Installation Cost Breakdown: What Jake Spent on His Goodman 92% Furnace

🏠 1. How Much Does a Furnace Really Cost to Install?

If you’ve ever shopped for a new gas furnace, you’ve probably experienced sticker shock. One contractor says $2,800, another says $5,500, and both swear they’re giving you a deal.

So why the massive range?

It’s because the true cost of installing a furnace depends on more than just the unit itself — it’s the combination of equipment, labor, materials, permits, and upgrades that add up.

In my case, I installed a Goodman 92% AFUE 60,000 BTU Gas Furnace (Model GR9S920603BN) in my 1,400-square-foot home in the Midwest.

And because I’m often asked “What did you actually spend?” — this article breaks it all down, line by line.

No vague estimates. No “average range.” Just the full cost, exactly as it came out of my pocket.

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⚙️ 2. The Furnace Itself: Goodman GR9S920603BN

Let’s start with the star of the show — the Goodman 92% AFUE single-stage gas furnace.

🔍 Why I Chose This Model

For my size home, a 60,000 BTU furnace hits the “just right” zone — plenty of capacity for Midwest winters, without short-cycling like oversized units do.

Here’s what sold me on the Goodman GR9S920603BN:

• 92% AFUE Efficiency — Converts 92¢ of every gas dollar into heat.

• 9-Speed ECM Blower Motor — Smooth, quiet airflow control.

• Compact 17.5” cabinet — Fits tight basements and utility rooms.

• Lifetime heat exchanger warranty — Goodman stands behind its core parts.

• Affordable pricing — About half the cost of comparable Trane or Lennox models.

🧾 Equipment Cost: $1,450 (shipped) from The Furnace Outlet.

I could have gone for a 96% AFUE model, but my return on investment would’ve taken nearly a decade. The 92% version gave me the perfect balance of value and efficiency.

👉 Reference: Energy.gov — Furnace Efficiency Basics

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🧰 3. Labor Costs: The Biggest Line Item

The most unpredictable part of any furnace install is labor — it varies by location, accessibility, and installer experience.

Here’s what my local licensed contractor charged:

That rate worked out to about $110/hour — right on par with the U.S. average of $75–$150/hour depending on region.

If you live in the South or Midwest, labor tends to be cheaper. In coastal cities, expect quotes 20–30% higher.

👉 Verified data: Furnace Installation Costs

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🧾 4. Permits & Inspection Fees

Even though I’m a licensed HVAC tech, I still pull permits when I install something in my own home — it’s not just about legality, it’s about insurance and safety.

• Mechanical permit: $125

• Inspection fee: $50

• Total: $175

These costs vary by city. Some municipalities include inspection in the permit price; others charge separately. Skipping permits can void your homeowner’s insurance or furnace warranty, so it’s not worth the shortcut.

👉 Energy.gov — Proper Furnace Installation Guidelines

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🔩 5. Accessories & Add-Ons

When replacing an older furnace, you’ll almost always need a few upgrades and fittings to bring the system up to code or to fit the new cabinet size.

Here’s what I added:

Jake’s tip:

“A good rule of thumb — always budget an extra 10% for parts and accessories you didn’t expect. There’s always something that needs tweaking.”

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🌬️ 6. Ductwork and Airflow Balancing

If your ducts leak or your airflow isn’t balanced, even the best furnace will perform poorly.

My contractor inspected and sealed my main ducts using mastic and foil tape. He also adjusted a couple of supply dampers to even out airflow between the first and second floor.

This small investment paid off fast — the temperature difference between rooms dropped from 4°F to under 1.5°F.

👉 EPA.gov — Duct Sealing and Energy Savings

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💡 7. Electrical & Venting Work

Because this furnace runs at 92% AFUE, it uses PVC venting for the exhaust instead of a metal flue.
That meant adding new 2-inch PVC pipes and rerouting the condensate drain.

Here’s the itemized cost:

If you already have a condensing furnace, you may not need all of these — but if you’re upgrading from an 80% model, plan for vent and drain updates.

👉 EnergyStar.gov — Furnace Venting Standards

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🧮 8. The Full Cost Breakdown

Here’s what it all added up to in my installation:

My total was $4,345, all-in.

That’s right in line with the national average range of $3,800–$4,500 for mid-efficiency gas furnaces installed by a licensed pro.

👉 Fixr — Average Furnace Installation Cost

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🧠 9. Where You Can Save (and Where You Shouldn’t)

Homeowners often ask where to trim costs — and I always tell them there’s a right and wrong way to save.

✅ Save on:

• Thermostat upgrades — optional unless you need zoning or smart features.

• Drain pumps — not needed if your furnace sits above a floor drain.

• Cosmetic ductwork — paint and insulation don’t affect performance.

🚫 Don’t cut corners on:

• Venting: Improper vent pitch or material can cause CO leaks.

