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What Should You Budget for a New Furnace?

Think of furnace cost as equipment + installation + extras (thermostat, line sets, minor duct tweaks). In 2025, the installed price typically falls between $3,000–$8,000. Budget systems come in under $3,000 in simple replacements. Premium systems with ultra-quiet, high-efficiency hardware and complex venting can exceed $10,000.
What drives cost up or down?

• Efficiency (AFUE): 90–99% in modern furnaces; higher AFUE costs more upfront.

• Size (BTU): Bigger homes/climates need more capacity.

• Installation complexity: Venting, clearances, electrical, and duct compatibility.

• Brand tier & warranty: Premium parts and lifetime exchanger warranties cost more.

If you’re comparing models, browse all furnaces for common install questions.

Budget Brands That Punch Above Their Price

If you want dependable heat without premium pricing, these brands are consistently strong values:

• HEIL ($2,350–$3,357): Three series, efficiencies up to 98% AFUE. Solid performance for tight budgets.

• York ($2,285–$3,768): Compact cabinets that fit where others don’t—handy in closets and small basements.

• Ruud ($2,500–$3,578): Nationwide parts availability and good warranties help keep downtime short.

Why pick a budget? You’re in a milder climate, replacing like-for-like, or planning to move in a few years. Pair a basic unit with a correct Manual J and a clean install, and you’ll be warm without overpaying. If you’re also swapping cooling gear, consider packaged solutions in package units to simplify space and hookups.

Mid-Range Sweet Spot: Price, Warranty, Reliability

The middle tier is popular for a reason: you get robust warranties and reliable parts without paying for every bell and whistle.

• Goodman ($1,900–$5,700): Often the best pure value. Excellent warranty programs, widely supported.

• Carrier ($2,882–$8,250): An industry staple with strong reliability and support networks.

• American Standard ($2,700–$8,500): Noted for fewer repair calls over time.

Who should look here? Homeowners planning to stay put 5–10+ years, colder climates needing steady performance, or anyone wanting lower lifetime costs without chasing the top of the line. If you’re evaluating system pairings (coils, air handlers, heat pumps), see R-32 AC & gas furnaces.

Premium Tier: When the Quietest and Most Efficient Matter

Premium units focus on comfort, noise, and top AFUE numbers great for cold climates or noise-sensitive homes.

• Lennox ($3,100–$10,000): Up to 99% AFUE plus advanced quiet-operation features.

• Trane ($2,490–$9,800): Built for durability; over a century of engineering behind it.

• Amana ($3,600–$11,000): High efficiency and lifetime heat exchanger warranties on many models.

Who benefits most? If your home sees long, cold winters, or you value whisper-quiet operation and tighter temperature control, premium makes sense. Just remember: installation quality is what turns premium hardware into premium comfort. Want to plan a matched system? Explore design center resources.

Price vs. AFUE: Where Savings Are Real (and Where They Aren’t)

AFUE tells you how much fuel turns into usable heat. A 95% AFUE furnace wastes about 5% of fuel; an 80% model wastes 20%. Going from 80% → 95% is a big monthly-bill improvement in cold climates. Going 95% → 98–99%? The savings bump is smaller, but premium models often include:

• Better components (ECM motors, modulating burners)

• Quieter operation

• More even temperatures

If you live in a moderate climate and gas is cheap, 95% AFUE is a smart target. In very cold zones or where fuel is pricey, pushing toward 98–99% can pay off, especially as part of a broader weatherization plan (air sealing, insulation). For cooling side-upgrades, see R-32 AC and coils.

Sizing by Climate: BTUs That Actually Fit Your Home

An undersized furnace runs constantly and never catches up. Oversized units short-cycle, wear faster, and create hot-cold swings. Use these rough guides (per square foot):

• Zone 1 (Hot): 30–35 BTU

• Zone 2 (Warm): 35–40 BTU

• Zone 3 (Moderate): 40–45 BTU

• Zone 4 (Cool): 45–50 BTU

• Zone 5 (Cold): 50–60 BTU

Then have a pro perform a Manual J load calculation to factor in insulation, windows, ceiling height, and air leakage. This is non-negotiable for comfort and long-term costs. Start with the furnace sizing guide and confirm with a contractor.

Installation Details That Make or Break Performance

Even the best furnace can underperform if installed poorly. Expect your installer to address:

• Clearances: Keep ~3 feet around equipment for service and airflow.

• Venting: Gas units need proper intake/exhaust to manage carbon monoxide risks.

• Electrical: Dedicated circuits and correct breaker sizing.

• Ductwork: Check static pressure and compatibility; fix leaks and restrictions.

Installation often represents a large share of total cost. Complexity (new vent runs, condensate management, tight closets, code updates) moves the needle. To reduce surprises, submit photos for a quote by photo and review common add-ons in accessories.

Warranties: What’s Covered and What Isn’t

Most brands split coverage into parts and heat exchanger:

• Parts: Typically 10-year limited (often only 5 years if you skip registration).

• Heat Exchanger: 15–20 years or lifetime, depending on brand and model.

Critical fine print:

1. Register within 60–90 days of install to unlock full coverage.

2. Annual professional maintenance is usually required to keep warranties valid.

3. Labor is commonly not covered by the manufacturer.

File your receipts, serial/model numbers, and service reports together. If questions pop up, check the help center or your installer’s paperwork for labor coverage terms.

Operating & Maintenance Costs You Should Plan For

Budget $100–$500 per year for annual service, depending on furnace type and scope (fuel line checks for gas/oil, combustion analysis, filter strategy, etc.). Why it matters:

• Prevents breakdowns before the cold snap hits.

• Keeps efficiency high (clean burners, proper airflow).

• Protects warranty by meeting maintenance requirements.

Gas/oil systems need more fuel-line and combustion attention than electric furnaces. Quality filters, right MERV rating, and clean ductwork help your blower motor and heat exchanger last longer. Stock up on parts and consumables in accessories, and use the HVAC tips blog for seasonal checklists.

A Simple Decision Path You Can Use Today

Use this quick framework to pick confidently:

1. Climate & Bills: Cold climate or high energy costs? Target 95–99% AFUE.

2. Stay Duration: Moving soon? Consider budget or mid-range. Staying 10+ years? Mid-premium may pay off.

3. Comfort Priorities: Want quieter rooms and steadier temps? Look for ECM motors and modulating burners.

4. Sizing First: Get a Manual J don’t guess on BTUs.

5. Install Quality: Choose a contractor who checks static pressure, venting, and clearances.

6. Totals, Not Tags: Compare installed price, not just equipment.

7. Payment Plan: If helpful, explore HVAC financing.

Tips

• Register your warranty within 60–90 days and set a reminder.

• Replace/clean filters on schedule; keep supply/return grilles unblocked.

• If ducts are noisy or rooms are uneven, ask for airflow and static pressure diagnostics, not just a bigger furnace.

• In cold regions, aim for 95%+ AFUE; in milder areas, balance AFUE with a strong install.

• Verify 3 ft. clearances, correct venting, and dedicated circuits at install.

• Schedule annual maintenance before peak season to avoid delays.

• Keep a simple folder: model/serial, receipts, maintenance reports handy for warranty claims.

For tight spaces or add-on rooms, compare ductless mini-splits as a supplement rather than oversizing the furnace.