnaces typically last 15–20 years, but if your furnace isn’t working properly, check to see if it can be repaired before paying for a new unit. You can enter your ZIP code into the tool below to connect with an HVAC contractor in your area. Additionally, if you’re located in North Carolina, Maryland, or Virginia, you can get a quote from Michael & Son for your furnace repair or replacement.

Here are a few common furnace repairs and their associated costs:

Common Furnace Repair	Average Cost
Cracked heat exchanger	$2,000–$3,500
Cleaning	$60–$80
Filter change	$40–$150
Damaged blower belt	$30–$110
Broken thermostat	$100–$500
Damaged blower bearings	$30–$150

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FAQ About Furnace Cost

How do furnaces work?

A fuel source burns and generates heat, which warms the heat exchanger by passing through it. The air is then heated by blowing over the heat exchanger. That hot air is forced into the ductwork and distributed throughout the vents of your home.

What are other heating alternatives to furnaces?

Replacing your furnace with a heat pump is the best alternative to heating your home. A heat pump is much more efficient than a furnace and can replace both your heating and cooling systems with one unit. A heat pump can also save you money on your energy bills. Heat pumps work best in areas with milder winters, but if you live in a state with consistently low temperatures, you can install a heat pump with a backup furnace for when the temperature drops.

Why is my energy bill so expensive?

Your energy bill could increase for a number of reasons. If you have a gas or oil furnace, you should call your energy supplier to ensure there isn’t a leak or a malfunctioning meter. If you have an electric furnace and an abnormally high energy bill, reach out to an HVAC expert to check that all parts of your system are working properly. Additionally, clogged air filters or leaks in your ductwork could be the cause of higher energy bills.

Are furnaces bad for the environment?

Furnaces that use fossil fuels can have a negative impact on the environment over time. However, purchasing a high-efficiency model and Energy Star certification can help decrease that impact. Additionally, consider an electric furnace or a heat pump to lower your carbon footprint while still receiving the comfort you need from your heating system.

What’s the best furnace energy efficiency rating?

High-efficiency natural gas furnaces have ratings up to 98.5%. This is the most impressive AFUE rating on the market.

Does my home warranty cover my furnace?

Many home warranty plans cover repairs or replacements on your furnace or heating system. Not only do home warranties help with the unexpected costs of your furnace breaking down, but they also help connect you to a contractor so you don’t have to go long without heat during the cold winter months.

What is the best time of year to buy a furnace?

The best time to buy a furnace is fall or spring. Demand for HVAC equipment is lower during these times, so you can find discounts and promotions from companies. This also ensures ensure your home is prepared for winter. We advise you to have a professional inspect your heating system regularly to ensure that it’s running efficiently and to identify any issues before they become major problems.

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