How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Furnace?
$3,000 – $12,000
National average: $4,800 installed
Estimate your cost
Adjust the options for a tailored ballpark — figures and the regional adjustment are approximate estimates. Always confirm with local quotes before you budget.
When a furnace stops keeping up — or a heating tech finds a cracked heat exchanger — replacement is often safer and cheaper than chasing repairs. A new furnace runs $3,000 to $12,000 installed, averaging around $4,800, with efficiency and fuel type driving most of the difference.
What you’re paying for
The furnace unit is roughly half the cost. The rest covers installation labor, any venting or gas-line adjustments, a thermostat, and permits. High-efficiency condensing furnaces vent through PVC rather than the old metal flue, which sometimes means new venting and a bit more labor.
Cost by efficiency
Furnace efficiency is measured in AFUE — the percentage of fuel converted to heat. It’s the biggest price lever, so it’s worth understanding the tiers before you shop. The table below shows typical installed pricing by efficiency level.
How high should you go?
In a cold climate with heavy heating use, a 96%+ AFUE furnace usually pays for itself through lower gas bills over its life. In a mild climate where the furnace runs only a few months a year, a standard 80% model is often the smarter value — the fuel savings won’t recoup the premium. Match the efficiency to your actual heating load, not the salesperson’s pitch.
Bundle with AC if you can
If your air conditioner is also near the end of its life, replacing both at once saves a second labor charge and ensures the blower, coil, and furnace are properly matched — a mismatched system runs less efficiently and can void warranties.
How to save on a furnace
- Get itemized quotes and compare the same efficiency tier.
- Match efficiency to your climate instead of automatically buying the top model.
- Replace in the off-season for better pricing.
- Check utility rebates for high-efficiency units now that federal credits have ended.
| Component | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas furnace unit | $2,000 – $6,000 | — |
| Installation labor | $500 – $2,000 | — |
| Venting / gas line adjustments | $300 – $1,200 | — |
| Thermostat & permits | $150 – $600 | — |
| Option | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard gas (80% AFUE) | $3,800 – $6,200 | Lowest upfront cost |
| Mid-efficiency gas (90–95% AFUE) | $5,200 – $8,800 | — |
| High-efficiency gas (96%+ AFUE) | $7,500 – $12,000 | Best for cold climates |
| Electric furnace | $2,000 – $7,000 | Cheaper to install, costlier to run |
What affects the price
- Fuel type Gas furnaces are most common; electric furnaces cost less to install but more to run; oil and propane vary.
- Efficiency (AFUE) An 80% AFUE model is cheapest; a 96%+ condensing model costs more but cuts fuel use.
- Size (BTU) Larger homes need higher-output furnaces, which cost more.
- Venting changes High-efficiency condensing furnaces often need new PVC venting, adding labor.
- Region & season Labor rates vary by market, and off-season installs are usually cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a furnace last?
- Most gas furnaces last 15–20 years. Past 15, frequent repairs or a cracked heat exchanger usually mean it's time to replace.
- Is a high-efficiency furnace worth it?
- In cold climates with high gas use, the fuel savings from a 96%+ AFUE furnace often justify the higher upfront cost. In mild climates the payback is slower, so a standard model may be the better value.
- How much is just the furnace unit?
- The furnace alone runs about $2,000–$6,000 depending on size and efficiency; the rest of the cost is labor, venting, and permits.
- Should I replace my AC at the same time?
- If your AC is also near the end of its life, replacing both together saves on labor and ensures the components are properly matched.
- Gas vs. electric furnace — which is cheaper?
- An electric furnace costs less to buy and install but more to operate in most regions. A gas furnace costs more upfront but is usually cheaper to run where natural gas is available.
- What are the signs I need a new furnace?
- Age past 15 years, rising heating bills, frequent repairs, uneven heat, a yellow (not blue) burner flame, or a cracked heat exchanger all point to replacement.
How we estimate: ranges reflect typical U.S. pricing for materials and professional installation, compiled and cross-checked against the current (2026) industry sources listed below (see our data & methodology). Your actual cost depends on your location, project size, material grade, and local labor rates — always get multiple written quotes before you commit.
Sources
Cost ranges on this page were checked against current (2026) data from these industry sources:
- How Much Does a New Furnace Cost in 2026? — Angi
- New Furnace Replacement Cost (2026) — HomeGuide
- How Much Does a New Furnace Cost? (2026) — This Old House