🧭 Introduction — What’s Included in the Total Cost of a Furnace?
When shopping for a new furnace, the initial price is just one piece of the puzzle. Homeowners like Savvy know that understanding the total cost of ownership — including installation, maintenance, and operating costs — is just as important as the upfront price.
A Goodman 80% AFUE furnace offers reliable heating at an affordable price, but when you’re budgeting for a new system, it’s essential to consider all the factors that affect cost. From unit price to installation fees, and even future maintenance costs, there’s more to the equation than just the purchase price.
Let’s break down the total Goodman 80% AFUE furnace cost in 2025, covering everything you need to know about pricing, installation, and long-term savings.
🏠 What’s the Base Price of a Goodman 80% AFUE Furnace?
The base price of a Goodman 80% AFUE furnace can vary depending on factors like model, size, and location, but on average, you can expect to pay around $1,500–$2,000 for the unit itself.
Why the Range?
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Model Features: The Goodman GR9T801205DN includes two-stage heating, 9-speed ECM blower, and energy-efficient components. These features contribute to the slightly higher base price compared to standard single-stage models.
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Size and Capacity: Furnace size is typically measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), and larger units that heat bigger homes will cost more.
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Efficiency: While this model is 80% AFUE, Goodman offers higher-efficiency models, which can cost more upfront but save you in energy costs over time.
Savvy’s tip: “Make sure you’re choosing the right size furnace for your home. Overestimating BTU needs can make the furnace less efficient and more expensive to run.”
Energy Efficiency:
The 80% AFUE rating means the furnace converts 80% of the energy from gas into heat for your home, while the remaining 20% is lost. While this is efficient, it’s not the highest efficiency rating available — so it’s essential to understand what your home needs before choosing the right model.
The 80% model is ideal for homes in moderate climates or for homeowners who want to save on upfront costs without compromising on comfort.
🛠️ Installation Costs — How Much Should You Budget for Labor?
The next big part of your furnace purchase is installation, which can be an additional $2,000–$4,000 depending on several factors:
Factors Affecting Installation Costs:
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Complexity: If you’re installing a furnace in a basement, garage, or utility closet with existing ductwork, it will be easier (and cheaper). However, if ducts need to be modified or rerouted, expect higher labor costs.
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Home Size: Larger homes or homes with multiple stories may require additional equipment or modifications to ensure proper airflow.
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Venting and Exhaust: Some homes require special venting for new furnaces, especially if the furnace is replacing an older system with different venting requirements.
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Location and Contractor Fees: Labor rates vary by geographic location and HVAC company. Make sure to get multiple quotes to compare pricing in your area.
Savvy’s Tip:
“When getting quotes, ask your contractor about hidden fees. Some companies charge extra for things like disposal of old equipment or permits.”
💡 Additional Costs You Might Encounter
When budgeting for a new furnace, it’s important to account for additional costs that may not be immediately obvious. These costs could include:
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Ductwork Upgrades: If your home has old, undersized, or damaged ducts, you’ll need to invest in ductwork upgrades. Duct replacements or modifications can range from $1,000–$2,500 depending on the size of your home and duct system.
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New Thermostat: A programmable or smart thermostat can improve your furnace’s efficiency and help lower your heating costs. The average cost for a smart thermostat is between $120–$250.
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Venting Systems: If your current venting system isn’t compatible with a two-stage furnace, it may need to be replaced, adding an additional $500–$1,000 to your total cost.
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Permits and Inspections: Some regions require permits for HVAC installations. Fees for permits typically range from $100–$500, depending on local codes.
Savvy’s Tip: “Always ask your HVAC company to itemize the costs. It helps you avoid surprises on installation day.”
External Link: Furnace Installation Cost Breakdown
📊 Long-Term Costs — What to Expect for Ongoing Maintenance and Repairs
Your Goodman furnace won’t just be a one-time expense. Ongoing costs — such as maintenance and repairs — are part of long-term ownership.
Maintenance Costs:
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Annual Maintenance: Regular tune-ups, including filter replacements, burner cleanings, and system inspections, can cost between $100–$250 per year.
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Repairs: On average, homeowners will spend between $200–$500 per year on minor furnace repairs like replacing the igniter, cleaning the flame sensor, or fixing the blower motor.
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Emergency Repairs: Larger repairs, such as replacing a heat exchanger, can cost $1,000–$1,500 or more. However, these are typically rare and can be avoided with regular maintenance.
