If you’re replacing the outdoor air‑conditioner condenser or the bundle for summer comfort, don’t forget the indoor heating component. In many homes, especially in colder seasons, the furnace (or heating system) is just as important. If you’re using propane for your furnace (or considering switching), costs and planning differ from typical natural‑gas or electric setups.
When you ask: “how much does a propane furnace cost?”, “furnace price”, “propane furnace prices”, “cost to install propane furnace and ductwork” — you’re asking the right questions. Because the heating side is a major investment, and mistakes or under‑budgeting here will hurt both comfort and wallet.
So let’s pull out all the stops: we’ll cover what typical propane furnace costs look like, how much the furnace itself costs vs. installation, how ductwork adds up, how that pairs with your overall system (including your cooling bundle) and what you should watch out for.
Understanding the cost components
When evaluating a propane furnace upgrade, here are the major cost buckets you’ll face:
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Furnace equipment cost: the furnace unit itself (propane‑fueled)
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Installation / labor cost: removing old unit (if applicable), installing new furnace, piping, venting, controls, wiring
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Ductwork modifications or full duct replacement: depending on your house and condition of ducts
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Propane supply & tank installation (if needed): if you currently don’t have a propane tank, or your existing tank needs replacement
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Integration with cooling system / bundle: if you’re pairing heating with a new AC bundle (like your Goodman bundle) you’ll have overlapping costs or savings
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Permits, inspections, cleanup/old equipment disposal: these “extras” aren’t huge individually but add up.
So when a quote shows “furnace price” or “propane furnace cost” you must ask what’s included. Is it just equipment? Does it include labor and ductwork? Is the propane tank included? Otherwise you’re comparing apples to oranges.
What does the data say? Typical propane furnace costs
Let’s pull in some up‑to‑date numbers, so you have a realistic benchmark.
Equipment cost (furnace only)
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According to a cost guide, “propane furnace prices are $600‑$3,300 for the unit alone” for standard homes, depending on brand, size, efficiency. (HomeGuide)
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Another source says “propane furnaces typically cost $700‑$3,500” for the unit. (HVAC.com)
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For high efficiency units (90‑99% AFUE) the unit cost climbs significantly.So, if you budget for the furnace unit alone you might plan for $1,000‑$3,000 depending on brand/size/efficiency.
Full installation cost (furnace + labor + ductwork etc)
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HomeAdvisor reports average cost to install a propane furnace ranges $3,900‑$6,000, with some “upgrading” jobs going higher. (Home Advisor)
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HomeGuide shows installing a new propane furnace and ductwork costs $4,600‑$12,300, if ductwork replacement is needed.
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Fixr.com lists the average range for propane furnace installation at $5,000‑$8,000, with most homeowners paying ~$6,000 for a high efficiency unit in a ~2,000 sq ft home. (Fixr)
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For full HVAC system (heater + AC) replacement, one guide puts $10,000‑$15,000 for standard job. (This Old House)
Summary benchmark
So to sum up:
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Furnace unit only: ~$1,000‑$3,000 (propane)
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Installed furnace: ~$4,000‑$7,000 typical (depending on home size, ductwork, upgrades)
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Installed furnace + new ductwork: could be ~$5,000‑$12,000 or more
Keep these numbers in mind when comparing quotes.
How this ties into your system bundle (cooling + heating)
Since you're primarily considering the Goodman 3‑Ton cooling bundle, you’ll want to integrate your heating costs (propane furnace) into your total HVAC investment. Here’s how to think about it.
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If you are replacing just the air conditioner condenser + indoor air handler (cooling side) now, but your heating furnace (propane) is older and still functional, you might schedule furnace replacement later.
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If your furnace is older and showing signs of wear, it may make sense to bundle cooling + heating replacement at the same time, so you minimize labor markup, reduce disruption, leverage the contractor’s presence, and ensure all components are matched and efficient.
For example: if you’re installing the Goodman cooling bundle (equipment maybe $3,800‑$4,100) and installing a new propane furnace now, you might budget cooling portion + heating portion together. If heating portion is say $5,000 installed, then your total HVAC upgrade is ~$8,800‑$9,100 or more depending on ductwork. Then you’ll be within the range of “whole‑system” jobs ($10K‑15K). That gives you comfort for both summer and winter.
Specific cost planning for a propane furnace upgrade
Let’s walk through realistic scenarios to help you budget.
