Replacing an old gas furnace is one of the biggest home comfort investments you’ll ever make — and if you’re considering a Goodman 96% AFUE variable-speed, two-stage furnace, you’re already on the right track toward reliable, efficient warmth.
But what does installation actually cost in 2025? The answer depends on your home size, ductwork, and local labor rates — but this detailed guide will break it all down for you, from equipment pricing and labor charges to rebates and savings.
💡 1. What Does “96% AFUE” Mean — and Why It Matters for Your Wallet
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, a metric defined by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that measures how efficiently your furnace converts fuel into usable heat.
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A 96% AFUE furnace like the Goodman GRVT961005DN converts 96% of the fuel it burns into heat.
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Older 80% models waste about 20% of your gas through exhaust.
That 16-point efficiency jump can save homeowners $300–$500 per year, depending on fuel rates and climate. Over a 15-year lifespan, that’s several thousand dollars in energy savings — easily offsetting the higher upfront cost of installation.
🏠 2. Average Installed Cost of a 96% AFUE Goodman Furnace in 2025
The total installation price for a Goodman 96% AFUE two-stage gas furnace typically ranges between:
| Home Size | Total Installed Cost (Typical Range) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small Home (under 1,600 sq. ft.) | $4,500 – $5,500 | Compact install, minimal duct or vent work |
| Medium Home (1,600–2,400 sq. ft.) | $5,500 – $6,800 | Most common installation range |
| Large Home (2,500+ sq. ft.) | $6,800 – $8,000+ | May require zoning or additional duct balancing |
These figures include both equipment and labor, based on national averages from 2025 Furnace Replacement Data.
For reference:
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Goodman GRVT961005DN unit price: around $2,200–$2,800 (depending on seller and promotions)
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Labor and materials: typically add $2,000–$3,000
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Additional materials (vents, gas lines, thermostats): $300–$700
⚙️ 3. What’s Included in the Installation Price
A full professional furnace installation is more than simply swapping boxes. Here’s how the cost typically breaks down:
| Component | Average Cost Range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Furnace (Goodman GRVT961005DN) | $2,100–$2,800 | High-efficiency two-stage, variable-speed system |
| Labor | $1,800–$3,000 | Removal of old furnace, new install, testing |
| Venting (PVC materials) | $300–$700 | Required for high-efficiency units |
| Gas Line Adjustments | $200–$400 | Ensures safe pressure and fitting |
| Electrical & Thermostat | $150–$300 | Smart thermostat or control wiring |
| Permits & Inspection | $75–$200 | Required in most localities |
| Optional Add-ons | $150–$600 | Surge protection, filters, condensate pump |
Pro Tip: If your previous furnace was an 80% AFUE model with a metal flue, switching to a 96% AFUE system means adding PVC venting and a condensate drain, which can increase labor time by 2–4 hours.
🧰 4. Understanding Labor Costs: What You’re Really Paying For
Labor is the biggest cost variable in any furnace installation, licensed HVAC professionals typically charge $90–$150 per hour.
A typical Goodman furnace install takes:
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6–10 hours for straightforward replacements
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10–14 hours for high-efficiency conversions (venting + condensate routing)
You’re paying for:
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Safe removal of your old unit
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Correct installation of gas, electrical, and venting systems
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Leak and combustion testing for safety compliance
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System balancing for even airflow
Why Goodman installs can cost slightly less: Goodman furnaces are known for straightforward design and compatibility with existing duct systems, often reducing labor time compared to premium-brand installs like Trane or Carrier.
🧑🔧 5. DIY vs. Professional Installation — Is It Worth Attempting Yourself?
