Replacing your furnace isn’t just another home improvement project — it’s a major investment that impacts your comfort, safety, and utility bills for the next 15–20 years. If you’ve chosen a Goodman 96% AFUE furnace, you’re already on the right track toward high efficiency and lower energy costs.
But here’s the big question: what exactly happens during installation?
As Savvy, your eco-conscious, budget-smart homeowner guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before, during, and after your Goodman furnace installation.
🔑 Why Professional Installation Matters
You might be wondering: Can I install a furnace myself to save money? The short answer: no — and here’s why.
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Gas safety risks: Furnaces run on natural gas or propane. A small mistake could cause a leak, carbon monoxide poisoning, or even fire.
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Efficiency performance: A Goodman 96 AFUE furnace only achieves 96% efficiency if installed properly. Poor venting or duct leaks can drop that dramatically.
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Warranty protection: Goodman requires professional installation for the warranty to remain valid. DIY jobs = voided coverage.
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Code compliance: Local building codes demand permits, licensed installers, and inspections for gas appliances.
📖 According to the U.S. Department of Energy, improper furnace installation can reduce efficiency by up to 30% — wasting the benefits of a high-efficiency unit.
📋 Pre-Installation Prep: What Happens Before the Big Day
The installation process begins long before the technician arrives at your door. A quality HVAC contractor will take these steps:
1. Home Evaluation
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Measure square footage of your home.
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Check insulation levels in walls and attic.
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Inspect windows and doors for drafts.
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Evaluate existing ductwork (size, leaks, condition).
2. Load Calculation (Manual J)
A proper Manual J calculation determines how many BTUs your home actually needs for heating. It considers:
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Local climate
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Home size
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Ceiling height
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Insulation quality
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Air leakage
Without this calculation, you risk buying a furnace that’s too small (struggles to keep up) or too large (short-cycles and wastes energy).
📖 Learn more from ACCA Manual J.
3. Permits & Codes
Most municipalities require:
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Mechanical permits for furnace installation
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Gas permits for connecting to natural gas lines
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Electrical permits for wiring and thermostat installation
Skipping permits can result in fines or failed inspections when selling your home.
4. Old Furnace Removal Planning
If replacing an older unit:
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Contractor checks for asbestos or dangerous materials.
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Plans removal path to minimize disruption inside your home.
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Discusses disposal (often included in installation price).
⏱ Step-by-Step Installation Timeline
Here’s what a typical Goodman 96 AFUE furnace installation looks like from start to finish:
Step 1: Arrival & Safety Setup
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Technicians arrive with equipment and materials.
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Gas and electricity to the old furnace are shut off.
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Floor coverings laid down to protect your home.
Step 2: Removing the Old Furnace
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Disconnects gas line, vent pipes, and electrical wiring.
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Detaches from ductwork.
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Old furnace carefully removed and hauled away.
💡 Savvy Tip: Ask if disposal fees are included — some contractors charge extra.
Step 3: Positioning the New Furnace
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Goodman 96 AFUE unit is brought in and positioned.
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Can be installed in upflow (air goes upward) or horizontal (air goes sideways) configurations depending on your utility space.
Step 4: Connecting Gas Line & Venting
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Gas line connected with flexible connectors.
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Exhaust venting installed — often PVC pipe for high-efficiency models.
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Leak test performed to ensure safety.
Step 5: Ductwork Adjustments
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Existing ducts are inspected.
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Sealing or resizing done if needed to maximize efficiency.
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Airflow balance checked.
📖 Energy.gov notes that leaky ducts can reduce efficiency by 20–30%.
Step 6: Electrical & Thermostat Hookup
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Electrical lines connected to breaker panel.
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Furnace control board wired.
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Thermostat installed or upgraded (smart thermostats are a great pairing with Goodman systems).
Step 7: Condensate Drain Setup
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High-efficiency furnaces produce condensation.
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Drain lines installed to remove water safely.
Step 8: Startup & Testing
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Combustion test ensures proper fuel-to-air ratio.
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Carbon monoxide levels measured.
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Efficiency verified at ~96% AFUE.
Step 9: Homeowner Walkthrough
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Technician explains how to replace filters.
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Reviews thermostat controls.
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Provides warranty paperwork.
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Shares rebate/credit information.
🧰 Tools & Materials Used
Your installer will bring specialized tools and materials:
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Vent pipes (PVC or metal, depending on venting setup).
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Flexible gas connectors & shutoff valves.
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Condensate drain tubing.
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Sheet metal for duct transitions.
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Electrical breakers, wires, and smart thermostat.
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Manometers and combustion analyzers for testing.
📊 Cost & Time Expectations
Timeframe
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Replacement installation: 4–8 hours.
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New installation (with ductwork): 1–2 days.
Cost Range
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Goodman 96 AFUE furnace installation: $3,500–$6,500 (equipment + labor).
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Additional costs:
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Duct modifications: $500–$2,000.
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Smart thermostat: $200–$500.
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Permits: $100–$300.
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📖 Reference: Furnace Installation Costs.
🛡 Quality Assurance Checklist
Before your installer leaves, confirm they’ve done the following:
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✅ Gas leak test performed.
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✅ Venting properly installed with correct slope.
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✅ Ducts sealed and airflow balanced.
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✅ Combustion analysis results provided.
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✅ Thermostat tested.
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✅ Efficiency verified at or near 96% AFUE.
📖 ENERGY STAR emphasizes that proper installation is just as important as choosing an efficient model.
🌱 Savvy’s Smart Tips
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“Ask your installer to show you the combustion test results — proof your furnace is operating at peak efficiency.”
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“Don’t forget about your air filter size and replacement schedule. A dirty filter can slash efficiency by 10–15%.”
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“Look for rebates. High-efficiency Goodman furnaces often qualify for utility or federal tax credits.” (Energy.gov Tax Credits)
🔭 Final Word from Savvy
Installing a Goodman 96 AFUE furnace is one of the smartest upgrades you can make for your home. But remember — efficiency doesn’t come just from the furnace itself. It comes from:
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Choosing the right size.
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Ensuring professional installation.
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Maintaining ducts, filters, and controls.
Expect about 6–8 hours of work, a cost between $3,500–$6,500, and a furnace that delivers 96% of every fuel dollar back into heat.
Done right, this installation sets you up for lower bills, cleaner air, and reliable comfort for the next 15+ years.