• Gas line safety: Must be code-compliant with a shutoff and sediment trap.

• Ductwork: If air can’t move freely, you’ll waste energy every winter.

“It’s better to spend $100 on code-compliant venting today than $1,000 fixing a CO leak tomorrow.”

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🔧 10. DIY vs. Professional Installation

Could you install a furnace yourself? Technically, yes. But should you? Probably not.

Here’s why I always recommend hiring a certified HVAC pro:

You can save by handling smaller tasks like:

• Installing your own thermostat

• Cleaning ductwork

• Prepping the workspace

But for the gas, venting, and startup — leave it to the pros.

👉 HVAC.com — DIY Furnace Installation Risks

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🧩 11. Goodman vs. Trane vs. Lennox: The Cost Comparison

For context, I also priced similar 60,000 BTU models from Trane and Lennox before buying Goodman.

Trane and Lennox are excellent brands — but Goodman gives you 90% of the comfort for 70% of the cost.

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🧰 12. What’s Included in a Professional Installation

Every proper install should include these steps:

1. Pre-install inspection — verify sizing and duct condition.

2. Old unit removal — includes safe disposal and gas shutoff.

3. Mounting and leveling — ensures even heat exchange.

4. Gas and electrical hookup — tested for leaks and polarity.

5. Venting and drain setup — per manufacturer and code.

6. Startup test — verify ignition, temperature rise, and airflow.

7. Thermostat calibration — confirm control response.

8. Safety check — CO test and pressure verification.

If a quote doesn’t list these, ask questions — especially about CO testing and permits.

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🌡️ 13. Energy Savings: The Long-Term Payback

So what do you actually save by going from an old 80% furnace to a 92% Goodman?

Let’s run the math:

At $117 in annual savings, my Goodman upgrade will pay for itself in under 4 years — plus quieter operation and steadier heat.

👉 Energy.gov — Save Money Heating Your Home

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📉 14. Hidden Costs Homeowners Forget

Here are some “surprise” costs many people don’t plan for:

• Old flue liner removal: $100–$200

• Gas shutoff replacement: $50–$75

• Disposal fee for old furnace: $50–$100

• Duct resizing: $200–$400 if airflow is poor

• Thermostat incompatibility: $100+

Jake’s advice:

“Ask for an itemized quote. If a contractor gives you a flat number, that’s a red flag — you deserve to know where every dollar goes.”

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🔋 15. Tax Credits & Rebates

Federal tax credits (under the Inflation Reduction Act) apply to 95%+ AFUE furnaces, so my 92% model didn’t qualify.
However, many state and utility rebates still reward efficiency upgrades.

In my area, my gas company offered a $150 rebate for any ENERGY STAR furnace install.

👉 Check the EnergyStar.gov Rebate Finder to see what applies to your ZIP code.

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🧭 16. How I Verified My Contractor’s Quote

Before I signed off, I made sure my installer was the real deal.

Here’s my vetting checklist:
✅ Licensed and insured in my state
✅ Provided a written, itemized estimate
✅ Listed labor and parts separately
✅ Offered at least 1-year labor warranty
✅ Goodman-certified for warranty activation
✅ Positive local reviews on BBB and Google

“Good contractors don’t mind questions. If someone rushes you to sign, walk away.”

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🧠 17. Lessons Learned from My Installation

After installing and using my Goodman 92% furnace for a full winter, here’s what I’d tell any homeowner:

• Don’t rush the decision. Two extra quotes can save you hundreds.

• Check duct size and filter location. Many airflow issues come from poor design, not bad furnaces.

• Replace the thermostat battery yearly. Half of “furnace failures” are just dead batteries.

• Test your CO detector monthly. Modern furnaces are safe, but CO monitors are essential.

• Keep records. Store all permits, invoices, and warranty info in one folder.

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🏁 18. Jake’s Final Cost Summary

Here’s the full recap of my Goodman furnace installation:

And the result?

• The system runs whisper-quiet.

• My monthly gas bills dropped around 12–15%.

• The house feels more evenly warm than ever.

“It wasn’t the cheapest job in town — but it was done right, and that peace of mind is worth every penny.”

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💬 19. Jake’s Final Word

Installing a new furnace is one of those home projects where you really do get what you pay for.

Goodman delivered everything I needed:

• Solid 92% efficiency

• Smart 9-speed blower

• Lifetime exchanger warranty

• Simple parts and low-cost maintenance

Trane and Lennox both make excellent products, but for most families, Goodman hits the sweet spot between performance and price.

If you budget around $4,000–$4,500 all-in, you’ll walk away with a high-quality system that keeps your home warm, efficient, and comfortable for the next 15–20 years.

“The key isn’t just buying the right furnace — it’s finding the right installer. A great install makes any system shine.”

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In the next topic we will know more about: Seasonal Maintenance Guide: How to Keep Your Goodman 92% Furnace Running Like New