Calculate HVAC Cost in Your Area
Rough install estimate — adjust square footage and system type.
8005,000
Estimated install range
$4,100 – $9,450
4 Ton System Required · Climate zone 4 · Labor ×1.00
Furnace replacement cost calculator
Furnace Replacement Cost Calculator (2026)
Furnace replacement cost depends on whether the quote covers the furnace only or a matched furnace and AC system. Home size, furnace efficiency, indoor coil compatibility, venting, gas piping, electrical work, access, permits, and duct condition can all change the installed range.
Direct answer
$4,100 - $9,450
Baseline estimate for a 2,000 sq ft home using furnace + ac before local labor, ductwork, permit, access, and verified incentive adjustments.
Compare equivalent scope
Furnace-Only and Furnace + AC Quotes Are Not the Same Job
Ask each contractor to label the replacement scope before comparing totals. A lower furnace-only bid may be reasonable, but it cannot be compared directly with a matched heating and cooling replacement.
| Quote scope | Usually addresses | Verify in writing |
|---|---|---|
| Furnace only | Furnace, blower, removal, gas and venting connections, controls, startup | Indoor coil compatibility, duct airflow, permit, combustion testing, labor warranty |
| Furnace plus indoor coil | Furnace, blower, matched indoor coil, drain and refrigerant transition scope | Outdoor-unit match, AHRI reference where applicable, line-set assumptions |
| Furnace plus AC | Furnace, indoor coil, outdoor unit, controls, refrigerant work, complete startup | All model numbers, tonnage, SEER2, AFUE, removal, permits, warranty, exclusions |
Five Numbers a Furnace Quote Should Explain
Heating capacity
Input and output BTU plus the load or design assumptions behind them
Efficiency
AFUE and whether venting or condensate requirements change
Airflow
Blower setting, return-air capacity, filter pressure, and duct condition
Cooling match
Indoor coil, outdoor model, tonnage, controls, and AHRI match when applicable
Safety and startup
Gas pressure, temperature rise, combustion, drainage, controls, and final testing
Cost by System Type
| System | Range | Quote note |
|---|---|---|
| Furnace + AC | $4,100 - $9,450 | Common replacement path where gas heat is still preferred. |
| Heat Pump | $2,850 - $6,200 | Often costs more upfront, but can replace heating and cooling in one system. |
| Central Air | $2,650 - $5,650 | Best for homes with usable ductwork and separate heating. |
Cost by Home Size
| Home size | Tonnage | Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft | 2 tons | $3,650 - $8,400 |
| 1,600 sq ft | 3 tons | $3,900 - $8,950 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 4 tons | $4,100 - $9,450 |
| 2,400 sq ft | 5 tons | $4,250 - $9,950 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 5 tons | $4,250 - $9,950 |
What Changes the Final Quote?
Replacement scope: furnace-only work is not equivalent to a matched furnace, indoor coil, and outdoor AC replacement.
Heating capacity and AFUE: contractors should explain BTU sizing, design temperature, efficiency, and whether the existing ducts can move the required airflow.
Gas and venting scope: gas piping, combustion air, vent material, flue routing, condensate disposal, and code corrections can change the quote.
Cooling-system compatibility: a furnace-plus-AC quote should identify the indoor coil, outdoor model, refrigerant scope, controls, and AHRI match when applicable.
Access, permits, removal, startup, testing, and labor warranty should be written into the installed scope rather than assumed from the headline price.
Quote Checklist
- Ask for equipment model numbers, tonnage, SEER2 or HSPF2 ratings, and an AHRI match when applicable.
- Require the quote to separate equipment, labor, permit, removal, thermostat, lineset, electrical, gas, and ductwork scope.
- Confirm how the contractor sized the system. A Manual J load calculation is stronger than a simple square-foot estimate.
- Collect at least three itemized bids before treating any single quote as the market price.
- Ask whether the quoted scope is furnace only, furnace plus indoor coil, or a complete furnace and AC replacement.
- Confirm furnace input and output BTU, AFUE, blower compatibility, gas or venting work, and combustion-safety testing in writing.
Red Flags to Question
- A one-line price with no model numbers or efficiency ratings.
- No duct inspection, airflow note, or clear statement that existing ducts are reusable.
- A rebate or tax credit shown as guaranteed before eligibility is verified.
- A pressure discount that expires before you can compare bids.
- A furnace is sized from the old nameplate alone with no load, airflow, insulation, window, or duct discussion.
- A furnace-plus-AC package omits the indoor coil model, AHRI match, venting responsibility, or startup measurements.
Step-by-Step Quote Review
- Step 1
Estimate a planning range with the calculator.
- Step 2
Collect at least three itemized local bids.
- Step 3
Compare scope before comparing final price.
FAQ
How much does it cost to replace a furnace?
The installed cost varies with furnace capacity, AFUE, blower type, venting, gas work, access, permits, and whether the project also replaces the indoor coil or AC. Use an online result as a planning range and compare at least three itemized local bids.
Should I replace my furnace and AC at the same time?
It can make sense when both systems are near end of life or the new indoor coil and blower need to be matched with the outdoor equipment. Ask contractors to price furnace-only and matched furnace-plus-AC options separately before deciding.
What should a furnace replacement quote include?
It should identify furnace model, input and output BTU, AFUE, blower, thermostat or controls, removal, permit handling, gas and venting work, condensate, startup and combustion testing, labor warranty, exclusions, and any AC or indoor-coil scope.
Is the lowest furnace replacement quote the best option?
Not automatically. A low quote may exclude permits, venting corrections, indoor-coil compatibility, duct or return-air work, startup testing, or labor warranty. Compare three bids with equivalent written scope.
Methodology
Clear HVAC Costs models furnace replacement cost with system type, estimated tonnage, home size, climate assumptions, and typical labor scope. Results are planning ranges only and should be checked against itemized local bids. Last updated August 19, 2026.