How much does furnace replacement cost?

A new gas furnace installed runs about $3,500 to $8,000 depending on size, efficiency, and venting. High-efficiency condensing furnaces cost more but cut fuel bills.

Can I replace my own furnace?

It is strongly discouraged. A gas furnace involves combustion venting, gas connections, and carbon monoxide risk, and most jurisdictions require a licensed installer and an inspection.

What efficiency furnace should I buy?

Furnace efficiency is rated by AFUE. High-efficiency condensing models (90 percent and up) save the most fuel and make the most sense in cold climates with long heating seasons.

How long does a furnace last?

A well-maintained gas furnace typically lasts about 15 to 20 years. If yours is in that range and needs a major repair, replacement is often the smarter spend.

Should I replace the AC at the same time?

If your AC is also old, replacing both together can save on labor and ensures the indoor coil and blower match the new equipment. If the AC is newer, just do the furnace.

PROJECT GUIDE · UPDATED JUNE 2026

Furnace Replacement Cost & Project Guide

Everything for your Furnace Replacement in one place: cost by state, DIY vs. hire, the tools and materials, and a local pro if you want one.

NATIONAL AVERAGE · UPDATED JUNE 2026

HIRE A PRO

$3,500–$8,000

DIY COST

$2,000–$4,500

Typical project: Replacing a gas furnace, 80,000 to 100,000 BTU

Skill levelAdvancedAnyone can take this on. The Blueprint walks you through it, step by step.

Get the Furnace Replacement Blueprint →

Exact cost by zip →Tools & materials →Find a pro →

Source: 3+ benchmark aggregations (RSMeans, Angi, Fixr, HomeGuide) plus Submitted Quotes data

Plan your Furnace Replacement

A quick checklist to get from idea to done. Want it as a printable PDF? Grab the full free version, emailed to you.

1Set a realistic budget using the cost range above.
2Check whether your project needs a permit in your state.
3Decide DIY or hire (see the breakdown below).
4Make your materials and tools list.
5If hiring, get three quotes and compare them like-for-like.
6Plan the timeline and order materials with a 10 percent buffer.

Get the full free Furnace Replacement checklist, emailed as a PDF →

Tools and materials for a Furnace Replacement

What you will actually buy. We flag what to rent versus own so you do not overspend on a one-time tool.

Materials

Gas furnace unit · 1 (80k to 100k BTU)
Venting and gas connections · 1 set
Thermostat and filter rack · 1 set
Labor and permit · 1 job

Tools

Combustion analyzer · rent or buy
Gas leak detector · rent or buy
Sheet-metal and electrical tools · rent or buy

See all the tools and materials worth buying →

Pro tips for your Furnace Replacement

The mistakes that cost DIYers the most, and how to stay ahead of them.

Oversizing the furnace

Improper venting, which risks carbon monoxide

Gas connections that are not leak-tested

Skipping the permit and inspection a furnace requires

Should you DIY or hire for Furnace Replacement?

It depends on three things: your skill level, your time, and your tolerance for the riskiest parts of the project.

When DIY makes sense

→You have trade-level experience or have completed this type of project before
→You own or can rent the specialized tools required
→You've read the local code requirements and understand the permit process
→A trusted helper with relevant experience is available for the critical phases

When to hire

→The project involves significant fall risk, high voltage, or gas lines
→Your jurisdiction requires a licensed contractor, no exceptions
→A DIY mistake could void your homeowner's insurance or mortgage terms
→You lack the specialized tools and can't justify renting them for a one-time job
→The project scope is large enough that crew efficiency outweighs DIY savings

DifficultyHard

Advanced, but within reach with the right prep. The Blueprint covers the safety-critical phases step by step, and a pro is there if you would rather not.

Not planning to DIY? Find a local Furnace Replacement pro →

What drives the cost of Furnace Replacement

Materials

The single biggest material variable is your product choice. Gas furnace and High-efficiency condensing furnace sit at opposite ends of the price spectrum, a decision that can shift your materials budget by 40–60%. Key line items include gas furnace unit, venting and gas connections, thermostat and filter rack, each priced per unit and sensitive to regional supply-chain conditions. Bulk purchasing and timing your order outside peak season (spring and early summer) can reduce material costs by 10–15%.

Labor

BLS occupational wage data shows systems-trade crews earn $28–$52/hour depending on metro area, and most furnace replacement jobs require a two- to three-person crew for at least one full day. Labor typically accounts for 40–60% of the total project cost. Project complexity, custom details, tight access, or non-standard configurations, adds crew time and can push labor costs well above the national average.

Site conditions

Slope, soil type, and existing-structure condition are the three site factors contractors price most aggressively. Demolition or removal of old materials adds dumpster and disposal fees that rarely appear in online estimates. Local code requirements, permit fees, required inspections, and jurisdiction-specific material standards, can add $200–$1,500 to any project before a single tool is lifted.

Rather hire it out?

Find a vetted Furnace Replacement pro near you. We never sell your info and never take kickbacks.

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Furnace Replacement cost in your state

Furnace Replacement cost varies a lot by state. Open your state for locally calibrated hire and DIY numbers.

Furnace Replacement cost in Michigan →Furnace Replacement cost in California →Furnace Replacement cost in Texas →Furnace Replacement cost in Florida →Furnace Replacement cost in New York →Furnace Replacement cost in Pennsylvania →Furnace Replacement cost in Ohio →Furnace Replacement cost in Georgia →

See all home improvement costs by state →