Cost guides › Furnace replacement
United States
Furnace replacement cost
Replacing a gas furnace with a 95-96% AFUE single-stage model in a 2002 sq ft home typically costs $6,000, and most quotes run from $4,700 to $7,800 before sales tax. A basic 80% AFUE furnace swapped like-for-like is about $4,550, while a modulating 97-98% furnace with a communicating thermostat is closer to $9,600. Venting changes, duct work and an attic location are what push a quote above the typical range.
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mid-range, typicalCost by region
| Location | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $5,150 | $6,700 | $10,500 |
| Alaska | $4,950 | $6,500 | $10,200 |
| Illinois | $4,950 | $6,500 | $10,200 |
| Massachusetts | $4,950 | $6,500 | $10,200 |
| Connecticut | $4,950 | $6,450 | $10,200 |
| Minnesota | $4,950 | $6,450 | $10,200 |
| Washington | $4,900 | $6,450 | $10,100 |
| New Hampshire | $4,850 | $6,400 | $10,100 |
| New Jersey | $4,900 | $6,400 | $10,100 |
| New York | $4,900 | $6,400 | $10,100 |
Show all regions
| North Dakota | $4,900 | $6,400 | $10,100 |
| California | $4,850 | $6,350 | $10,000 |
| Maryland | $4,800 | $6,250 | $9,950 |
| Rhode Island | $4,700 | $6,200 | $9,850 |
| Hawaii | $4,650 | $6,150 | $9,750 |
| Colorado | $4,650 | $6,100 | $9,750 |
| Delaware | $4,600 | $6,050 | $9,650 |
| Maine | $4,600 | $6,050 | $9,700 |
| Ohio | $4,600 | $6,050 | $9,650 |
| Oregon | $4,600 | $6,050 | $9,650 |
| Pennsylvania | $4,600 | $6,050 | $9,650 |
| Vermont | $4,600 | $6,050 | $9,650 |
| Indiana | $4,550 | $6,000 | $9,600 |
| Iowa | $4,550 | $6,000 | $9,600 |
| Kansas | $4,550 | $6,000 | $9,600 |
| Michigan | $4,550 | $6,000 | $9,600 |
| Montana | $4,550 | $6,000 | $9,600 |
| Nevada | $4,550 | $6,000 | $9,600 |
| South Dakota | $4,550 | $6,000 | $9,600 |
| Wisconsin | $4,550 | $6,000 | $9,650 |
| Arizona | $4,500 | $5,950 | $9,550 |
| Kentucky | $4,500 | $5,950 | $9,500 |
| Louisiana | $4,500 | $5,950 | $9,500 |
| Missouri | $4,500 | $5,950 | $9,550 |
| Nebraska | $4,500 | $5,950 | $9,550 |
| Utah | $4,500 | $5,950 | $9,500 |
| Virginia | $4,500 | $5,950 | $9,550 |
| North Carolina | $4,450 | $5,900 | $9,450 |
| Oklahoma | $4,450 | $5,900 | $9,450 |
| Texas | $4,450 | $5,900 | $9,500 |
| Florida | $4,450 | $5,850 | $9,450 |
| Georgia | $4,450 | $5,850 | $9,450 |
| Idaho | $4,450 | $5,850 | $9,400 |
| South Carolina | $4,450 | $5,850 | $9,450 |
| Tennessee | $4,400 | $5,850 | $9,400 |
| Wyoming | $4,400 | $5,800 | $9,350 |
| New Mexico | $4,300 | $5,700 | $9,200 |
| Alabama | $4,250 | $5,650 | $9,150 |
| Mississippi | $4,250 | $5,650 | $9,150 |
| West Virginia | $4,250 | $5,650 | $9,150 |
| Arkansas | $4,200 | $5,600 | $9,100 |
What's included
Mid-range
- Removal and haul-away of the old furnace
- A 95-96% AFUE single-stage condensing gas furnace sized for a 2002 sq ft home
- Gas, electrical and condensate connections
- Connection to the existing high-efficiency (PVC) venting
- Filter rack and new filter
- A programmable thermostat
- Start-up, combustion and safety checks
- Local permit
What affects the cost
Efficiency (AFUE)
An 80% AFUE furnace is the cheapest to buy but sends a fifth of the fuel up the flue. A 95-98% condensing furnace costs more up front and needs PVC venting and a condensate drain, but uses noticeably less gas. The colder your winters, the faster the extra cost pays back.
