Typical Central Heating Costs

Initial Costs and Extras

If you’re purchasing a new home or remodeling from a tear-down, the initial cost for a central gas furnace, or heat pumps, can be 10,000-20,000 dollars, with high efficiency models being slightly more expensive. The large range takes into account heating models purchased, number of registers, and system complexity. Being able to use existing ductwork and not having to dig into walls to run new venting can save 10,000-14,000 dollars on installation costs.

For simply replacing a gas furnace you can expect to pay around 1,700-4000 dollars. For an oil furnace about 2,000-5,000 dollars. And for a heat pump around 2,000-5,000 dollars. These costs are calculated for using existing ductwork, too. For new ductwork you can expect to pay significantly more. High-efficiency units can add between 1,000-2,000 dollars on top of those costs, too.

Keep in mind that these costs are for using existing ductwork and not having to replace or install any new ventilation. Doing so will significantly raise the costs of the installation. In some jurisdictions you will need to apply for a building permit in order to replace a furnace. The costs can range from 50-300 dollars. That may or may not be included in the price the contractor is charging you.

You will also want to discuss if there will be a fee for trash/debris removal after the installation. The other areas that you can rack up costs is with programmable thermostats, smart controls, and dividing your home into heating zones. But be aware that a home with zones is less efficient than a home without zones so you’ll need to weigh the benefits vs cost.

When shopping for a new central heating system look at several different models and different methods of heating to be sure that you’re choosing the best option available for you at the best price point, both for initial costs and operating costs.

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