How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Furnace in 2025?
Personal Finance
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How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Furnace in 2025?

June 26, 2025
10:58 PM
7 min read
AI Enhanced
moneyconstructionhome improvementmarket cyclesseasonal analysiseconomic

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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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Published

June 26, 2025

10:58 PM

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NerdWallet

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moneyconstructionhome improvementmarket cyclesseasonal analysiseconomic

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