How much does a new furnace cost?

Prices included in the table above include the cost of labor and materials. All prices in this guide reflect the national average cost to replace high-efficiency forced-air gas (or oil) furnaces, unless otherwise noted.

The total cost to install a new furnace depends on the parts that need fixing or replacing, the size of the furnace, the type of your furnace, and many more factors.

Because costs can vary, it’s best to get quotes from an HVAC professional near you. Download the Thumbtack app to see top-rated pros near you, and continue reading this article to find out what else might impact the cost of your new furnace.

Here's a look at some of the biggest factors that impact furnace installation costs:

Type of furnace.

Currently, there are generally three main types of furnaces available on the market: oil, electric, and gas furnaces. Consult an HVAC professional to better understand the cost of buying and installing each system. Typically, electric furnaces tend to be cheaper to install than oil and natural gas furnaces.

Furnace size.

A furnace’s size determines how much heat it can produce — measured in British thermal units (BTUs). The larger your home is, the larger your furnace should be. But the larger your furnace is, the more you will likely have to spend.

Bigger doesn’t always mean better, however. You’ll find that having the appropriate furnace size for a smaller home is more efficient, preventing you from wasting fuel and money.

If you aren’t sure what size furnace to get, hire a professional to calculate it for you. They’ll need to factor in the size of your home, the number of windows you have, your house’s floor plan, the condition of your ductwork, and more.

Furnace efficiency.

A furnace's energy efficiency rating also drives its cost up or down. The energy efficiency is determined by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). AFUE measures how efficient your furnace is in converting the energy from fuel to heat in a typical year.

Naturally, the higher the efficiency, the more expensive your furnace will be. High-efficiency furnaces achieve between 90-98.5% AFUE ratings.

Removing the existing furnace.

Installing a new furnace also includes removing the old one. Some professionals, however, may charge separately for it. Ask your pro how much it will cost to get rid of your existing heating system's components.

Furnace modifications.

When installing a new furnace, it's important to ensure it aligns with your existing gas line, electrical hookup, and exhaust venting. If not, your contractor may need to make additional modifications, including installing a new gas line, PVC piping, or extra wiring. This will also bring up costs.

If you're shifting from one type of furnace to another — from gas to electric, for example — you’ll need to change your vents as they burn differently. If you’re changing the furnace of an old home, you’ll also want a professional to inspect your ductwork to check for leaks or blockages.

Other furnace features.

You may also want a furnace that goes beyond the basics. For example, you may consider a furnace with a variable-speed blower, which provides better control over airflow during heating and cooling. Or, you may be interested in a multi-stage furnace that has a more robust heating system.

Furnaces with certain features may cost more. Do your research and consult your pro if you need help deciding what features are worth the cost.

Permit fees.

You'll probably need to get a permit to install a new furnace. This may incur a small fee. The permit process usually involves a professional inspection to ensure your new furnace is up to code and safe to use.

The cost and type of the permit vary per location, so it’s best to check what your county or city requires.

Replacing or repairing your furnace can be expensive, so you must plan your budget wisely. Some of the most expensive parts of a furnace are the blower motor, the circuit board, and the draft inducer motor.

Replacing your furnace isn't an easy or cheap project. That's why it's important to make sure your furnace stays in great condition so it lasts a long time — and saves you money down the line.

Get a high-efficiency furnace.

While they're typically more expensive up front, energy-efficient furnaces will likely help you save money on energy bills in the long run. You may also be able to take advantage of tax credits and incentives. Visit the ENERGY STAR website for more information.

Tip: You may also want to consider getting a heat pump along with your gas furnace. This type of system is often referred to as a dual-fuel or hybrid system. According to the Department of Energy, "In comparison with a combustion fuel-fired furnace or standard heat pump alone, this type of system can also be more economical."

Related: Which appliance is more energy-efficient?

Change your furnace's air filter regularly.

Maintaining your furnace and keeping it in good shape can go a long way in bringing down costs. One way to do this is by cleaning or changing your furnace air filters every 30 to 90 days. If you live with pets or in a particularly dusty region, you may want to change it every 30 days.

Related: 5 signs it's time to replace your furnace filters.

Schedule regular maintenance and cleaning.

In addition to changing the filter, it's a good idea to service your furnace at least once a year. Hire a professional to clean parts and ensure that it's working efficiently.

While replacing your air conditioner and furnace at the same time isn't necessary, doing so may help you save on installation costs. If your AC is on the fritz, ask your pro how much it would cost to replace it now, as they're installing your new furnace.

A lot of factors go into the cost of installing a new furnace. Not only do you have to think about the cost of the furnace itself, but installation and labor costs add to the overall cost. You may even need extra work done, such as additional piping or wiring installed.

Nevertheless, it’s best to get a pro to install your furnace to ensure the job is done correctly. A poorly installed furnace can result in costly repairs in the future and a decreased lifespan.

Is your current furnace raising your energy bills or making it harder to adjust the thermostat? Did you spend the last winter with unpredictable indoor temperatures? Replacing your furnace isn't cheap. However, it's a worthwhile investment when you factor in energy savings and your overall well-being.

Ready to take the next step in replacing your furnace? Download the Thumbtack app today so you can start receiving free cost estimates from HVAC professionals near you.