Savvy’s Tip: “I always schedule my furnace tune-up before the cold weather hits. Not only does it give me peace of mind, but it also prevents any surprises down the line.”
Reference: Goodman’s Annual Maintenance Recommendations
📉 Operating Costs — How Much Does it Cost to Run a Goodman 80% AFUE Furnace?
The operating cost of your Goodman furnace depends on your home’s size, climate, and heating habits. Here’s how to calculate your annual heating costs:
Example Scenario:
For a 2,000 sq. ft. home in a cold climate, your Goodman 80% AFUE furnace may use 1,000 therms of natural gas annually. At $1.20 per therm, your annual heating cost would be around $1,200/year.
Why 80% AFUE?
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80% efficiency means 80% of the gas you use is converted into heat, while the rest is lost. For homes in mild climates, this efficiency is typically sufficient and keeps costs manageable.
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If you’re in a colder climate and want to optimize efficiency, consider a 90+% AFUE model, though it will come with a higher upfront cost.
Savvy’s Tip: “Consider the fuel type and local gas prices when budgeting for operating costs. In some areas, electric heating may be a better option for efficiency.”
Link: DOE Guide to Furnace Efficiency
🏡 How to Save on Your Furnace Purchase and Installation
When budgeting for a Goodman 80% AFUE furnace, you can save money upfront and in the long run by considering a few tips and tricks:
Tips to Save:
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Get Multiple Quotes: Always get at least three quotes from licensed HVAC contractors. This ensures you get the best price for installation and avoids hidden fees.
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Look for Rebates and Tax Credits: Some states and local utilities offer rebates or incentives for installing energy-efficient systems. Also, check for federal tax credits.
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Financing Options: Many HVAC companies offer low-interest financing plans for furnace installations. Look for 12–24 month no-interest financing if you prefer to spread the cost out.
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Install During Off-Peak Season: Installations in late spring or early fall often cost less, as HVAC contractors are less busy.
Savvy’s Tip: “Look out for seasonal deals and financing offers. You can often save 10-15% if you install during an off-peak time.”
External Link: Energy Star Rebates and Tax Credits for HVAC
🧭 How to Budget for Furnace Replacement — A Sample Scenario
Let’s break down the total cost of replacing your old furnace with a new Goodman 80% AFUE model:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Goodman GR9T801205DN Furnace | $1,800 |
| Installation & Ductwork | $2,500 |
| Smart Thermostat | $200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $4,500–$5,500 |
In this scenario, you can expect to spend between $4,500 and $5,500 for the complete installation. Over the life of the furnace (about 15 years), the total ownership cost — including gas bills, maintenance, and repairs — could be between $10,000–$12,000.
Real Savings:
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Annual maintenance: $200/year for inspections and minor repairs
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Gas usage: $1,200/year (depending on climate)
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Maintenance costs: Replacing filters and occasional repairs ($100–$500/year)
🌟 Is the Goodman 80% AFUE Furnace Worth the Investment in 2025?
The Goodman 80% AFUE furnace offers a reliable, cost-effective heating solution for homeowners in moderate climates. It’s priced lower than high-efficiency models but still delivers dependable comfort and energy savings.
For homeowners who are looking for an affordable upfront investment and lower long-term operating costs, the Goodman 80% AFUE model is a great choice.
However, if you live in a colder climate or plan to keep your home’s temperature consistently warm, a 90%+ AFUE model might be a better choice to optimize energy savings over time.
Goodman’s solid warranty coverage (10 years for parts) and quality craftsmanship ensure that you’re getting long-term value.
Savvy’s Tip: “For homes with colder winters, investing in a higher AFUE furnace might save more in the long run — but if you’re in a mild climate, the Goodman 80% model gives you great comfort for a reasonable price.”
🧠 Savvy’s Real-World Budgeting Strategy for Furnace Purchase
“When it came time to replace our old furnace, I was nervous about the upfront cost. But once I factored in energy savings, maintenance, and the long-term comfort, I realized the Goodman furnace was the best choice for our budget.”
Her advice:
“Start budgeting early, shop for multiple quotes, and look for rebates. And always consider the long-term savings — a good furnace pays for itself.”
💡 The Bottom Line — Expect Total Costs, Not Just Unit Price
While the Goodman 80% AFUE furnace offers an attractive initial cost, it’s the long-term costs — including installation, maintenance, and energy usage — that truly define your budget. By considering all these factors, homeowners can make an informed decision that balances comfort, efficiency, and cost.
In the next topic we will know more about: Understanding Two-Stage Heating — Why It Feels So Much More Comfortable
