Introduction: Why this matters
You might be excited by the energy savings and performance of a modern cooling system — and rightly so. But here’s what gets missed:
Your heating side is part of the equation.
If you’re running an electric furnace (or considering one) with your cooling system, you’ve got to treat the installation, the replacement cost, and the ongoing cost of ownership seriously. Because yes — the equipment matters, but the environment it runs in and how it’s paired matters even more.
The Goodman bundle we’re talking about covers the cooling side (the 3‑ton air‑conditioner + air handler with R‑32 refrigerant). But when you pair it with a heating system — especially if you go electric — you want to be fully informed. That means knowing exactly what “electric furnace cost”, “cost of electric furnace replacement”, and “new electric furnace cost” look like for you.
In this blog we’ll walk through:
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What the Goodman bundle includes and how it fits your home.
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What an electric furnace is, why someone might choose one, and what the cost factors are.
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Breakdown of electric furnace cost numbers: replacement vs new install.
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How the Goodman bundle and your heating choice should work together — cost‑wise and performance‑wise.
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Savvy Mavi tips: questions to ask, budget traps to avoid, how to maximize value.
Let’s dive in.
1. The Goodman 3‑Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 Bundle — what it means in plain terms
Before we dig into the heating side, let’s recap what this bundle gives you:
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3 Ton capacity: That means approximately 36,000 BTUs of cooling capacity (since ~12,000 BTU per ton). That size is well suited for many mid‑sized homes (depending on insulation, layout, local climate).
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14.5 SEER2 rating: This is a modern, respectable efficiency rating for the cooling side — not ultra‑premium, but strong value.
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R‑32 refrigerant: A forward‑looking refrigerant with lower global warming potential. Using R‑32 places your system ahead of many legacy units.
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Matching indoor air handler + outdoor unit: Bundles like this level the playing field because both indoor and outdoor match — reducing mismatches that can cost you performance and money.
In plain terms: if you’re upgrading your AC and looking for efficiency, this bundle gives you good value and future‑proofing on the cooling side. But that’s just half the story if you’re thinking long‑term.
2. Electric Furnaces: what they are, when they make sense, and why cost matters
What is an electric furnace?
An electric furnace uses electric heating elements (resistance or sometimes a combination of coil + blower) to warm air, then the blower distributes that warmed air through your duct system. Since there’s no combustion, no gas line, no venting through a chimney (in many cases), electric furnaces are simpler in many installation scenarios.
When they make sense
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Homes in milder climates where the heating load is modest and electric rates are reasonable.
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Properties without access to natural gas supply line, or where switching fuel type is cost‑prohibitive.
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Smaller homes or zones where heating demand is moderate.
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Situations where simplicity, lower maintenance, and no fuel delivery is preferred.
Why cost matters
Because even though installation might be simpler, electricity tends to cost more per BTU in many regions than natural gas or propane. So your operating cost becomes a critical piece of the puzzle — not just the upfront new electric furnace cost.
Also: whether you’re replacing an existing electric furnace or converting from a different fuel type, the cost of electric furnace replacement includes many hidden factors: ductwork condition, electrical panel upgrades, permit/inspection fees, disposal of old equipment.
Understanding all this helps you budget appropriately and avoid surprises.
3. Electric Furnace Cost: What to Expect
Let’s get into the numbers. We’ll look at three key phrases you’re likely reading about: electric furnace cost, cost of electric furnace replacement, and new electric furnace cost.
Electric furnace cost (general)
According to HomeGuide: “A new electric furnace costs $1,900 to $5,600 to install or replace. New electric furnace prices are $1,000 to $3,500 on average for the unit alone, plus $800 to $2,500 for installation labour.” (HomeGuide)
Another source shows that installing an electric furnace typically costs $700 to $3,500 if the system is straightforward. (Modernize)
Cost of electric furnace replacement
If you’re replacing an existing electric furnace (same fuel type), the cost is often less complex than a full install from scratch, but there are still many variables.
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The “replacement” cost range might fall around $2,000–$5,000 in many typical installs. (Whitney Services)
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If you need major upgrades (ductwork modification, electrical panel, access issues), you can expect higher numbers — up to $7,000 or more. (angi.com)
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One guide puts replacement at around $4,400‑$7,000 in many cases. (Today's Homeowner)
New electric furnace cost (full install or conversion)
If you’re installing electric for the first time (or converting from a different fuel), then cost jumps because you may need:
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New ductwork / modification
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Electrical upgrades (panel, circuits)
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Permits, disposal of old equipment
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Possibly structural changes
One guide places the cost for full install/conversion at $4,600 to $11,000 (or more for complex jobs).
Another resource shows broad new‑furnace ranges (all fuels considered) from ~$2,000 to ~$14,200, with electric at the low end but still dependent on size/complexity. (Carrier)
What drives the cost up or down?
Important factors include:
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Size (BTU/tonnage) of the furnace: Larger homes = more capacity = higher cost.
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Ductwork condition: If ducts are leaky, undersized, or require replacement, cost goes up.
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Electrical infrastructure: Electric furnaces may need heavier circuits or panels; if existing wiring can’t handle it, cost grows.
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Installation complexity & access: Basement installs vs crawlspaces vs tricky attics.
