Propane Furnace Costs, Furnace Prices, and Installing Ductwork

0 comments

Introduction

Hey folks — I’m Mark Callahan. I’ve been crawling under houses, digging into attics, troubleshooting HVAC installs and keeping homeowners from being sold short for more years than I care to admit. If you're reading this, you’re probably looking at an investment in comfort—maybe the cooling side is in focus right now, but allow me to insist: the heating side matters just as much, if not more.

You’ve zeroed in on the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 bundle (cooling side) as your pillar. Smart move. But before you sign off and schedule installation, you need to understand the full system cost—not just the condenser. Specifically: propane furnace cost, furnace price, propane furnace prices, and the cost to install a propane furnace and ductwork. Because if any part of that chain is weak, under‑sized, poorly installed or overlooked, you’ll pay for it—either in discomfort or hidden operating cost.

So let’s walk through the full picture: what the cooling bundle brings, how furnace pricing works (especially propane), what typical costs look like for furnace + ductwork, how to integrate it all for your home, and finally my field‑tested best practice tips before you commit.

1. Why the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 Bundle Matters

When I say “bundle,” what I mean is the matched outdoor condenser and indoor air‑handler/coil—specifically the Goodman 3 Ton, 14.5 SEER2 with R‑32 refrigerant. The specs matter, and so do real‑world factors. For one such spec sheet you’ll see the capacity (≈ 3 tons) and the fact that this unit is marketed for homes in the ~1,500‑1,800 sq ft range

Key features I like:

The efficiency: 14.5 SEER2 is not ultra‑premium, but it’s solid for a value‑focused home.
Refrigerant: R‑32 is newer and lower global‑warming potential compared to older refrigerant types. That matters from a regulatory/future‑proofing perspective.
Size: 3‑ton is a common residential size in many U.S. homes; if your home is in the ~1,500‑2,000 sq ft ballpark, this may be an excellent match.
Value: With Goodman’s reputation for offering good performance at a lower cost tier, you’re not paying for luxury branding.

So why cover this when the topic is heating? Because many homeowners invest heavily on the cooling side (good move) but treat the heating side as an afterthought. If your cooling system is sized right, efficient and well installed—but your furnace, ductwork, or fuel side is weak—you just balanced a fine piece of equipment on a rotten foundation. My goal is to make sure you don’t.

2. What Does “Furnace Price” Actually Mean?

When someone says “furnace price,” that term gets thrown around loosely. In HVAC real estate I live in, it means several things:

Equipment cost: The sticker for the furnace (unit only) or the equipment package.
Installed cost: Equipment + labor + materials + permits + modifications (venting, fuel supply, controls) + sometimes ductwork.
Total project cost: If you factor in ductwork replacement or major modifications, new fuel tanks or lines, conversions—this is where the “hidden cost” lives.

If you’re using propane (LP) instead of natural gas, the “furnace price” can be impacted significantly by factors I’ll touch on in a moment—tank or line hookups, remote location logistics, venting adaptations, etc.

From published cost guides: a new propane furnace (unit only) might cost $600‑$3,300, depending on size & efficiency. Installed cost averages ~$3,900‑$6,000 or more. (HomeGuide)

But—and this is important—if your ductwork is in bad shape or you’re converting fuel types, the installed cost jumps. Later we’ll unpack “cost to install a propane furnace and ductwork” in depth.

When you’re shopping: make sure the quote you get breaks down “furnace price” into equipment cost + installation scope + any required duct or fuel modifications. Otherwise you’re guessing.

3. Propane Furnace Cost & Propane Furnace Prices — The Real Field Look

Working with propane home heating systems I’ve seen many variables. Here’s the real‑world breakdown, combined with what published data says.

