Estimate your furnace replacement cost
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How much does furnace replacement cost?
A new furnace costs $2,500 to $7,500 installed in the US in 2026, with most homeowners landing between $3,000 and $6,000 for a mid-range gas unit. A standard 80% AFUE gas furnace in an average-size home sits near the middle of that range. Electric furnaces and smaller homes run lower, typically $2,000 to $4,500. High-efficiency models (90% AFUE and above), oil furnaces, and jobs that require new or modified ductwork push toward the top, sometimes $8,000 to $10,000 for a large home with duct work included. The figures come from the cost model behind the calculator on this page, which starts from a national base price and adjusts for fuel type, efficiency rating, home size, ductwork, and your ZIP code. Enter your details above for a number matched to your home, then get written quotes from at least two licensed HVAC contractors before committing to a purchase.
Average furnace replacement cost
| Setup | What homeowners actually pay |
| Gas furnace (installed) | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| High-efficiency gas | $4,500 - $8,000 |
| Electric furnace | $2,000 - $4,500 |
| Oil furnace | $4,000 - $7,500 |
| With ductwork changes | $5,000 - $10,000 |
What affects furnace replacement cost
- Fuel type. Gas is the most common choice; oil and electric vary significantly in operating cost.
- Efficiency rating. Higher AFUE furnaces cost more upfront and save on energy bills over time.
- Furnace size. Larger homes need higher-BTU units, which cost more.
- Ductwork. New or modified ducts add meaningful labor and material cost.
- Labor and permits. Licensed HVAC installation and required permits are part of every total.
- Location. Regional contractor rates and climate zone both affect the final number.
Which tool to use for your situation
The calculator above is built for a straight replacement: your existing furnace is dying or dead and you want a number before a technician shows up. A few other situations call for a different page on this site. If your furnace and AC are both past 12 to 15 years old, check the furnace and AC bundle guide before running separate numbers, since combined labor usually beats two standalone jobs. If you are deciding between fuel types rather than replacing like for like, the gas versus electric comparison walks through the 10-year operating cost, not just the sticker price. If you are not sure the furnace needs replacing at all, start with the warning signs guide instead. And if you are buying a house and want to know what you are inheriting, the home inspection cost tool covers the pre-purchase side of this same question.
A worked example, checked against the calculator's own numbers
Take a household with a 15-year-old gas furnace in an average-size home. They want to upgrade to high-efficiency (90%+ AFUE) and the ductwork needs modification to fit the new unit. Working through this site's cost model: the base range is $3,500 to $5,500 for a standard-efficiency gas furnace in an average home. The high-efficiency multiplier adds 25 percent, the duct modification multiplier adds 30 percent, and gas itself carries no adjustment. Multiplying those three factors against the base range lands the installed estimate at $5,690 to $8,940 before any ZIP adjustment. Add a ZIP code in a high-cost metro, such as the Los Angeles area at roughly 1.22x, and the same job runs $6,940 to $10,900 installed. That gap between the national baseline and the ZIP-adjusted number is exactly why the calculator asks for a ZIP code instead of stopping at a single national figure.
What this estimate assumes, and where it can be wrong
The numbers on this page come from a model, not a quote. It starts from a national base price for a standard-efficiency gas furnace in an average home with existing, usable ductwork, then multiplies that base by fixed factors for fuel type, efficiency rating, home size, ductwork condition, and ZIP code. Those factors reflect typical pricing patterns, not your specific contractor's rate card. The model assumes a straightforward equipment swap: it does not price in electrical panel upgrades, asbestos abatement around old ductwork, permit costs that vary by municipality, or a chimney liner replacement if you are switching fuel types. It also assumes one contractor visit gets the job done, which is true for most straight swaps and not true for jobs that turn up surprises once the old unit comes out. Treat the output as a planning range to walk into quote conversations with, not as a number a contractor is bound to match.
Furnace replacement questions, answered
How much does a new furnace cost?
Installed, a mid-range gas furnace typically runs $3,000 to $6,000. High-efficiency models or jobs that include ductwork changes cost more.
Is a high-efficiency furnace worth it?
In cold climates, the annual gas savings and available rebates typically recover the higher upfront cost within four to eight years.
How long does a furnace last?
Most gas furnaces reach 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance. Electric furnaces often last longer.
What size furnace do I need?
Sizing depends on square footage, climate zone, and insulation level. A licensed HVAC contractor runs a Manual J load calculation to get it right.
Should I replace the AC at the same time?
If your AC is also aging, replacing both at once saves $1,000 to $2,500 in combined labor and lets the contractor properly size and match the systems.
How much does a new furnace cost for a 2000 square-foot house?
For a 2,000-square-foot home, a new furnace typically costs $2,500 to $5,500 installed, covering equipment and labor. The price varies by efficiency rating, brand, fuel type, local labor rates, and whether ductwork modifications are required. A 96% AFUE model costs more upfront but cuts monthly gas bills by 15 to 25 percent compared to an 80% unit. Two or three quotes from licensed HVAC contractors will give you a reliable price range for your specific home.
Is it worth replacing a 30 year old furnace?
Yes. A 30-year-old furnace is 10 to 15 years past its expected lifespan and almost certainly running at 60 to 70% AFUE or worse. Upgrading to a modern high-efficiency model cuts gas consumption by 30 to 40 percent, removes the reliability risk of a system overdue for failure, and eliminates the carbon monoxide exposure risk from an aging heat exchanger. The energy savings alone recover a meaningful share of the replacement cost within 8 to 10 years.
How much should labor cost to install a furnace?
Labor to install a furnace typically runs $800 to $2,000 in 2026, depending on your region, installation complexity, and whether ductwork or venting modifications are required. A straight swap of an existing forced-air system sits at the lower end; new gas lines, venting upgrades, or electrical work push it higher. Always ask for an itemized quote with parts and labor broken out separately. Comparing bids from licensed HVAC contractors is the most reliable way to confirm you are paying a fair rate.
What is the life expectancy of a furnace?
Most gas furnaces last 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance; well-maintained premium units sometimes reach 25. Annual tune-ups and filter changes make the biggest difference. Once a furnace passes 18 to 20 years, the risk of costly breakdowns and efficiency decline increases noticeably. If yours is approaching that range, start budgeting for replacement and get an assessment from a licensed HVAC technician before the furnace makes the decision for you.
In-depth furnace replacement guides
See what local contractors would actually charge
Furnace pricing varies more than most people expect. A couple of local HVAC quotes will tell you exactly where yours lands.
Get real furnace replacement quotes
No-obligation quotes from vetted HVAC pros near you, free to request.Send me local quotes
We may earn a referral fee if you request quotes through this button; you never pay more for it.