Furnace Replacement Cost

National cost range

Low end

$2,500

Simple access, like-for-like

Typical

$4,500

What most jobs come in at

High end

$8,000

Upgrades, difficult access, code work

What you are actually paying for

Find the row that matches your situation. Quotes that differ wildly from each other usually differ in scope, not in price.

What moves the price

In descending order of impact. These are also the questions worth asking a contractor whose quote sits outside the range above.

1. 1

   Efficiency rating (AFUE)

   An 80% AFUE furnace is the minimum and cheapest. A 95 to 98% condensing furnace costs $1,000 to $2,000 more but saves $200 to $400 per year in fuel.

2. 2

   Capacity (BTU input)

   Oversizing is as harmful as undersizing. A Manual J calculation determines the correct input rating. Most homes need 60,000 to 100,000 BTU.

3. 3

   Venting change

   High-efficiency condensing furnaces require PVC venting and a condensate drain. Converting from metal B-vent to PVC adds $300 to $800.

4. 4

   Gas line and code upgrades

   A new gas shutoff, sediment trap, and combustion air requirements may be triggered by the replacement.

5. 5

   Duct connection and plenum

   A deteriorated plenum or transition at the furnace connection may need replacement during the swap.

Direct answer

Replacing a residential gas furnace in 2026 typically costs $2,500 to $8,000 installed nationwide, with most 80% AFUE like-for-like swaps near $3,500 to $5,500 and high-efficiency 95–98% condensing furnaces adding $1,000 to $2,500 in equipment and PVC venting. Capacity, venting changes, duct modifications, and whether the job is bundled with AC replacement drive spread. Emergency no-heat calls in winter can add same-day premiums on top of these ranges.

What each price band actually buys

Low end

80% AFUE single-stage furnace, reuse venting where allowed, minimal duct changes.

Typical

Mid-efficiency two-stage furnace, new flue connections, permit, startup, standard warranty.

High end

Modulating condensing furnace, new PVC intake/exhaust, condensate pump, significant duct or gas line work.

Labor vs materials

Typical split for this job nationally: roughly 35% labor and 65% materials. Crew size is usually 1–2 HVAC technicians, across one day on site for most replacements.

What this price usually does not include

• Air conditioning condenser or coil replacement unless bundled
• Full duct replacement or zoning system
• Asbestos abatement on old duct or register boots
• Humidifier, air cleaner, or UV light unless line-itemed
• Roof or siding repair after new vent penetrations
• Ongoing maintenance plan unless sold separately

Hidden costs that show up on real jobs

Regional variation

Furnace pricing tracks heating-degree-day markets: Upper Midwest and Northeast see steady winter demand and competitive equipment bundles, while mild climates may have fewer installers focused on furnaces. Labor still varies 20–30% by metro wage. Localized `/home/cost/furnace-replacement/[metro]` pages help compare AFUE tiers apples to apples; verify whether quotes include rebate paperwork for high-efficiency models.

Code upgrades this job can trigger

• PVC flue and intake terminations per manufacturer clearance
• Condensate trap and drain to approved receptor
• Gas shutoff within reach of appliance
• Low-level CO alarm requirements when permits trigger whole-home review
• Return air sizing when equipment tonnage changes

Repair vs replace

Replace when the heat exchanger is cracked, the furnace is past 15–20 years, or repair exceeds 40% of a new unit—especially on single-stage units with obsolete parts. Repair ignitors, flame sensors, inducer motors, and control boards on younger systems when failures are isolated. A new furnace paired with a 15-year-old AC coil can reduce efficiency; if AC is young, furnace-only replacement is rational. If both are aged, bundling with `/home/cost/hvac-replacement` scope often saves mobilization cost.

Timeline and visits

Most replacements complete in four to eight hours once equipment is on site. Condensing upgrades with new vent routes may take a full day. Winter storm weeks can stretch lead times for popular BTU sizes. Permit inspection may be remote or next-day.

Quote checklist — line items a fair bid should show

1. BTU input/output and AFUE rating
2. Furnace brand, model, and staging (single, two-stage, modulating)
3. Venting plan: metal reuse versus new PVC
4. Gas line work and shutoff replacement
5. Thermostat compatibility or upgrade
6. Permit and inspection
7. Removal of old furnace and startup checklist
8. Labor warranty duration

Questions to ask before you sign

• Is my duct system sized for this furnace’s airflow?
• Will you perform combustion analysis and provide readings?
• What changes if my flue is shared with a water heater?
• Are rebates or tax credits documented for my AFUE tier?
• How soon can you restore heat if this is a no-heat call?
• What is included if condensate cannot gravity-drain to a trap?

Quote red flags for this job

• Oversized furnace quoted without load calculation
• 80% unit proposed where condensing is required by code
• No permit on gas appliance replacement
• Reuse of flex vent connectors against manufacturer spec
• Price far below market with vague equipment description
• Pressure to skip heat exchanger inspection on a cracked-firebox rumor

Payment schedule norms

HVAC norms apply: deposit to order furnace, balance at startup. On no-heat emergencies, expect higher deposit but not full prepayment before heat is restored.

Seasonality

Peak pricing and wait times occur during cold snaps; shoulder months (September–October, March–April) improve scheduling. Manufacturers sometimes run fall rebates on high-efficiency lines.

Can you do it yourself?

When this cannot wait

• Cracked heat exchanger — shut the furnace down immediately
• Furnace over 18 years old with a major component failure
• Yellow or flickering burner flame indicating incomplete combustion
• Carbon monoxide detector alarming near the furnace

Common questions