It’s tempting to think you can save a few thousand dollars by installing a furnace on your own. But for high-efficiency gas furnaces, that’s rarely a smart move.
| Aspect | DIY Install | Professional Install |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | Lower (unit only) | Higher (includes labor) |
| Safety & Gas Line Work | Risky / Not recommended | Certified and insured |
| Warranty Validity | Often voided | Fully covered |
| Required Tools | Specialty (manometer, combustion analyzer) | Included |
| Local Code Compliance | May fail inspection | Guaranteed |
According to HVAC.com, any gas furnace installation should be completed and tested by a licensed HVAC contractor to ensure combustion safety and preserve your manufacturer warranty.
Goodman’s 10-year parts warranty and lifetime heat exchanger coverage apply only if installation meets local code and registration requirements.
🌎 6. Regional Cost Differences Across the U.S.
Furnace installation costs can vary widely based on where you live:
| Region | Average Installed Price Range | Why It Differs |
|---|---|---|
| Midwest (e.g., Ohio, Illinois) | $5,200 – $6,200 | Moderate labor, common natural gas use |
| Northeast (e.g., New York, Massachusetts) | $6,000 – $7,500 | Higher labor rates, tighter housing spaces |
| South (e.g., Texas, Georgia) | $4,500 – $5,500 | Lower labor and milder winters |
| West Coast (e.g., California, Oregon) | $6,000 – $7,000 | Permitting and energy code complexity |
For Mark in Michigan, his final installed price was $5,850, including venting conversion and a Wi-Fi thermostat.
You can compare pricing near you using EnergySage’s HVAC cost estimator.
🧾 7. Real-World Examples of Goodman Furnace Installs
Example 1: Midwestern Homeowner (Mark)
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2,200 sq. ft. house, existing ducts
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Goodman GRVT961005DN
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PVC vent install + thermostat upgrade
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Total: $5,850 installed
Example 2: Older 80% Replacement (Northeast)
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1,900 sq. ft. colonial home
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Additional vent rerouting + condensate pump
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Total: $6,500 installed
Example 3: Large 3,200 sq. ft. Home (Southwest)
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Goodman 120,000 BTU 96% AFUE model
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Zoning + smart thermostat package
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Total: $7,900 installed
These examples are based on real contractor averages and verified cost data from Fixr.com.
💰 8. How to Save Money on Furnace Installation
Even though a furnace is a major expense, there are several ways to trim the final price:
✅ 1. Buy Direct from an Authorized Online Dealer
Buying your Goodman furnace through a trusted retailer like The Furnace Outlet can cut 15–20% off retail markup, while still offering full warranty support when installed by a licensed professional.
✅ 2. Combine HVAC Replacements
If your A/C is also aging, install both at once. Combo installs save labor time and can qualify for dual rebates.
✅ 3. Schedule Off-Season Work
HVAC installers often discount rates in spring or fall — their “shoulder seasons.”
✅ 4. Claim Rebates and Federal Tax Credits
The 2025 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) includes home energy rebates for high-efficiency HVAC systems.
You can receive up to $600 in federal tax credits for eligible ENERGY STAR furnaces.
Details: ENERGY.gov Home Energy Rebate Programs.
✅ 5. Register Your Goodman Warranty Immediately
Register your furnace within 60 days of installation to activate the 10-year parts warranty instead of the default 5-year.
Check Goodman’s Warranty Center for quick online registration.
🌬️ 9. What Adds to the Cost: Hidden or Situational Factors
Some homes require more extensive work, which can push installation prices toward the higher end of the range.
Common add-ons:
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New duct modifications: $300–$800
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Upgraded gas line: $200–$400
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Condensate pump for basements: $150–$300
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New return air plenum: $250–$600
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Smart thermostat: $200–$400
Bonus Tip: If your old furnace was vented through the chimney, high-efficiency PVC venting must now exit through a side wall. That’s usually a one-time cost increase — but it boosts safety and long-term efficiency.
🔄 10. Goodman vs. Other Brands — Is It Worth the Price?
