What Does it Cost to Replace a Furnace?

When investing in a new furnace, you’ll find several makes and models in varying price ranges. How much you end up spending depends on many different factors, including your house size, the fuel (gas, electricity, oil), your usage, and the furnace’s AEFU efficiency.

The national average for furnace replacement or installation is between $1,500 and$6,000. However, expect to pay around $3,700 for a new furnace.

Here’s everything we will cover in this guide:

Furnace Types

There are three types of furnaces, and their average replacement cost is listed in the following table:

If you live in an area with readily available utilities like gas and electricity, such as Denver, CO, we would recommend a gas furnace. Not only do they have an AFUE efficiency rating of up to 97%, but they are also easier to clean and operate.

Oil-based furnaces with an expansion tank get dirtier with time and are messy to clean. While oil furnaces have been widely used for a long time, they are no longer as popular.

Upfront Furnace Replacement Cost vs. Operational Cost

Investing in a reliable furnace based solely on its price tag is just one part of the equation. What you need to look at is how well the furnace will perform over its remaining life, including annual inspection and replacement costs.
Oil furnaces, once widely used, are no longer an ideal option.

Electric furnaces are more economical than gas furnaces and may typically cost you around $1,000 to $1,500 less. However, electric furnaces have very high operational costs over their lifetimes.

On the other hand, gas furnaces are initially expensive, but they have low operating costs and a high AFUE efficiency of nearly 100% (97%). This means they are usually the most cost-effective option.

Most Common Gas Furnace Brands

There are several reliable gas furnace brands easily available throughout Denver, Co, with a nationwide network of shops and warranty centers. It is important to first consult a local Denver HVAC expert, like JD’s Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, to find out which gas furnace brands are most commonly available in your area.

In Denver, Co, several leading American gas furnace brands are available. See the table below for their average cost.

Furnace Replacement Cost – What Size Gas Furnace Do I Need?

House size is a huge factor in deciding the cost of furnace installation in Denver. If you have a small house under 1,500 square feet, your average furnace replacement cost should not exceed $3,500.

Larger homes need furnaces with a higher BTU rating. Costs can quickly escalate if you factor in your home size. For example, a home that is 3,000 sq. feet in size will have a higher replacement cost. When evaluating furnace size for homeowners, it’s essential to consider not only the home’s square footage but also its insulation and layout. A well-insulated, smaller home may require a furnace with lower BTU output compared to a larger home with poor insulation. This careful assessment ensures that homeowners choose a system that balances energy efficiency and comfort, ultimately saving on long-term costs.

Before Moving Forward, Here’s a Word of Caution:

DO NOT proceed with any replacement or installation yourself if you aren’t familiar with any part of this process. There’s nothing wrong with DIY furnace maintenance and replacement, but if you are focusing on saving some cash by doing everything yourself without having the necessary skills, you might end up unknowingly damaging your furnace.

JD’s Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning has researched furnace replacement and installation costs from several verifiable sources, but the actual costs will, of course, vary based on factors such as brand, model, AFUE efficiency rating, home size, and your local HVAC expert.

Always get in touch with a local Denver Furnace Replacement HVAC expert and get a quote before making a decision.

As always, JD’s Plumbing Heating & AC is just a call away. Schedule an appointment now to replace your furnace in Denver.

Average Cost of Furnace Replacement or Installation in Denver, Colorado

On average, furnace replacement and installation will cost around $4,000, plus labor costs of $150 to $400.

There are 3 components to furnace replacement or installation costs:

1. New Furnace – This will account for roughly 60% to 80% of your installation cost.
2. Labor costs – Unless you’re going the DIY route, labor costs could account for almost 20% of your furnace installation. Expect to pay less in labor costs only when you are installing a new furnace instead of replacing it.
3. Additional Costs – These could account for 10% to 20% of your total costs and include services such as removing an old furnace, a safety inspection, and additional equipment.

Why Do I Need to Replace the Furnace and Install a New One?

If your furnace is 15 years or older and has started requiring consistent repairs, it’s time to replace it. You know the saying:

When in doubt, cut it out.

But it goes way beyond just a doubt. Here are some telltale signs that you need to replace your furnace:

• Squeaky or weird noises
• Increasing energy bills
• Repeat repairs
• Occasional breakdowns

Furnace Replacement vs. Furnace Repair in Denver

Over the last few years, climate change has brought swift changes to our environment, leading Denver to experience unprecedented levels of harsh cold nights and exceptionally hot days. In times like these, it’s important to keep your furnace working in peak condition.

You might ask yourself, “Should I replace my furnace or repair it?”

There is no direct answer to it, but there’s a good rule of thumb to determine what you should do.

If your furnace breaks down and repair costs are estimated between $1,500 to $2,000, it’s better to buy a new gas furnace for around $4,000. Either way, you would have had to spend around $2,000 on repairs, so why not invest an additional $2,000 and buy a brand-new furnace?

What Are the Additional Costs for Denver Furnace Replacement?

