How Much Is A Gas Furnace? Essential Tips And Tricks

In this blog post, we will know the cost considerations of various brands of gas furnaces and the factors affecting its cost range.

What Is a Gas Furnace?


The gas furnace is a heating system that mainly works using natural gas and is used to provide heat to homes or buildings.

How Much Is A Gas Furnace

How Much Is A Gas Furnace?


On average, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $7,500 for a gas furnace system.

Gas Furnace Costs and Prices


To get an idea of how much you’ll spend on a gas furnace, let me walk you through some things to consider.

Gas furnace prices can vary a lot. The size, efficiency and installation fees are all factors that affect the cost. 

Check out the table below for more details.

Furnace SizeEfficiency RatingPrice Range
40k BTU80%$2,500 – $4,000
60k BTU95%$3,500 – $5,500
100k BTU97%$5,000 – $7,500

Factors Affecting Gas Furnace Cost


A higher-efficiency furnace may cost more upfront but save money over time due to lower utility bills.

Furnace Type & SizeBigger and more powerful = higher cost. 
EfficiencyHigh-efficiency models can be pricier.
Fuel SourceNatural gas or propane availability and price of each fuel type matter.
InstallationProfessional installation fees should be factored in. Rates and complexity of installation vary by location.
Features & UpgradesVariable-speed motors, air purification systems, and programmable thermostats can add to the cost.

Potential Additional Costs of Gas Furnace


It’s key to consider potential extra costs that come with gas furnaces before making a purchase. 

Here are the most common ones:

Installation$50-$100 per hour10-14 hours total around $1,000 -$1,400
DuctworkIf you need to replace it, it’s $5,000 – $10,000.
Maintenance and repairService checks cost $100 – $150 yearly. Repairs can be pricey.
New air filterChange every three months; $15 – $20.
Thermostat upgradeNot necessary, but could provide energy savings estimate $250 -$500
Vent and chimney inspectionMay need replacement or repair work; extra costs.

Gas Furnace Efficiency


Let’s delve into the benefits of high-efficiency gas furnaces and how they can save you money in the long run.

Gas Furnace Efficiency Rating (AFUE)

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is a key measure that shows how effectively gas furnaces turn fuel into heat. 

Knowing AFUE ratings is essential for homeowners who want to know how their heating system uses fuel.

AFUEEfficiency ClaimedTrue Efficiency
80%Standard78%
90%High-efficiency88%
95%Ultra-high-efficiency94%

For example, 

An 80% AFUE means that 80% of the fuel used by the furnace is turned into heat. A higher AFUE indicates better efficiency. Variables like insulation and maintenance can affect gas furnace efficiency.

High-Efficiency Gas Furnace Features

Gas Furnace Efficiency is measured by Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). 

Features that make a gas furnace highly efficient are:

Variable Speed Blower MotorsControlling airflow and comfort levels.
Two-Stage Gas ValvesPrecise temperature regulation and energy savings.
Multistage Heat ExchangersEfficient heat distribution and fuel waste reduction.
Programmable Thermostats Set heating schedules and adjust levels for occupancy or preferences.
Zoned HeatingRegulate different areas of a building with multiple thermostats, resulting in energy savings.

Energy Savings with High-Efficiency Gas Furnace

High-efficiency gas furnaces can cut energy costs and offer comfort. They use advanced tech to use less fuel and reduce greenhouse gasses. This decreases the carbon footprint and helps the planet.

These furnaces have a secondary heat exchanger. It captures waste heat, making them more efficient than older models. 

Variable speed motors and programmable thermostats can adjust heating levels. This can save up to 30% on energy bills.

High-efficiency gas furnaces also have less noise pollution and longer lifespan. With annual maintenance, these units can last for twenty years.

Gas Furnace Installation


To properly install a gas furnace, you need to carefully go through the gas furnace installation process. 

Gas Furnace Installation Process

Gas Furnace Setup is a complex task. It requires expertise in installing gas lines, ductwork, and electrical systems. 

Here are five steps to help you with the process:

  1. Assessment – Check the space to find the right furnace size.
  2. Ductwork installs – Put ducts for proper airflow.
  3. Gas Line Connection – Connect the fuel line to start heating.
  4. Electrical System Integration- Change the wiring for maximum efficiency and safety.
  5. Furnace Testing – Check if everything is working correctly and safely.

Proper Installation for Gas Furnace

When professionally installing gas furnaces, proper connections and fittings guarantee efficiency and fewer breakdowns. 

Here’s a 3-step guide to achieving an ideal installation:

  1. Ensure the furnace size is right for the house.
  2. Use pipe sealant to attach the furnace exhaust vent.
  3. Install a carbon monoxide detector to avert poisoning.

Installation Costs for Gas Furnace


Gas Furnace Installation costs vary. It depends on things like type, size and complexity.