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Fuel type conversion: If switching fuel (say from gas to electric), the cost climbs due to removal, wiring, duct change.
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Permits & local code compliance: These incidental costs matter.
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Brand, efficiency, options: Even electric furnaces vary in quality, warranty, blower type, etc.
4. How the Goodman 3‑Ton R‑32 Bundle Meets the Heating Side: The Bigger Picture
Now let’s connect the dots between the Goodman cooling bundle and your heating strategy. If you’re upgrading your whole HVAC system, here’s how the pieces fit and what you should budget.
Why the cooling bundle matters for the heating side
Even though the Goodman bundle is the cooling/air‑handler portion, it affects the heating side in several ways:
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Matching air‑handler: Because the air handler (indoor unit) from this bundle is optimized for modern refrigerant loads and airflow, when you pair it with a heating system (electric furnace or otherwise) you benefit from balanced airflow, more efficient heat distribution, and reduced stress on the system.
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Ductwork / load calculation bond: If you’re upgrading the cooling side, your load calculation is already being revisited which means the heating side is more likely to be properly sized too.
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Equipment lifecycle: Upgrading the cooling side now means you’re likely in for the long haul on both cooling and heating — so investing smart now avoids a “do‑over” down the road.
Scenario: Pairing with an electric furnace
Let’s assume you install this Goodman bundle for cooling, and you opt for an electric furnace for heating (instead of, say, natural gas). In this scenario:
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Your new electric furnace cost still needs to be included in your budget.
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If the ductwork is in good shape, and your home is of moderate size, you might land in the lower replacement cost range ($2,000–$5,000).
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If major work is needed (new ducts, electrical panel, etc) you might push $7,000+.
Budget breakdown example
Let’s walk through a hypothetical mid‑sized home (~2,000 sq ft) in a moderate climate:
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Cooling bundle (Goodman 3‑Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32): equipment cost say $4,000–$5,000 plus installation labour.
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Electric furnace (replacement scenario): equipment + install say $3,000–$5,000 based on size and condition.
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Ductwork touches/repairs: maybe $1,000–$3,000 if needed.
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Electrical upgrade/moderate permit/inspection cost: say $500–$1,500.
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Total project cost estimate: $8,500–$14,000.
If you’re in a simpler scenario (ducts in good shape, minimal electrical work) you might land toward the lower end. If you have an older home, major duct issues, or you’re doing full conversion, you could easily hit the higher end.
Value justification
Here’s why spending in that range can still be a smart move:
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The cooling side’s efficiency (R‑32 refrigerant, modern system) means your cooling bills drop.
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The heating side being properly sized and paired avoids undersizing (which makes your furnace run too hard) or oversizing (which means wasted cost).
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Modern systems have improved blower motors, better controls, and longer lifespans — which translates to lower maintenance and earlier payoff.
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Home resale value increases: when both heating and cooling are modern, buyers see it as less of a future cost.
5. Savvy Mavi’s Smart Questions & Buying Tips
Before you commit, ask these questions and use this buying checklist to make sure you’re getting the best value and not overpaying.
Key questions for your HVAC contractor
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What size (BTU) furnace are you recommending, and why?
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Is the ductwork being inspected / sealed / sized properly? What’s included?
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Are there any electrical upgrades needed (panel, circuits) and how much are they estimated?
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What is the equipment cost vs the installation cost? Ask for line‑item breakdown.
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Does the quote account for the cooling bundle and the heating furnace together (bundle savings)?
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What brand and model of electric furnace are you installing? What warranty?
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What is the estimated operating cost difference between the old system and the new system?
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Are there any rebates, incentives, or tax credits available for this equipment (cooling + heating)?
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How many years of maintenance/service are included or recommended?
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How does labour cost differ if unexpected issues arise (old wiring, duct modifications)?
Budget‑maximizing tips
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If your ducts are in decent condition, consider duct sealing and minor repair instead of full replacement to cut cost.
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Schedule your install in shoulder seasons (spring or early fall) when contractors may be less busy.
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Ask if your contractor offers a bundle discount when you install both cooling and heating systems together (particularly since you’re doing the Goodman bundle for cooling).
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Consider the future operating cost: an electric furnace may cost less upfront but may cost more to run depending on your electric rate — so compare total cost of ownership, not just upfront cost.
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Keep your old furnace running safely (if still serviceable) while you gather quotes to avoid rushed decisions under stress.
6. Conclusion: Your Path to Smart HVAC Investing
Here are the bottom‑line takeaways:
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Modern HVAC upgrades aren’t just about cooling — the heating side matters just as much.
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If you're dealing with an electric furnace scenario, you need to know electric furnace cost, cost of electric furnace replacement, and new electric furnace cost in context.
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The Goodman 3‑Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 bundle is a strong cooling-side foundation — but pairing it with the right heating system is critical.
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The total upfront cost may feel high ($8k–$14k or more) — but if sized and installed correctly, your long‑term savings and performance make it worthwhile.
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Be proactive: ask detailed questions, get full quotes, compare apples to apples, and plan for both installation cost and long‑term operating cost.
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Savvy Mavi tip: Weak ductwork, undersized systems, or missing the heating side are the common places homeowners overspend without realizing value.