Single-stage, two-stage or modulating
A single-stage furnace runs flat out every time it fires. Two-stage furnaces with a variable-speed blower run on low most of the time, which is quieter and evens out temperatures. Modulating furnaces adjust in small steps and give the best comfort, at the highest price.
Venting
Going from an 80% furnace to a high-efficiency one means new PVC intake and exhaust pipes and a condensate drain. If a gas water heater shared the old chimney, it may need a liner so it still drafts safely on its own. Both add to the quote.
Size of the furnace
Capacity is measured in BTU per hour and should come from a load calculation, not from the old unit's label. Oversized furnaces cost more, short-cycle and wear out faster.
Ductwork
A new cabinet rarely lines up exactly with the old plenum, so some sheet-metal work is common. Leaky or undersized ducts can undo the benefit of a better furnace; sealing or replacing sections is priced separately.
Location and access
A furnace in a basement or garage is the easiest to replace. Attic and crawlspace installations take more labor and often need a secondary drain pan, which raises the price.
How to save
- Ask for a Manual J load calculation; a correctly sized furnace is often smaller and cheaper than the old one.
- Check your gas utility and state programs for furnace or thermostat rebates before you sign, since the federal 25C credit has ended.
- Replace in spring or early fall, when HVAC contractors are less busy than during the first cold snap.
- Compare at least three quotes for the same AFUE, staging and blower type, and make sure the permit and haul-away are included.
Grants, tax and rules
Federal tax credit has ended
The 25C energy efficient home improvement credit does not apply to property placed in service after 31 December 2025, so a new furnace no longer qualifies for it.
Utility and state rebates
Gas and electric utilities often run rebates for efficient heating equipment and smart thermostats, and some states offer home energy rebates. Availability varies by state; the DSIRE database lists state and utility incentives.
Permits and licensed contractors
Replacing a furnace usually needs a mechanical permit, and gas and electrical connections must be made by licensed trades. Our figures are before sales tax, which varies by state.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace a gas furnace?
For a 2002 sq ft home, a 95-96% AFUE single-stage furnace replaced like-for-like costs around $6,000 before sales tax, with most quotes between $4,700 and $7,800. An 80% furnace costs less, a modulating furnace more.
Is a 96% AFUE furnace worth it over 80%?
In cold climates usually yes, because it burns noticeably less gas every winter. In mild climates with short heating seasons, the savings are smaller and an 80% furnace can make sense, especially if a switch would mean new venting.
Can I replace just the furnace and keep my AC?
Often yes, if the AC is fairly new and the coil fits the new furnace. If the AC is over 10-12 years old, replacing both at once usually saves labor and avoids matching problems.
How long does furnace replacement take?
A straightforward swap is usually done in a day. Changing to high-efficiency venting, duct modifications or an attic install can stretch it to two days.
How long does a furnace last?
Gas furnaces typically last 15 to 20 years with yearly maintenance; electric furnaces often last longer. Rising repair bills, cracked heat exchangers and uneven heating are signs it is time to replace.
Should I consider a heat pump instead?
It is worth pricing, especially if you also need a new AC, since a heat pump does both jobs. Many homes in cold regions pair a heat pump with a gas furnace for the coldest days.
How this estimate is calculated
Work hours: 16.4 · Labour: $1,800 · Materials: $4,200
Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics; Regione Toscana, Prezzario dei Lavori 2026 (CC BY 4.0); ECB exchange rates; market check: Mid = 95-96% AFUE single-stage gas furnace, like-for-like, ~80k BTU. HomeGuide gas furnace (2025-12-31): 80% 3,800-6,200, 90-95% 5,200-8,800, 96%+ 7,500-12,000; hvacprojectcost.com (2026-08-02): most pay 4,500-6,300, 80% ~5,000 vs 96% ~6,500; HomeGuide new furnace 3,500-7,500. Before sales tax..
Last reviewed September 26, 2026 · How we calculate costs · Editorial policy