Replacing a furnace can be costly.
The replacement cost of a furnace depends on the size, type of furnace, geographic location and if any duct work or additional modifications need to be done. It is recommended to get three estimates for replacing a furnace and compare costs, contractors and brands of furnaces. There are five basic types of furnaces: Gas furnace, gas boiler, oil furnace, electric furnace and heat pump. The gas furnace is typically the most efficient furnace because it is the cheapest to run.
Gas Furnace Prices
Gas furnaces come in many different shapes and sizes. A furnace for a 1,000 square-foot home will not cost as much as a furnace for a 3,000 square-foot two-story home. There are also different levels of efficiency and multi-stage furnaces. All prices listed below are approximate in 2010 and will vary by demographic area and any additional work that needs to be done, such as adding or changing venting.
Gas furnaces that are single stage and 80 percent efficient are $2,000 and up. Ninety percent efficient single-stage furnaces are $3,000 and up. Multi-stage or modulating furnaces with variable speed blowers that are 95 percent efficient or higher can cost $5,000 to $7,500 and higher.
Installation of a gas furnace can usually be done in one day.
Gas Boiler Costs
In 2010, gas boiler replacement costs range from $2,500 to $4,000 for a mid-efficiency boiler and $5,000 to $9,000 for a high-efficiency boiler. The installation can take several days and can require additional modifications and repairs if the existing boiler is very old.
Additional costs to consider for a gas boiler replacement is a fire inspection by local officials, adding a chimney liner and removing an old fuel-oil tank.
Oil Furnace Costs
The replacement costs for an oil furnace are $2,000 to $5,000 in 2010. Some installations require additional modifications and can run from $6,000 to $10,000. The oil furnace is considered when a gas furnace is not possible. Oil furnaces cannot achieve the same high efficiency as gas furnaces, can last between 15 to 20 years and require regular maintenance.
Electric Furnace Costs
The price to replace an electric furnace in 2010 is $1,000 to $1,500. The electric furnace is the cheapest to install, but the most expensive to operate. If gas or oil furnaces are not an option, then an electric furnace would be your choice. Electric furnaces can last from 25 to 30 years and have an 80 to 90 percent efficiency rate.
Heat Pump Costs
Heat pumps operate as a two-in-one furnace and air conditioner. They are more expensive to install than a furnace, but are one of the most efficient ways to heat or cool your home. Prices range from $1,500 to $7,500. A heat pump system is not recommended for areas where there is a substantial amount of below-freezing temperatures because a backup heating system will be necessary when the temperature falls below about 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
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