When you’re shopping for a new furnace, one number stands out — 96% AFUE.
It’s a sign of high efficiency, low waste, and long-term savings. But it’s also a sign that you’re entering the premium performance tier, and that means the question every homeowner asks: How much will it cost me?
If you’re considering a model like the Goodman 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Gas Furnace (Model GR9S960803BN), this guide breaks down everything you need to know — equipment, labor, rebates, and long-term savings.
💡 1. Why Furnace Costs Have Changed in 2025
If you’ve shopped for HVAC equipment recently, you might have noticed prices have shifted — and not just from inflation.
Here’s what’s driving the change:
🧩 Higher Efficiency Standards
As of 2025, DOE (Department of Energy) regulations require new residential furnaces to meet higher minimum AFUE ratings, particularly in colder regions.
That means more homeowners are upgrading to high-efficiency 95%+ units, and manufacturers are phasing out lower models.
🌍 R-32 and Dual-Fuel Compatibility
New refrigerant regulations (the transition to R-32) and hybrid HVAC systems are pushing integrated furnace designs — systems built to pair with eco-friendly cooling units or heat pumps.
⚙️ Smarter Components = Higher Performance (and Cost)
Modern furnaces feature ECM (electronically commutated) blower motors, sealed combustion chambers, and better insulation — all of which add efficiency, but also raise production costs slightly.
📖 Reference: Energy.gov — Furnace and Boiler Efficiency Standards
⚙️ 2. What You’re Paying For: Equipment Breakdown
Let’s look at what makes up the equipment portion of your furnace cost.
| Component | Typical Cost Range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Furnace Unit (Goodman GR9S960803BN) | $1,800–$2,400 | The main heating system |
| PVC Vent Kit | $150–$300 | Venting for cool exhaust gases |
| Condensate Pump/Drain | $100–$200 | Removes condensation from the furnace |
| Smart Thermostat | $100–$300 | Improves control and efficiency |
| Sheet Metal & Duct Materials | $200–$400 | Adapts your system to existing ductwork |
Goodman’s 96% furnace is known for its value engineering — it uses high-quality components without the inflated brand premium, which helps keep total system cost lower than comparable models from Amana or Rheem.
📖 Reference: Goodman Manufacturing — Product Specifications
🔧 3. Installation Labor Costs
Labor is the other half of your investment — and it’s what separates a reliable, efficient system from a noisy, inefficient one.
💼 Average Labor Costs by Region
| Region | Labor Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midwest | $1,500–$2,000 | Average difficulty, high competition |
| Northeast | $1,800–$2,600 | Higher labor rates & permit costs |
| South | $1,400–$1,900 | Mild climate = simpler setups |
| West Coast | $2,000–$2,800 | Higher cost of living & compliance |
🛠️ What Labor Covers:
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Removal of old furnace
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Installation and venting of new 96% unit
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Condensate drainage setup
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Electrical and thermostat wiring
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Startup testing and calibration
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City inspection and permits
Samantha’s Tip:
“Always get three quotes, and ask whether the contractor is Goodman-certified. A quality install can save you hundreds in yearly energy costs.”
📖 Reference: Furnace Replacement Cost Guide
🏠 4. Real-World Price Scenarios
Every home is different, but here’s what most homeowners can expect for a full installation of a 96% AFUE furnace.
| Home Size | Furnace Capacity | Installed Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft (small home) | 60,000 BTU | $3,600–$4,800 |
| 1,800 sq ft (average home) | 80,000 BTU | $4,200–$5,200 |
| 2,400+ sq ft (large home) | 100,000 BTU | $5,000–$6,200 |
Optional Add-Ons:
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Humidifier: +$400–$600
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Air purifier: +$250–$500
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Zoning system: +$800–$1,200
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Smart thermostat: +$200–$300
📖 Reference: HVAC.com — Furnace Installation Explained
💨 5. 96% vs. 80% AFUE: Cost vs. Savings
| Furnace Type | AFUE | Upfront Cost | Est. Annual Gas Cost | 15-Year Energy Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80% (standard) | 80% | $3,500 | $1,200 | — |
| 96% (high-efficiency) | 96% | $4,800 | $950 | ≈ $3,750 saved |
Even though you pay around $1,300 more upfront, the energy savings quickly recover the cost — especially in colder climates where heating runs longer.
