Are you in the market for a more energy-efficient heater this winter? If so, high-efficiency gas furnaces are an attractive option to consider. Not only do they help reduce your monthly utility bills, but they also provide greater accuracy and comfort in controlling temperatures throughout your home. But with all these benefits, what should you expect when it comes to cost?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss why high-efficiency furnaces can be worth the additional upfront fees and how much one can realistically expect to pay to install a home furnace.
Cost Factors
Regarding the cost of a high-efficiency gas furnace, several factors will determine the price. The size of your home and the furnace needed to heat it, installation costs, efficiency rating, and even brand name can all affect how much you pay for your new heating system. Let’s look at each factor more closely.
Size
The size of your home and the furnace needed to adequately heat it is one of the primary factors that affect cost. Generally, larger homes require larger furnaces with higher BTUs (British Thermal Units). A unit with too many BTUs could be wasteful, leading to costly energy bills. In contrast, a unit with insufficient BTUs will not adequately heat your home, making you uncomfortable during cold winter.
The size of an existing replacement furnace also impacts, as larger units can mean additional ductwork or minor renovations that need to be done before installation, which will add additional costs.
Installation Costs
Installation costs vary greatly depending on several factors, like whether you are replacing an existing unit or installing in a new build, the level of complexity needed for installation and materials used during the process, etc. When purchasing a new furnace, it’s best practice to get several quotes from experienced HVAC professionals to know you are getting a fair price for your new unit on installation day.
Quality professionals don’t typically cut corners when doing installations as this could compromise safety and performance in the future, so make sure that any quotes received include all labour, materials and permit fees associated with the installation before making your purchase decision.
Efficiency Rating
The efficiency rating of the furnace you select will also impact its overall cost. High-efficiency furnaces typically carry a higher price tag than their standard counterparts. Still, they are more energy efficient and can save you money in the long run by reducing your energy costs.
Efficiency is measured by AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency), which represents the percentage of usable energy contained in natural gas or other fuels versus what is wasted while producing heat. The minimum legal AFUE rating for gas furnaces is 80%. Still, modern high-efficiency models can reach upwards of 98%, giving them a much higher purchase cost than standard units with lower ratings.
Brand Name
The brand name can be a factor when it comes to furnace costs. Bigger industry names such as Trane, Carrier, or Lennox often come with higher price tags due to increased overhead costs associated with advertising and product development compared to smaller independent brands that may be able to offer you discounted rates on similar products without sacrificing quality or warranty coverage.
It’s always worth researching and shopping for competitive pricing before deciding on any big-ticket item like a furnace.
Average Cost Range
The cost of a high-efficiency gas furnace can vary greatly depending on several factors, including size, installation costs, efficiency rating, and even brand name. On average, installation for a high efficiency gas furnace can range from $2,000 to $6,000, with higher-end models and additional add-ons pushing that figure even higher. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this cost.
Labour Costs
Labour is probably the largest component in the final purchase price of your new furnace and will depend on the scope of work required. Generally, you can expect labour costs to range anywhere from $400 to over 1,000 depending on the installation’s complexities, like running new ductwork or opening walls to access existing pipe runs, etc. It’s always important to ask your HVAC contractor exactly what their labour charges include before agreeing on any work so that you are both on the same page when it comes time for payment.
Materials Costs
Materials are the second largest portion of the cost for a gas furnace installation behind labour costs. These will include all parts necessary for the job, like sheet metal returns and supplies for vented systems, venting materials for gas piping, and other related components necessary for a successful and safe installation.
Material pricing varies widely depending on items purchased, so it’s best practice to get quotes from several vendors or purchase them directly if allowed by your HVAC professional to ensure you are getting value in this portion of the job.
Tips For Saving Money On Your Furnace Purchase
Buying a furnace can be an expensive proposition, but there are ways you can save money on your purchase. Here are some tips to remember when shopping for your new furnace.
Shop around
Shopping around with multiple vendors is one of the best ways to ensure you get the best possible deal. Get bids from a few different places and compare prices and any applicable discounts, warranties or other additional services offered by each vendor to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and look for special promotions like free installation or discounted parts, which could help you save even more!
Look out for Promotions
Manufacturers and HVAC professionals often run promotional offers or sales on certain units during peak times of the year, so it pays to stay aware of these opportunities and take advantage wherever possible! These promotions may include discounts on parts, rebates, giveaways or even free installation, so always check if any such deals are available when making your purchase decision.
Consider Buying Used
Another great way to save money on purchasing a new furnace is to consider looking at used models sold by reputable dealers who offer proper documentation and warranty coverage. Buying used can provide substantial savings without sacrificing quality if handled correctly, so this option might be worth exploring before splurging on a brand-new unit.
Conclusion
Buying a new furnace can be a daunting and expensive task. Still, with proper research, comparison shopping, and taking advantage of any promotional offers, it is possible to save money on the purchase. Ensure you understand all associated costs and make an informed decision based on value rather than looking for the lowest cost option, as this could negatively impact performance or reliability in the long run.
Finally, always consult with an HVAC technician who is knowledgeable and experienced before making any final purchases so that you are armed with all of the necessary information to make an educated decision. With these tips in mind, you can confidently move forward in your purchase, knowing that you have made the best choice for your wallet and home comfort needs!