Unit cost vs Installed cost

Standard‑efficiency propane furnace (80‑89% AFUE) can have a unit cost in the $600‑$1,900 range.
High‑efficiency propane furnace (90%+ AFUE) can have unit cost in the $900‑$3,300 range.
Installed cost (unit + labor, assuming existing ducts and fuel supply are fine) averages $3,900‑$6,000.
(Home Advisor)
In more complex scenarios (ductwork changes, remote location, large home, extra venting) the total cost can rise to $8,000+ or even $10,000+.
For instance, one guide says installing a propane furnace and ductwork can cost $6,900‑$14,000. (Fixr)

What drives cost?

Size / output (BTU): Larger home = larger furnace capacity = more cost.
Efficiency (AFUE): The higher the efficiency, the higher the upfront cost, though you’ll likely recoup via lower fuel bills.
Fuel supply: With propane you need a tank or connection. If that’s new or remote wire/line run is required, cost shoots up. (Ferrellgas)
Venting / combustion adaptation: Propane burns differently than natural gas in some systems; high‑efficiency models may require special venting or sidewall termination.
Ductwork condition: Leaks, undersizing, poor insulation kill efficiency and force upgrades.
Labor / region / time of year: Labor cost varies by region and how congested the installer is.
Permits / disposal / system upgrades: These “extras” add up—old unit disposal, permit fees, control wiring, thermostat upgrades etc.

Propane furnace prices in conversational terms

If someone tells you “propane furnace price,” ask:

Is that just the unit, or the installed price?
Does it include any duct or fuel line modifications?
What efficiency (AFUE) is it?
Are there hidden costs because you’re switching fuel or modifying the ductwork or venting?

In my field experience, if you walk into a quote that says “furnace installed for $3,000” and you’re using propane with old ducts and tank is remote—you should raise eyebrows. Because realistically you may be looking at something more in the $5,000–$9,000 or more range. Better to have that expectation and come in under budget than to be blindsided later.

4. Cost to Install a Propane Furnace and Ductwork — The Hidden Budget

Here’s where many homeowners are caught off‑guard: you budget for a furnace swap, you assume “same ductwork” and move on—and then winter hits and you realize the airflow sucks, rooms don’t heat evenly, bills are high. That’s often because the ductwork was an afterthought.

What do the cost guides say?

Installing a new propane furnace and new duct system can cost $4,600 – $12,300.
New ductwork by itself (assuming you already have a furnace or unit) can cost $2,000 – $6,000 depending on home size and complexity.
For gas furnaces, similar guides show ductwork install/replacement adds $1,500‑$7,000. (Angi)

Example scenario: a 2,000 sq ft home in the Midwest (say Ohio)

Let’s walk this out: You own a roughly 2,000 sq ft house. You’re replacing the furnace (propane), and you know from an inspection your ducts are aging, some leakage, poor insulation and airflow issues.

Furnace unit + standard install (assuming ducts OK) → ~$4,500
Duct repairs/replacement (say moderate) → ~$3,000
Venting upgrade / fuel line / permit / disposal → ~$750–$1,000
Total: $8,250
If the ducts are very poor or you’re adding new duct runs or multiple zones, you could be looking at $10,000‑$12,000+ easily.

Why this matters when pairing with the Goodman cooling bundle

Say you already bought the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 bundle for your cooling. That’s great. But if your heating side is under‑budgeted, you’ll end up with a mismatch: an efficient cooling system but a blown‑out heating side, or high bills, or comfort problems.
Here’s the “system” truth: your home comfort runs as a loop—cooling side, heating side, fuel supply, ducts, controls, installation quality. If one part fails, the joint effect is underperformance.
So when budgeting, treat the heating/ductwork side as integral—not optional.

Checklist for the duct + furnace install part

Have a qualified technician inspect your ducts for size, leakage, insulation, airflow.
If you’re installing a propane furnace, ensure the tech checks tank location, line runs, venting compatibility.
Get the duct modification scope itemized: What sections will be replaced? Sealed? Insulated?
When you get your quote, ask: “Does this include the duct modifications that will ensure this new furnace and cooling bundle function optimally?”
Consider futureproofing: e.g., if you might add zone control, smart thermostat, additional rooms—have ducts sized for it now.
Ask for labor and materials separated so you can spot where cost drivers are.