One additional cost for furnace replacement and installation in Denver is the HVAC Expert Visit Fee. HVAC Denver Companies charge service fees for visiting, inspecting, and recommending a new furnace for replacement. The national average is between $50 to $150.

At JD’s Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, our charges range from $50 to $100 for a furnace inspection, during which we’ll determine whether it needs replacement or repairs. Should you proceed with a replacement from us, we’ll waive our service charges and bill you only for the actual labor costs to install a new furnace.

It’s always a great idea to consult several reliable HVAC experts in your area. Not only will you get a good assessment of rates, but certified HVAC Denver experts like JDs Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning will also help you find the right furnace model for your needs and budget.

1. The Make and Model

The more expensive the gas furnace, the lower its running costs. You can get an idea beforehand about the pricing by contacting the HVAC experts at JD’s Plumbing Heating & AC. Even brands with the same specifications have different charges.

2. Gas Furnace Performance and AFUE Ratings

Regardless of the furnace make or model, a new furnace will be much quieter and more efficient than your old one, thanks to new energy regulations and improved technology.

Here are some factors you need to take into account when buying a new furnace:

• Single-stage and two-stage unit – While slightly more expensive than the single-stage furnace, a double-stage furnace offers higher fuel efficiency, maintaining 65% efficiency at startup and reaching 95% once fully on.
• Blower motor – Highly energy-efficient motor with improved fan speeds for proper air circulation
• Standard motor – Least energy-efficient motor option
• Variable speed – Unlike fixed-speed furnaces, the furnace automatically adjusts fan speed and gas consumption based on the temperature, thereby significantly lowering your energy bills.
• Modulating valve – Many expensive gas furnaces feature a modulating valve that regulates the flow of gas, thereby lowering your energy bills over time.

3. Furnace Warranties

Before buying a new furnace, always ask the manufacturer the following questions:

• How long is the furnace covered under warranty?
• What’s covered under warranty?
• Are the first year’s annual furnace inspection and tune-up covered?
• What is the warranty claim procedure?
• How long does it take the manufacturer to rectify a problem and have the furnace repaired?

4. Ductwork Installation Cost

The average cost of furnace replacement does NOT include ductwork installation. While replacing your furnace, let your HVAC expert diagnose and inspect any problems with your existing ductwork, without which your furnace cannot function.

Ductwork is a series of duct pipes and vents required for your furnace to properly channel warm air into your home and remove exhaust fumes and gases.

The average cost of ductwork installation is between $1,500 and $3,000. Improperly installed ducts and vents could be one reason your furnace isn’t working. Even if you buy a new one, you need to ensure the ducts and vent pipes are professionally installed.

Most Common Furnace Repair Problems Requiring Replacement

It isn’t unusual for furnaces to break down, just like with any other electrical equipment, and eventually, you’ll need a reliable HVAC contractor for repairs. In Denver, temperatures often fall below zero, and that’s when your gas furnace needs to be working at the most optimal output.

Here are some common furnace repair problems, which left unchecked, may result in a complete malfunctioning of your equipment, leading to replacement:

• Not changing clogged filters. You need to clean clogged filters every 3 months. Since clogged filters force the furnace to distribute warm air, it can easily damage motors and other electrical components, resulting in costly repairs. Ideally, you should change the air filters once a year.
• Not performing annual furnace inspection and safety. JD’s Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning takes special care while performing furnace inspection and safety to ensure your furnace keeps working smoothly throughout the winter. Periodic maintenance and inspection are critical to ensure the longevity of your heating equipment; without them, it can break down at any time.
• A malfunctioning thermostat. Unfortunately, many Denver homeowners fail to realize that an investment in a programmable thermostat would go a long way toward ensuring their heating equipment functions properly. If the thermostat malfunctions, your furnace will keep turning on and off several times throughout the day, leading to costly repairs or even replacement.
• A faulty fan limit switch. Your blower fan will continue running uninterruptedly if your fan limit switch is not functioning. Again, this will lead to costly repairs.

If you think there’s a problem, call JD’s Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning to take care of your heating needs. Delays in contacting a Denver HVAC expert may result in a complete replacement of your furnace is necessary.

How Do I Boost the Energy Efficiency of My New Furnace in Denver?

You might have bought a top-rated furnace for your home, but even that won’t perform well if it isn’t properly maintained. Here are some tips to boost your new furnace’s efficiency:

• Clean or replace air filters every 3 months.
• Check for any cracks or holes in vents and pipes. If there are any, go for repairs.
• Keep vents clear of any obstacles, including furniture.
• Check motor belts and bearings, and keep them well lubricated.
• Get your furnace inspected every fall and winter.
• A programmable thermostat goes a long way to saving on your energy bills.
• Insulate your home and ensure there are no drafts from doors and windows.

Your home represents a major chunk of your investment, something you’ve acquired over time through hard work.

Investing in a reliable furnace brings the much-needed comfort and peace of mind you want for yourself and your family. It is critical to call in a licensed, certified, and experienced HVAC team to ensure your furnace is properly maintained year-round.