Be sure to consider the following when hiring a furnace installation service: 

• Experience: Find a pro who has years of experience installing your type of furnace. For example, ask if they’re familiar with gas, oil or electric furnaces. Also, find out if they have experience installing furnaces for your home type and size.

• Expertise: Depending on the regulations in your area, a professional may need to have an HVAC license to install a furnace. Certifications, like those earned from the Environmental Protection Agency, may also be required. 

• Cost and reviews: Get quotes from several pros so you can choose the best option for you. However, don’t hire the cheapest pro if it means you’ll be sacrificing quality of work.  Check out their reviews to determine if they’re reliable and trustworthy.

• Manual J load calculation: Ensure your pro performs this calculation to accurately size your furnace to fit your home’s heating needs.

• Ductwork inspection: Verify that the pro will inspect your ductwork for leaks or inefficiencies before installation.

• AFUE rating: If your pro is supplying the furnace, ask for furnaces with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 90% or higher for energy savings.

• Installation timeline: Confirm that the pro will provide a clear schedule and can complete the job within your timeframe.

• Post-installation support and warranties: Ask if the pro offers a warranty, maintenance plan or emergency repair services.

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page. 

The national average cost to install a new furnace ranges from approximately $1,320 to $7,819,* according to Thumbtack data. However, the exact cost will depend on a few factors:

• Type: You’ll have to choose between natural gas, oil and electric furnaces (electric tends to be the least expensive to install).

• Size: A larger home will require a larger (and more expensive) furnace.

• Additional services: Additional costs like permit fees, removing the old furnace and installing any necessary ductwork or fuel lines can also add to the cost.

Contact an HVAC contractor in your area for a quote on furnace installation near you.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional

Depending on where you live, you might be able to save money on a new furnace by scheduling the installation during late spring or early summer when HVAC companies tend to run sales. You can also look into replacing the furnace (or some of its parts) through your warranty plan if you have one.

A homeowners insurance policy might cover the cost of installing a new furnace, but these plans generally don’t cover wear and tear. If the furnace was damaged by water, fire, vandalism or another insurable event, your claim might be approved. Check your policy to find out.

Finally, try researching rebates. Federal and state tax credits may be available for new energy-efficient furnaces. Some utility companies might offer rebates as well. A furnace installation pro near you should be familiar with the incentives available in your area and can help you maximize your savings.

Furnaces usually last about 15 to 20 years, although some may last 30 years or more, especially if you keep up with routine and preventative maintenance. However, even well-maintained furnaces eventually need to be replaced. 

Here are some signs that indicate it might be time for a replacement:

• The furnace suddenly becomes a lot noisier.

• You need more frequent maintenance and repairs.

• Your furnace stops working altogether.

• Your home is taking a lot longer to heat up or you're spending a lot more on utilities than usual.

• Your HVAC company tells you the model has been discontinued or that they’re not able to get replacement parts as easily. 

Once your furnace gets too old, the cost of parts and repairs can outweigh the cost of replacing it with a newer, more efficient system.

Installing a furnace typically involves these several steps:

• Assessment: A pro will assess your home to determine the appropriate size and type of furnace for efficient heating. 

• Removal of old unit: If you have one, the pro will need to remove your old unit. 

• Installation of new unit: The pro will install the new furnace, which typically includes setting up the main unit and connecting ductwork, gas lines and electrical supplies. 

• Testing the new unit: This includes air balancing and testing to ensure the system is operating efficiently. 

• Maintenance advice: The pro might also provide you with a system overview and basic maintenance tips. 

Throughout the process, disruption is minimal. But you should prepare for some noise and clear the area for the contractor to work.

Installing a furnace typically takes one working day, or around eight hours. In some cases, installation can be as fast as four hours.

However, the project could take a few days in some situations like the following:

• Changing fuel type: If you’re switching from one type of furnace to another (oil to natural gas, for example), the installers will have to modify the vents and add new fuel lines or wiring.

• Adding ductwork: Installing new ductwork will add one or more days to the timeline.

• Permit requirements: Especially for older homes, furnace installation may require a building permit, meaning a professional will need to inspect your home.

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.