5. Integrating the Cooling Bundle with the Heating Side: My Advice

Now let’s bring it all together—how the Goodman cooling bundle fits into this larger system view, and how you should proceed.

Step A: Load calculations

Start with a proper Manual J load calculation for both cooling and heating. The Goodman bundle is sized (~3 tons) based on certain home assumptions (1,500‑1,800 sq ft typical). If your home is larger or has heavy heat loads, you may need different sizing.
And for heating with propane furnace, you need proper heat loss calculation so it’s sized correctly—not oversized (which wastes fuel) or undersized (leaves cold rooms).

Step B: Verify ductwork condition

Before you commit: Inspect your ducts now. If they’re original, leaky, undersized or poorly insulated, budget accordingly. It’s almost always cheaper to address ducts during the install rather than waiting a year when you realize the performance hit.

Step C: Budget holistically

When you plan out your total project:

Cooling bundle (Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32) — this covers your AC side.
Heating side (propane furnace) — budget at least ~$3,900‑$6,000 in typical cases.
Ductwork/duct modifications — budget $2,000‑$6,000 or higher if major work is needed.
Permits, venting, tank/line work, labor contingency — maybe another $500‑$1,000+.
So your full “cool + heat + ducts” project in many cases may run $10,000‑$15,000 or more depending on home size, region, complexity.

Step D: Efficiency & long‑term value

The cooling bundle is future‑proof in terms of refrigerant (R‑32) and meets modern standards. That’s good. But the heating side and ductwork quality will determine your actual comfort and cost of ownership. If you have tight ducts, a well‑sized furnace, proper installation then you’ll enjoy:

Lower fuel bills
Better temperature uniformity
Longer system life and fewer repairs
If you cut corners, you may regret it. I’ve seen homes with top‑spec cooling but outdated ducts and the furnace struggling—comfort suffers, and you pay for it.

Step E: Avoid the “cooling first, heating later” trap

Don’t commit to the cooling bundle without getting a solid heating/duct plan. Many homeowners fall into this trap: they upgrade cooling now but tell themselves “we’ll deal with the furnace later.” Then next winter they’re stuck. My advice: treat it as one investment in home comfort.

6. My Field‑Tested Tips Before You Pull the Trigger

Here are practical, pro‑level things I wish every homeowner did before signing contracts:

Get three separate quotes — one for the cooling bundle, one for the furnace + install, one for ductwork. That gives you comparison, helps spot overpriced items.
Require itemized quotes — “furnace equipment,” “labor,” “duct mods,” “permits,” “tank/line work.”
Verify sizing and specs — For cooling: confirm the Goodman bundle model, tonnage, SEER2, refrigerant R‑32, match with air handler. For heating: confirm BTUs, AFUE efficiency, compatibility with your fuel supply.
Ask for duct inspection and some test results — Duct leakage test or at least airflow measurement, or an inspection report identifying leaks/insulation needs.
Check fuel supply side — If you’re on propane, ask about tank size/condition/location, line run cost, annual fill cost, tank rental or ownership. Rental tank may add yearly cost. (One source says renting a propane tank might cost $50‑$200/year)
Plan for timing — HVAC companies are less busy in spring/fall; scheduling then may save cost.
Look at life‑cycle cost, not just sticker — The lowest equipment price may not give you lowest operating cost.
Budget contingency — HVAC installs often uncover surprises (attic insulation, structural issues, new venting needed). Have 10‑15% extra budget.
Verify warranty and maintenance plan — Good equipment + bad install = problems. Find out what’s covered, what annual maintenance is required.
Ask about integration — Since you already picked the Goodman cooling side, ensure the furnace, blower, air handler, controls all pair correctly. Mismatched components lead to inefficiencies.