Goodman’s value proposition is simple: high efficiency without the luxury markup.
| Brand | AFUE | Typical Installed Cost | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodman GRVT961005DN | 96% | $5,000–$6,500 | Lifetime HX + 10-yr parts |
| Trane S9V2 | 96% | $6,000–$7,800 | Lifetime HX + 10-yr parts |
| Lennox EL296V | 96% | $6,500–$8,000 | 20-yr HX + 10-yr parts |
| Carrier Infinity 96 | 96% | $6,800–$8,500 | Lifetime HX + 10-yr parts |
Goodman’s lower cost comes from accessible parts, wide installer availability, and simpler design. Its two-stage gas valve and variable-speed blower match many of the same performance benefits as pricier models — without the inflated brand premium.
For detailed brand comparisons, see HVAC.com’s 2025 Best Furnace Rankings.
🧠 11. Long-Term Value: How Much You’ll Save with 96% AFUE
Let’s look at the math:
| Furnace AFUE | Annual Gas Cost (1,000 therms/year @ $1.50/therm) | Annual Waste |
|---|---|---|
| 80% (Old Model) | $1,875 | $375 wasted |
| 96% (Goodman GRVT961005DN) | $1,500 | $75 wasted |
That’s $375/year in savings, or $5,625 over 15 years — before factoring in rebates or reduced maintenance.
Learn how efficiency translates into real savings from the DOE’s Heating Energy Guide.
🛠️ 12. What to Expect During Installation Day
Here’s how a standard installation timeline unfolds:
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Pre-check & Measurements (1 hour)
The installer inspects ducts, gas lines, and existing connections. -
Old Unit Removal (1–2 hours)
Disconnect gas, venting, and electrical systems. -
New Furnace Placement (1 hour)
Goodman’s compact 24.5" cabinet fits tight spaces easily. -
Venting & Drain Line Setup (2–3 hours)
High-efficiency PVC venting routed outdoors. -
Electrical, Gas, & Thermostat Wiring (1–2 hours)
Two-stage connections and smart thermostat setup. -
Testing & Combustion Analysis (1 hour)
Airflow balancing and safety verification. -
Cleanup & Homeowner Orientation (30 min)
Total time: 6–10 hours for standard jobs, up to 12 for complex retrofits.
🔋 13. Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Investment
To keep your Goodman furnace running efficiently year-round:
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Replace filters every 3 months (monthly in dusty environments)
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Clear PVC vent pipes of debris or snow
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Flush condensate line yearly
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Schedule annual tune-ups with a licensed technician
Learn detailed maintenance steps at HVAC.com’s Furnace Maintenance Guide.
📋 14. Rebate and Financing Options for 2025
You may qualify for multiple incentive programs when upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace:
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Federal Tax Credit (ENERGY STAR certified): up to $600
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Utility Rebates: $150–$750 depending on your provider
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Manufacturer Rebates: Goodman seasonal promotions
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Financing Options: Many HVAC contractors offer 0% interest for 12–24 months
Use Rewiring America’s IRA Calculator to estimate your potential savings.
🧩 15. Key Takeaways
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Average total install: $4,500–$8,000 (depending on size and labor)
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Equipment cost: ~$2,200–$2,800 for the Goodman GRVT961005DN
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Efficiency payoff: $300–$500 annual energy savings
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Warranty: Lifetime heat exchanger, 10-year parts (with registration)
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Best value: High-efficiency comfort without premium pricing
🚀 Final Thoughts: The Goodman Advantage
Goodman’s 96% AFUE two-stage furnace offers the perfect balance of performance, reliability, and affordability. It’s built for homeowners like Mark — practical, comfort-driven, and ready to upgrade to a system that just works when winter hits hard.
If you’re comparing furnace replacement quotes, use The Furnace Outlet’s Quote by Photo Tool to upload your old system and get a personalized estimate — fast, accurate, and based on your exact setup.
In the next topic we will know more about: Goodman Reliability in Winter: How the GRVT961005DN Performs in Harsh Cold Climates
