
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Furnace in 2025?
Key Takeaways
The cost to replace a furnace is about $4,800 on average but depends on your home size, unit type, and your existing furnace and ductwork.
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personal finance
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June 26, 2025
10:58 PM
NerdWallet
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The cost to replace a furnace is $4,800 on average, but the price can range from around $2,800 to $6,800, according to services website Angi
Your total cost will include the price of the furnace and labor for installation, plus permits and duct installation or removal if needed
Factors that affect the overall cost of furnace replacement include the furnace type and heating capacity for your size
The age of your existing furnace and ductwork can also affect the final bill
Furnaces last around 20 years on average, and older ductwork may not be compatible with a new unit. » MORE: How much it costs to install central airFurnace cost by typeFurnaces come in five main types, with different cost ranges and features
Here are your options:TypePrice rangeThings to knowElectric$2,000 to $7,000
Low maintenance with a low installation cost, but the highest monthly cost. pane$3,700 to $14,200
Low monthly costs but high upfront costs
Natural gas$3,800 to $10,000
Most efficient and low-cost to run, but requires ductwork
Most eco-friendly, but oil can be expensive
Wood$2,600 to $12,500
Lower-cost and works off-grid, but less efficient and higher maintenance
Natural gas furnaces are the most common
More energy-efficient natural gas models can cost more upfront but you money down the road. » MORE: How much is the average gas bill
Furnace cost by sizeFurnaces are available in different heating capacities, which are measured in British thermal units (BTUs)
One BTU represents the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit
Your will need a furnace with a capacity of 30 to 60 BTUs per square foot, with s in colder climates at the higher end of that range
You might also need a higher BTU capacity if your is older or not well-insulated, your windows aren’t energy efficient, or your furnace isn’t energy efficient. » MORE: What energy-efficient windows are and how much they costHere are some sample sizes by square foot, the BTUs to heat the and the price range of a furnace with that capacity: sizeBTUrage cost1,000 square feet30,000 to 60,000. $1,200 to $2,000. 2,000 square feet60,000 to 120,000. $2,400 to $4,000. 3,000 square feet90,000 to 180,000. $3,600 to $6,000. 5,000 square feet150,000 to 300,000. $6,000 to $10,000
Labor costs for furnace replacementFor a standard furnace installation, which can take four to 10 hours, expect labor costs of around $75 to $100 per hour
The ing can increase labor costs:Removing your existing furnace can cost an additional $60 to $330
Installing new ductwork can cost $2,000 to $5,000
Older ductwork may not be compatible with new furnaces
Replacement typically takes five to seven hours, and you can expect over half of the cost to be labor
Getting a permit can cost $400 to $1,500 and may be required in some areas
Your furnace installer will obtain the necessary permits, and the cost may be included in your contractor’s quote. » MORE: How a Nerd paid for imvements as a new ownerSigns you need to replace your furnaceFurnaces typically last 15 to 20 years, but some types can last up to 30 years with per maintenance
Outdated furnaces are less energy efficient, which can increase your monthly energy costs, and may be more ne to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks
Here are signs that it’s time to replace your furnace:Your energy bills are increasing
Your furnace is down often and requires frequent repairs
Your , or certain rooms, aren’t heating
Dust and soot are building up in your
The furnace is making strange sounds, including popping, screeching and rattling
A rotten egg smell is a sign that the furnace is ducing carbon monoxide
The flames are yellow instead of blue
This can be a sign the furnace is ducing carbon monoxide
Can I get financing for a repair or imvement
Your contractor may offer some financing options (either through a partner or a payment plan), but there are other — and maybe better — financing options available. equity loan or HELOC equity loans or equity lines of credit (HELOC) may have lower interest rates than financing with an installer, as well as future opportunities for refinancing and possible tax benefits
With a equity loan, you receive a lump-sum payment and then pay it back at a fixed interest rate over an agreed period of time, typically five to 30 years
HELOCs are more akin to a credit card, something you use as needed
You’ll usually have 10 years to draw from the line of credit, during which time you only have to pay interest, and after that you pay both the principal and interest
HELOC interest rates typically are variable, meaning your monthly payment could rise or fall over time
And with each of these options, you're using your as collateral
Personal loanMany banks, credit unions and online lenders offer personal loans, with amounts typically from $1,000 to $100,000 and with fixed annual percentage rates
You receive a lump sum and repay it in equal monthly installments over a set period, typically two to seven years
Un with equity financing, there is no collateral
This means your isn’t at risk if you miss payments, but you’ll still have to pay late fees and the late payments can negatively impact your credit
Credit cardCredit cards are an option for lower cost repairs or renovations
That’s because credit cards typically charge higher interest rates than equity loans, HELOCs and personal loans
When used responsibly, credit cards can come with great benefits, such as 0% introductory APR periods that allow you to avoid interest for a set number of months; rewards so you can earn cash back, travel or points; and sign-up bonuses that can give you some extra cash back or rewards for a larger purchase
If you go this route, you’ll want to make sure you pick one of the best credit cards for imvements. » COMPARE: s and cons of equity loans and HELOCsWhich financing option is best for me
The best financing option for you will depend on how much money you need, when you need the money, what ject you’re doing and how long you need to pay the money back
If it’s something that’ll add value to your , a HELOC or equity loan may be your best option because the value of your house could increase by more than the amount of the loan
On the flip side, if it’s a less expensive repair, a credit card is bably your best option if you want to pay no interest or earn rewards
Personal loans can apply to both small and large repairs or renovations, and they may make sense if you don’t have much equity in your
Some imvement contractors offer their own financing options
Before taking this option, shop around and see how their offer compares with other loans
Regardless of what you choose, make sure you compare interest rates, terms and fees with any financing options you’re considering
This will ensure you get the best deal
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Credit Score 640Learn MoreLearn MoreLearn More the authorDalia RamirezDalia Ramirez writes services and estate planning for NerdWallet
In science and nology studies from Wesleyan University
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