ROI Snapshot:
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Payback time: 5–7 years
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Lifetime savings: $3,500–$4,000+
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Added comfort and resale value
📖 Reference: EnergyStar.gov — Understanding Furnace Efficiency Ratings
🌎 6. Regional Energy Cost Differences
Natural gas costs vary significantly by region — and that impacts how much you’ll save.
| Region | Avg. Natural Gas Cost (per therm) | Efficiency Savings with 96% AFUE |
|---|---|---|
| Midwest | $1.30 | 20–25% savings |
| Northeast | $1.50 | 25–30% savings |
| South | $1.10 | 10–15% savings |
| West | $1.70 | 20–25% savings |
If you live in colder areas like Michigan, Illinois, or New York, your furnace runs longer, so upgrading to 96% AFUE yields the fastest ROI.
📖 Reference: EIA — Average Natural Gas Prices by State
💰 7. Rebates and Tax Credits in 2025
High-efficiency furnaces like the Goodman 96% AFUE model qualify for several rebate and incentive programs.
🏛️ Federal Tax Credit (Inflation Reduction Act)
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Up to $600 for furnaces rated 95% AFUE or higher
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Available through December 31, 2032
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Must be ENERGY STAR certified
⚡ Utility Rebates
Most local utilities offer $200–$500 for high-efficiency gas furnace upgrades.
🏠 State and Local Incentives
Examples:
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California: TECH Clean California rebate up to $1,000
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Minnesota & Wisconsin: $400–$600 through state energy programs
📖 Check Your ZIP Code: DSIRE — Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
📖 Reference: EnergyStar.gov — Federal Tax Credits for 2025
🧮 8. Lifetime Ownership Cost Comparison
| System | Upfront + Install | 15-Year Fuel Cost | Total Ownership Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80% Furnace | $3,800 | $18,000 | $21,800 |
| 96% Furnace | $4,800 | $14,300 | $19,100 |
Even with a higher upfront price, the Goodman 96% furnace costs $2,700 less to operate over its lifetime — and that’s before factoring in rebates or warranty benefits.
Goodman backs its high-efficiency units with a Lifetime Heat Exchanger Warranty and 10-Year Parts Warranty, protecting your investment far beyond typical models.
🔧 9. Optional Upgrades That Affect Price
If you’re modernizing your system, consider these valuable add-ons:
| Upgrade | Cost Range | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Thermostat | $150–$300 | Automates heating & energy savings |
| Whole-Home Humidifier | $400–$600 | Reduces dry air and improves comfort |
| Air Filtration System | $250–$500 | Removes allergens & dust |
| Zoning System | $800–$1,200 | Individual room control & efficiency |
Samantha’s Note:
“A zoning system or smart thermostat isn’t just a luxury — it helps your 96% furnace operate smarter, preventing unnecessary cycles and lowering bills.”
🧾 10. How to Get the Best Deal
Buying a high-efficiency furnace doesn’t have to mean overpaying.
Here’s my tried-and-true homeowner checklist for getting the best price:
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Compare at least three estimates from licensed, insured HVAC pros.
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Confirm Goodman certification for warranty eligibility.
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Ask about rebates before installation — many require pre-approval.
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Register your warranty within 60 days of installation.
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Schedule post-install inspection to confirm efficiency and safety readings.
📖 Reference: HVAC.com — Furnace Buying Guide
🏁 11. Samantha’s Verdict: Is a 96% AFUE Furnace Worth It?
“Absolutely. If you plan to stay in your home for at least five years, the Goodman 96% AFUE furnace pays for itself in comfort, reliability, and savings. It’s not just an energy upgrade — it’s a future-ready investment.”
Quick Recap:
✅ Average Installed Cost: $4,200–$5,200
✅ Rebates & Tax Credits: $600–$1,000 potential
✅ 15-Year Savings: $2,700–$4,000
✅ Warranty: Lifetime heat exchanger, 10-year parts
With high efficiency, smart integration, and broad rebate eligibility, Goodman’s 96% AFUE models are among the best value furnaces in 2025.
🎨 Visual Companion Infographic
Title: “The Real Cost of a 96% AFUE Furnace”
Design Overview:
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Top Section: Comparison bar chart of 80% vs. 96% AFUE (Upfront vs. Long-Term Cost)
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Middle Section: Icons for Equipment, Labor, Rebates, and Savings
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Side Figure: Samantha holding a clipboard labeled “Budget Breakdown”
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Footer:
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“Average Installed Price: $4,000–$5,200”
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“Federal Credit: Up to $600”
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“Energy Savings: 15–25%”
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In the next topic we will know more about: How Goodman’s 9-Speed Blower Improves Comfort and Efficiency
