A furnace replacement is usually a one-day job. This guide covers what it costs by fuel type and efficiency, the signs your furnace is done — including the safety ones — and how to hire well.
Furnace replacement removes the old unit and sets a new one sized to your home's heating load, then reconnects the gas or electrical supply, the venting, the ductwork, and the thermostat, and runs a combustion analysis at startup. Moving from an 80% to a 90%+ AFUE furnace adds sealed PVC venting and a condensate drain.
If the air conditioner shares the coil and blower and is also aging, replacing both together keeps the system matched and usually costs less than two visits.
Gas furnaces last about 15–20 years. Past that, efficiency drops and parts get scarce.
A safety issue that usually costs enough to repair that replacement is the better call.
Two or more failures in a couple of years, or a major part like the control board or blower.
Fuel use climbing despite maintenance means the furnace has lost efficiency.
Signs of incomplete combustion — have it inspected, and plan for replacement if the heat exchanger is involved.
The furnace can't keep up, is the wrong size, or is nearing the end of its life.
Installed ranges for a typical home. Tailor it with the Furnace Replacement Cost Calculator.
| Furnace type | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Gas furnace, 80% AFUE | $3,000 – $5,500 |
| Gas furnace, 90–96% AFUE | $4,500 – $8,000 |
| Propane furnace | $3,500 – $7,000 |
| Oil furnace | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| Electric furnace | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Venting conversion (80% → 90%+) | +$500 – $1,500 |
| Full system (furnace + AC) | $8,000 – $16,000 |
Some furnace problems are a reason to replace rather than repair, mostly for safety:
If you smell gas or a CO detector sounds, leave the home immediately and call 911 or your gas utility from outside. A licensed technician should confirm a heat-exchanger crack before you decide.
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An 80% AFUE gas furnace runs about $3,000–$5,500 installed; a 90–96% model runs $4,500–$8,000. Propane, oil, and electric furnaces fall outside that range. Estimate yours with the Furnace Replacement Cost Calculator.
If the furnace is 15+ years old and needs a major repair — heat exchanger, control board, blower — or you’ve had repeated failures, replacement is usually the better value. The Repair or Replace calculator weighs it out.
Yes — it can leak carbon monoxide into your home's air. A technician should confirm the crack, and a furnace with a cracked heat exchanger should be replaced or repaired before use.
In many climates a heat pump replaces both heating and cooling with one efficient system and can qualify for a larger tax credit. Compare with the Heat Pump vs. Furnace + AC calculator.
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