How Much Does a Goodman 96 AFUE Furnace Cost Installed in 2025? Real Prices, Factors & Savings

When it’s time to replace your old furnace, one of the first questions you’ll ask is:

“How much will a new Goodman 96 AFUE furnace cost me—installed—in 2025?”

The answer isn’t simple, because furnace installation costs depend on home size, ductwork, labor rates, and even local rebates. But don’t worry—I’ve done the research and will break it down so you know what to expect.

As a homeowner (Tony) who just went through this process, I’ll share not just price ranges, but also what factors drive costs up or down, how much you can save on your energy bills, and how Goodman stacks up against competitors.

Goodman 96% AFUE 60,000 BTUs, Upflow or Horizontal Application Variable-Speed Two-Stage Natural Gas Furnace in a 17.5 in. Cabinet, Model GRVT960603BN

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🔥 What Is a Goodman 96 AFUE Furnace?

Before we talk cost, let’s understand the product.

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It’s a percentage that tells you how much of the fuel your furnace burns actually turns into usable heat.

• A 96 AFUE furnace = 96% efficiency.

• That means for every $1 you spend on natural gas, $0.96 goes into heating your home and only $0.04 is wasted.

By comparison:

• Old furnaces (60–70% AFUE) waste up to 40 cents on the dollar.

• Mid-efficiency furnaces (80–89% AFUE) are better, but still leave money on the table.

👉 According to Energy.gov, upgrading to a 96% AFUE system can cut heating costs by 20–30% annually.

Popular Goodman 96 AFUE Models

• GMVC96: Two-stage, variable-speed blower.

• GMSS96: Single-stage, standard blower.

• GMEC96: Multi-speed, budget-friendly option.

Each offers the same 96% AFUE efficiency, but comfort levels and upfront costs vary.

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💵 Average Installed Cost of a Goodman 96 AFUE Furnace in 2025

Here’s the big question: what will it set you back?

• Equipment only: $1,800 – $3,200 (depending on model & BTU size).

• Full installation: $4,200 – $8,500 (national average).

That full price includes:

• The furnace itself.

• Labor & installation.

• Modifications to ductwork, venting, or gas lines.

• New thermostat (if needed).

• Permits and inspection fees.

👉 According to HomeAdvisor, the average U.S. furnace installation in 2025 costs $4,500 – $7,500, with Goodman generally coming in on the lower end compared to premium brands like Trane or Lennox.

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📊 Goodman vs. Other Brands (Cost Comparison)

👉 Goodman furnaces often cost $1,000–$2,000 less installed than competitors, while still delivering high efficiency.

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⚖️ Factors That Influence Installation Cost

Several things affect the final bill:

1. Furnace Size (BTUs) 📏

• Small homes (under 1,200 sq. ft.): 40,000–60,000 BTUs.

• Medium homes (1,500–2,000 sq. ft.): 60,000–80,000 BTUs.

• Large homes (2,500+ sq. ft.): 100,000–120,000 BTUs.
  👉 Larger furnaces cost more upfront and may need bigger ductwork.

2. Ductwork Condition 🌀

• If your ducts are leaky or undersized, you’ll need modifications.

• New ducts can add $2,000–$5,000 to the install.

3. Labor Rates by Region 📍

• Midwest & South: $75–$100/hr.

• West Coast & Northeast: $120–$200/hr.

• Urban vs. rural pricing differences can be significant.

4. Extras & Add-Ons 🔧

• Thermostat upgrade: $150–$500 (smart thermostat).

• Humidifier/air cleaner: $400–$1,000.

• Zoning systems: $2,000+.

5. Permits & Code Compliance 📝

• Local permits run $100–$500.

• Safety inspections may add more.

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🏠 How a Goodman 96 AFUE Furnace Saves You Money

It’s not just about upfront cost—you’ll also save over time.

Annual Fuel Savings

Let’s compare heating costs:

• Old 70 AFUE furnace: $1,500/year gas bill.

• Goodman 96 AFUE furnace: ~$1,100/year.

• Annual savings: ~$400.

Over 10 years = $4,000 in savings.

Payback Period

• If the furnace upgrade costs $2,500 more than a mid-efficiency model, it pays for itself in 6–7 years.

• After that, it’s pure savings.

👉 ENERGY STAR confirms that high-efficiency furnaces lower both energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions.

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🛠️ Installation Process: What to Expect

Here’s how a professional installation usually goes:

1. Pre-Install Inspection

   • Manual J load calculation.

   • Ductwork check.

   • Safety review of gas lines.

2. Removal of Old Furnace

   • Disconnecting gas, power, and venting.

   • Hauling away old unit.

3. Installing the New Goodman Furnace

   • Connecting to ductwork.

   • Venting modifications (PVC for high-efficiency).

   • Gas line adjustments.

4. Thermostat Setup

   • Integration with smart thermostats (Nest, Ecobee).

5. Startup & Testing

   • Verify gas pressures.

   • Ensure proper airflow & temperature rise.

   • Safety inspection.

👉 Most installs take 6–10 hours, or 1 full day.

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💸 Rebates, Incentives & Tax Credits (2025)

The Inflation Reduction Act and local utilities make high-efficiency furnaces more affordable.

• Federal Tax Credit: Up to $600 for Energy Star-certified furnaces.

• Utility Rebates: $200–$800 (varies by state).

• Local Programs: Some states (like California and New York) offer bonus incentives.

Check the ENERGY STAR rebate finder to see what’s available in your ZIP code.

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🛑 DIY vs. Professional Install: Can You Save?

Many homeowners wonder if they can save by installing a furnace themselves.

• Furnaces involve natural gas, venting, and electrical connections.

• DIY = voided warranty + safety risks.

• Only licensed HVAC pros should handle the install.

👉 The only safe DIY step is thermostat wiring. Leave the rest to professionals.

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🔄 Goodman 96 AFUE vs. Other Efficiency Levels

• 80 AFUE: Cheaper upfront (~$3,000 installed), but wastes 20% of fuel.

• 96 AFUE: Best balance of cost vs. savings.

• 98–99 AFUE: Slightly better efficiency, but much higher price (~$1,500+ more).

👉 Unless you live in an extreme cold climate, 96 AFUE is the sweet spot for most homeowners.

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🏡 Real-World Cost Examples

Here are some ballpark figures based on real installs:

• 1,500 sq. ft. ranch (Midwest): $4,500 installed.

• 2,500 sq. ft. two-story (Northeast): $6,800 installed.

• 4,000 sq. ft. custom home (West Coast): $8,200 installed.

These include equipment, labor, and basic modifications.

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💡 How to Get the Best Deal on a Goodman Furnace

1. Get 3 Quotes → Always compare pricing from multiple contractors.

2. Choose Authorized Dealers → Ensures warranty protection.

3. Look for Promotions → Goodman dealers often run seasonal discounts.

4. Bundle Installs → Replacing AC + furnace together can save $1,000+.

5. Apply Rebates Early → Many are first-come, first-served.

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✅ Final Takeaways

• A Goodman 96 AFUE furnace installed in 2025 will cost $4,200 – $8,500 on average.

• Savings: Up to $400/year on fuel vs. older systems.

• Payback period: 6–8 years (faster with rebates).

• Goodman offers a strong mix of value, reliability, and efficiency—often at a lower price than premium brands.

👉 If you plan to stay in your home long-term and want both comfort and lower energy bills, a 96 AFUE Goodman furnace is one of the smartest upgrades you can make in 2025.

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In the next topic we will know more about: Maintenance Guide for Your Goodman Variable Speed Furnace: Seasonal & Long-Term Care