🔥 How Much Does Furnace Replacement Cost in 2026?

Furnace replacement is one of the most common HVAC jobs, and pricing varies more than most homeowners expect. Here is what to expect in 2026.

Furnace Replacement Cost Overview

80% efficiency gas furnace (standard): $2,500 to $4,500 installed. This is the most common tier and the right choice for most homes in mild-to-moderate climates.

96% efficiency two-stage furnace: $3,500 to $6,000 installed. Meaningful energy savings in cold climates. Runs quieter and more consistently than single-stage units.

98%+ variable-speed modulating furnace: $5,000 to $8,500 installed. The most efficient option. Variable speed blower dramatically improves comfort and air quality. Worth it in cold climates with high heating loads.

What a Fair Furnace Quote Includes

A complete furnace replacement quote should specify: the exact make, model, BTU capacity, and efficiency (AFUE) rating of the new furnace; removal and disposal of the old unit; labor for installation, venting connection, gas line connection, and startup; thermostat compatibility check; permit fee; and a labor warranty of at least one year.

Ask specifically about the heat exchanger warranty. A quality furnace should come with a 20-year warranty on the heat exchanger. Some budget units only offer 10 years.

Red Flags in a Furnace Quote

Recommending replacement when repair would work. A furnace under 15 years old with a cracked heat exchanger may qualify for warranty repair at no cost. A 10-year-old furnace with a bad inducer motor is a $300 to $600 repair, not a $4,000 replacement. Get a second opinion on any replacement recommendation for a furnace under 18 years old.

No efficiency rating specified. If the quote just says "new gas furnace" with no AFUE rating, you do not know what you are buying.

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