The average cost for each factor includes:

Type of Furnace$1,800 to $6,000
Size of Furnace$1,500 to $3,500
Labor Costs$1,000 to $4,000
Total Cost Range (including permits)$3 TBD to $10 TBDTK*

Gas Furnace Brands and Models


To gain more insight into gas furnace brands and models with popular gas furnace brands, gas furnace models and features, and gas furnace comparison of top brands as solutions. 

Here’s a table of some popular gas furnace models and their top-notch features:

BrandModel
Lennox SLP98V
BryantEvolution 987M
CarrierInfinity 98
RheemPrestige Series R97V
TraneXC95m

These models boast different features and efficiencies, like the Lennox SLP98V with a 98.7% AFUE rating.

Gas Furnace Maintenance and Repair


To ensure the longevity and proper functioning of your gas furnace, it is important to give it regular maintenance checks.

Regular Maintenance for Gas Furnace

Maintain your gas furnace for optimal performance! Schedule an annual inspection with a licensed technician. Clean or replace air filters every 1-3 months. Check the thermostat regularly. 

Common Gas Furnace Repairs and Costs

Routine maintenance and repairs are essential for keeping your gas furnace running optimally. 

Common issues, along with their associated costs, are:

IssueCost
Ignition Issues$75-250
Clogged/Dirty FiltersReplacing filters is cheap, but can cause pricey problems if neglected.
Thermostat Malfunctions$50-200
Yearly Maintenance$75-150

Warranty for Gas Furnace

Gas Furnace Warranty Insight. Owners of gas furnaces can benefit from the warranty provided by manufacturers. 

See the table below:

Brand/ModelWarranty Coverage
Goodman GMS8/GDS8 SeriesLifetime Heat Exchanger10-year Parts Limited Warranty
Bryant Evolution, Preferred, Legacy, & Base Series10-year Parts Limited Warranty
5-year Labor Limited Warranty
Carrier Performance, Comfort, Infinity, & Base Series10-year Parts Limited Warranty

Fuel Sources and Availability For Gas Furnaces


To determine the best fuel source for heating, there are certain advantages and disadvantages.

Natural Gas Furnace

Propane gas furnaces are a type of heating system that uses natural gas as fuel. They are an efficient and popular choice for home heating. 

These furnaces require less maintenance and are more reliable in cold weather. They provide consistent heat and can be easily adjusted to preferred temperatures. 

Natural gas furnaces release fewer greenhouse gasses, making them a greener option. 

Plus, they work even during power outages since they use stored natural gas instead of electricity.

Propane Gas Furnace

Propane gas furnaces offer an alternative to natural gas for heating. Their fuel type is LPG gas, with an efficiency rating of 90-98%. 

Though the initial cost is higher than electric furnaces and oil-fired boilers, the operating costs are lower.

Propane is widely available across the US, making it a preferred choice for those living in areas without piped natural gas. 

Comparison of Natural Gas vs Propane Furnace

When it comes to home heating, there are a few fuel sources to choose from. Natural gas and propane furnaces are two of the most popular options. 

Here’s a table showing their differences in efficiency, cost, and availability,

FactorNatural Gas FurnacePropane Furnace
Efficiency90-98%80-95%
Cost per Unit of Heat GeneratedCheaper than PropanePricier compared to Natural Gas
Burns Cleaner?Less Greenhouse Gas Emissions.No

Other Factors to Consider


To ensure that you make the correct choice when buying a gas furnace, it’s important to consider several factors beyond just cost and efficiency. 

Climate Zone and Home Size

For optimal home comfort, it’s essential to consider both the climate zone and home size. 

This helps in choosing the right HVAC system, insulation, and energy-efficient appliances.

It’s important to note other factors, like type of construction and insulation, also help determine the right HVAC system.

Moreover, regular servicing is crucial to maintain optimal performance and efficiency. This can include filter replacement or cleaning.

The following table covers climate zones and their recommended home sizes:

Climate ZoneHome Size
Hot-Humid1k-2k sq. ft.
Hot-Dry 1.5k-3k sq.ft.
Mixed-Humid2.5k-4.5k sq.ft.
Mixed-Dry3k-5k sq.ft.
Cold Above 1.8k sq.ft

Existing System and Ductwork

When planning new HVAC or ductwork, consider the current system. Examining it can reduce installation costs and ensure efficient operation.

Inspect ductwork to determine if any upgrades are needed. Ignoring old ductwork could lead to leaks and extra expenses.

Home Energy Audit

Consider a home energy analysis. It’ll help you identify ways to decrease energy use and lower costs.

 Here’s what a comprehensive audit should include:

  • Inspection of insulation, ventilation, and air leaks
  • Checking efficiency levels of heating/cooling systems
  • Investigating if appliances and electronics have energy efficiency certifications
  • Measuring lighting wattage and brightness
  • Analyzing the building envelope for insulation gaps/deficiencies
  • Assessing water heating methods

Conclusion


Analyzing the factors that affect gas furnace prices, homeowners have plenty of options. The charge depends on the size of the house, type of furnace, and installation labor fees.