How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Furnace?
14 Mar 2023 HVAC Services
Furnaces are a vital element of every home that are often overlooked or forgotten about when they’re working properly. Unfortunately, no furnace lasts forever. If your furnace keeps breaking down or has stopped working completely, you will need to replace it to keep your home warm and comfortable. Knowing how much it costs to replace a furnace is crucial for ensuring that you know what to expect when the time comes. As a leading provider of gas furnaces for all types of properties, the team at Primo Heat knows that the replacement cost for furnaces will vary based on several factors. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 4 factors to consider when replacing a furnace to help you understand what can influence the price of your project.
Learn what to look for when choosing an HVAC contractor to replace your furnace.
4 Factors to Consider When Replacing a Furnace
The following factors will have a significant impact on the total price of your furnace replacement project:
1. The Type of Furnace
While all furnaces serve the same purpose (heating your home), they can be fueled by different sources. These sources include electricity, oil, and natural gas. While oil furnaces are still used in some homes, electric and gas furnaces are far more common. Gas furnaces can cost more to install, but they cost significantly less to run over time when compared to an electric or oil furnace. Gas furnaces are the most common type in BC, though they require a connection to a natural gas line to use. If you do not have this connection in your home, you will need to review the possibility of adding this upgrade to your retrofit.
2. The Size/BTU Rating
Like air conditioning units, the “size” of a furnace is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). The BTU rating of a furnace indicates its overall heating capacity and input. In most cases, the cost of a furnace will increase as the BTU rating goes up. For example, a 120,000 BTU furnace will cost significantly more than a 40,000 BTU furnace. A professional will work with you to determine a suitable BTU rating for your home, ensuring optimal comfort and efficiency.
3. The Efficiency Rating
In addition to BTUs, it is important to consider the AFUE (Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency) of a furnace. While BTUs refer to the capacity and input of a furnace, AFUE refers to the efficiency of the unit. AFUE ratings of 90% and up are considered to be standard, while ratings of 95% or higher are considered to be high efficiency. In most cases, a high-efficiency furnace will cost more to purchase, but it will save you money over time by using less energy/gas. In BC, the minimum energy performance standard is 92% annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) on newly installed equipment.
4. Labour Requirements
In addition to the furnace itself, it is crucial to consider how much labour will be required to remove your old unit and replace it with a new one. A high-efficiency replacement often requires piping modifications from the mechanical area to the exterior of a home. The location of your furnace will greatly influence the amount of labour required and the cost of your project, especially if additional material replacements are required.
To learn more about our furnace installation solutions or to inquire about our other HVAC services, get in touch with the team at Primo Heat. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services or the details of your project.