7. Why This Investment Matters for Your Home

Let’s talk about what you’re really buying—and why doing it right matters.

Comfort

When your cooling and heating are properly sized, installed, ductwork is sealed and design matches your home—you feel it: rooms stay even, humidity is controlled, you’re not chasing hot or cold zones. When any link fails—duct leaks, under‑sized furnace, poor blower—you notice it. Usually when it’s too late.

Energy / Operating Cost

A furnace or air conditioner that’s mismatched or poorly installed will cost you. For example, if your ducts leak 20‑30%, you lose heat or cool air straight into the attic. Fuel bills go up, comfort goes down. The investment in tight ducts and proper equipment pays off.

Longevity & Reliability

You want your equipment to last. A proper install with right sizing, fuel supply, venting, ductwork means fewer breakdowns, less frequent replacement, better resale value. The cooling bundle you picked is built on a strong platform; pair it with the right heating side and installation, and you’ve got a system that will serve you well.

Resale Value

Even if you’re not thinking of selling soon, homes with properly installed HVAC systems fare better. Prospective buyers may notice a newer condenser—but if they see old ducts or a struggling furnace, that’s a red flag. Do it right now and benefit later.

8. Putting it Together: Your Action Plan

Here’s a practical timeline for you to move forward, so you don’t end up in the “cooling system done, heating side delayed” trap.

Select the cooling bundle – You’ve already chosen: the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 bundle. Great. Note model numbers, verify specs, ensure match.
Schedule duct inspection – Have an HVAC tech come out, inspect ductwork (size, leaks, insulation).
Ask for heating side quote – Get a detailed quote for the propane furnace + install + any modifications (tanks, lines, venting).
Ask for ductwork modification quote – If ducts need work, get the scope and cost.
Review total budget – Add up cooling bundle cost + furnace install cost + ductwork cost + extras. If the total aligns with your budget (remember $10k‑$15k is realistic in many houses), you’re good. If it’s much higher, ask what you can scale back safely.
Schedule properly – Try to align cooling and heating install so you’re not left with a half‑system.
Monitor equipment compatibility – Ensure the air handler, blower, thermostat, controls are matched to both cooling bundle and heating system.
Plan for maintenance – Set annual check‑ups, filter changes, duct sealing as needed.
Keep documentation – Save all specs, warranty info, inspection reports.
Test when done – After install, check for airflow, temperature balance room‑to‑room, listen for unusual noises, monitor fuel bills. If something feels off, call your installer sooner rather than later.

9. Final Thoughts

You made a smart choice in locking in the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 bundle—it’s a tough, value‑driven cooling system built for real homes. But let’s be clear: your real investment isn’t just in the condenser—you’re investing in your home’s entire climate system: cooling side, heating side, fuel supply, ducts, installation quality.

When you factor in propane furnace cost, furnace price, propane furnace prices, and the cost to install a propane furnace and ductwork, you’re looking at something substantial. You might expect a typical range somewhere between $10,000 and $15,000 for a full system (cooling bundle + heating install + duct modifications) in a mid‑sized home with some ductwork work needed. In simpler homes with good ducts already, maybe lower; in larger homes or complex installs, maybe higher.

What you’re buying is peace of mind: a system that works efficiently, keeps you comfortable year‑round, and doesn’t surprise you with high bills or comfort issues. To get that, you need to treat every piece—cooling bundle, furnace, ductwork—as part of the same ecosystem. The best tech in the world with a bad duct design will still underperform.

If I were standing in your house right now, I’d say this: “Great job picking the cooling bundle. Now lock in the duct inspection, get your heating side quote, make sure you’re covered for the full scope. Don’t treat the furnace side as an afterthought or future‑project—it belongs now.”

When you do that, you’ll end up with a comfort system you can count on, and an investment that pays off for years.

Stay comfortable and confident —
—Mark Callahan