Scenario 1: Furnace only replacement, ductwork good
You’re replacing your existing propane furnace (old unit), ductwork is still in good condition and no major modifications needed.
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Unit cost: ~$1,500 (mid‑range)
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Labor & installation: ~$2,000
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Permits/disposal etc: ~$300
Total: ~$3,800 – this is on the lower end of range, assuming everything else is fine.
Scenario 2: Furnace replacement + some ductwork modifications
Same house but ducts show leaks or are undersized. You’ll do furnace replacement plus some duct sealing, some modifications.
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Unit cost: ~$2,500 (higher efficiency)
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Labor & install: ~$2,500
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Duct modifications: ~$1,000
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Permits/disposal: ~$300
Total: ~$6,300 – depends on how much duct work.
Scenario 3: Furnace replacement + full duct redesign + potentially upgrade cooling bundle
Maybe you’re replacing the furnace and also planning future cooling bundle or doing both at same time. Maybe ductwork is old, runs long, maybe attic or basement installation is hard.
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Unit cost: ~$3,000 (premium efficiency)
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Labor & install: ~$3,000
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Ductwork replacement/sealing: ~$2,500
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Misc (propane tank line, permits, new thermostat, controls): ~$500
Total: ~$9,000 – could climb into $10K+ if very large home or complex job.
These examples match the published ranges ($4,600‑$12,300) from HomeGuide for furnace + ductwork.
What to check and ask your contractor
As Mike Sanders, I always recommend homeowners ask these questions to get an accurate quote and avoid surprises:
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What size furnace (BTU) and AFUE rating are you recommending? Ensure it matches your home size, insulation, heating load.
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What brand/model of furnace? Ask for unit cost breakdown and efficiency specs.
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Does the quote include ductwork modifications or sealing? If your ductwork is old, you’ll want an itemized cost.
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Is there a propane tank or line upgrade needed? If you’re on propane and your tank or line is old — budget for replacement.
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Will the new equipment integrate with your cooling system (air conditioner or bundle) so that controls and airflow are matched? Good airflow and blower sizing mean better comfort and efficiency.
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What is included in labor/installation? Removal of old unit, disposal, venting/combustion checks, startup testing.
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What permit and inspection costs are there? And will the installer handle them?
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What’s the warranty on the furnace, and are there any required maintenance or registration steps to keep it valid?
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What is the timeline and disruption? If the furnace is in a basement, attic, or tight space — access issues can add cost.
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Are there incentives for high‑efficiency propane furnaces? Some states offer rebates for 90%+ AFUE models.
Why going with a matched cooling + heating upgrade makes sense
Since you’re already considering the Goodman cooling bundle, here’s why I suggest you seriously consider matching your heater replacement at the same time:
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One contractor visit saves you labor markup twice.
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Matched equipment ensures your blower motor, duct layout, controls are sized for both heating and cooling — better overall performance.
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Ductwork modifications often relate to both heating and cooling runs — if you’re making modifications anyway, doing both sides now is efficient.
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Energy savings are amplified — a high‑efficiency furnace + modern AC can reduce utility bills significantly over time.
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Peace of mind — you’re not scheduling another major job down the line, avoiding extra disruption and cost escalation.
So when you think “furnace price” or “propane furnace prices” keep in mind you're really thinking “whole‑system investment” not just equipment.
My final thoughts: What I’d tell a homeowner
If we sat down at your kitchen table, here’s what I’d say:
You’re making a very smart move by considering both your cooling and heating systems side by side. If you’ve got the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 cooling bundle in mind, and you’re heating with propane or plan to upgrade your propane furnace, you should budget realistically.
Plan on roughly $4,000‑$7,000 for a new propane furnace install (depending on house size, ductwork condition, brand/efficiency). If ductwork needs major overhaul or you're also replacing cooling at same time, your cost likely falls into $7,000‑$10,000+ territory.
Don’t shop only based on the “furnace price” or “propane furnace cost” of the unit. Ask for full install quotes, line‑items, and compare contractors. Make sure ductwork and blower sizing are addressed, make sure the new system is matched (cooling + heating) and make sure installation quality is top notch.
In the end: the cheapest quote may look tempting — but what you’ll regret is an undersized unit, poor ductwork, or mismatched components that cost you comfort and utility bills for years. Invest smart, and you’ll enjoy efficient, reliable heating (and cooling) for the long‑haul.
