🏠 Introduction: Tony’s Budget Planning
When I decided to replace my old furnace, I thought I had a pretty good handle on what it would cost. I saw the Goodman 80 AFUE, 60,000 BTU furnace online for around $1,600 and figured that would be most of the bill.
I quickly learned the truth: the furnace is just the start.
By the time you add in labor, permits, ductwork, and extras, the installation cost can easily double—or even triple—the equipment price.
So, how much should you budget in 2025 for installing a 60,000 BTU Goodman furnace? Let me walk you through the real numbers based on my experience and industry averages.
🏷️ Furnace Equipment Cost
A furnace’s sticker price depends on where you buy it:
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Online (direct purchase): $1,200–$1,800 for a Goodman 60,000 BTU unit
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Through a contractor: $2,000–$2,500 (includes markup)
👉 Some contractors won’t install equipment you bought online (to avoid warranty issues), so if you want a labor-only install, expect fewer takers and higher labor rates.
🔧 Installation Labor Costs
This is the biggest part of the bill—and it varies widely depending on your home setup.
📉 Standard Replacement (simple swap)
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Old furnace out, new Goodman in, hook up to existing gas and ducts
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Cost: $1,800–$2,500
📈 Complex Installation
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Includes new venting, duct modifications, or moving the furnace location
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Cost: $3,000–$4,500
👉 In 2025, the average all-in cost for a Goodman 60,000 BTU furnace is $3,500–$5,000 installed.
🧾 What’s Included in Installation
Most contractors include the following in their install price:
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Removal and disposal of old furnace
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Setting the new furnace in place
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Gas line hookup and leak test
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Venting and flue connection
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Electrical wiring and thermostat calibration
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Duct connection and sealing
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Initial system safety check
👉 Always ask for a line-item breakdown in your quote—some companies charge separately for items others bundle in.
⚖️ Regional Price Differences
Where you live can make a $1,000+ difference in installation cost.
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Midwest/South: $3,500–$4,200 (lower labor rates)
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Northeast/West Coast: $4,200–$5,500 (higher labor + permit costs)
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Rural areas: Sometimes cheaper, but with fewer contractors competing, prices can also creep up.
👉 My Ohio installation landed at $3,800 all-in—a fair deal for a basement upflow install with a gas line reseal and duct patch.
(Energy Star – Heating & Cooling Basics)
💡 Extra Costs to Watch For
Here’s where many homeowners get blindsided:
🔧 Ductwork Repairs
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Leaky or undersized ducts? Add $500–$2,000 for upgrades.
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The DOE estimates duct leaks waste 20–30% of heating energy.
⚡ Electrical Upgrades
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New breakers, wiring, or disconnect boxes may be required
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Cost: $200–$800
📝 Permits & Inspections
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Many cities require permits for gas appliances
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Cost: $100–$500
🌡️ Thermostat Upgrade
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Smart thermostats or Wi-Fi units: $100–$300
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Often worth it for better control and savings
👉 My duct patch added $350, and the permit in my county was $125—small costs, but they added up fast.
📊 Cost Breakdown Table
Item | Typical Cost (2025) |
---|---|
Goodman 60,000 BTU Furnace (online) | $1,200–$1,800 |
Goodman Furnace (through contractor) | $2,000–$2,500 |
Standard Installation Labor | $1,800–$2,500 |
Complex Installation Labor | $3,000–$4,500 |
Ductwork Repairs | $500–$2,000 |
Electrical Upgrades | $200–$800 |
Permit & Inspection Fees | $100–$500 |
Thermostat Upgrade | $100–$300 |
Total Installed (Average) | $3,500–$5,000 |
🌎 Rebates & Incentives in 2025
Here’s where some homeowners save money:
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Federal Tax Credits: Only apply to furnaces 95%+ AFUE. The Goodman 80 AFUE doesn’t qualify.
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Utility Rebates: Some utilities offer $100–$400 rebates for Ultra-Low NOx furnaces, especially in California and Texas.
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Local Programs: Cities with clean air mandates sometimes offer extra rebates.
👉 Check the ENERGY STAR rebate finder for your zip code—you might find hidden savings.
🧠 Factors That Affect Installation Cost
Beyond square footage and BTUs, these factors matter:
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Home Size & Layout – 60,000 BTUs is perfect for 1,200–1,800 sq. ft. homes in moderate climates.
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Climate Zone – Colder climates may need additional ducting or insulation upgrades.
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Location of Furnace – Basements are cheaper to install in than crawlspaces or attics.
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Code Requirements – Stricter states (like California) often add inspection and compliance costs.
🏦 Financing Options in 2025
Not everyone can pay $4,000 upfront. Thankfully, most contractors offer financing:
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Manufacturer financing (Goodman/Daikin): 0% APR for 12–18 months (promotional)
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HVAC dealer loans: 5–9% APR for 36–60 months
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Personal loans/credit cards: Usually higher APR—last resort
👉 I financed part of mine through my contractor’s Goodman program—12 months no interest, which helped smooth out the budget.
(Energy Star – HVAC Financing Tips)
🧾 Real-World Example: Tony’s Install
Here’s exactly what my Goodman 60,000 BTU install cost in Ohio (2025):
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Furnace (through contractor): $2,200
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Installation labor: $1,900
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Gas line reseal: $150
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Duct patch: $350
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Permit: $125
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Total: $4,725
👉 Right in the middle of the $3,500–$5,000 national average.
✅ Conclusion: What You Should Budget
If you’re planning on a Goodman 60,000 BTU furnace install in 2025, budget realistically:
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$3,500–$5,000 all-in for most homes
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More if you need ductwork, electrical upgrades, or live in a high-cost region
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Less if you’re swapping out an older unit with no complications
For me, Tony, the Goodman furnace was worth every dollar. I got a reliable system, a strong warranty, and avoided overpaying for fancy brand names.
👉 My advice: Always get at least 3 quotes, ask for a line-item breakdown, and make sure your contractor includes permits, duct sealing, and a warranty in writing.
In the next topic we will know more about: Maintenance Guide: How Tony Keeps His Goodman Furnace Running Smooth