How much does a furnace cost? Indianapolis area homeowners often wonder the cost of a furnace when they need a replacement. No one wants to spend too much on a furnace, but many do because they don’t know the ins and outs of furnace replacement. Luckily, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
In Indianapolis, Indiana, Williams Comfort Air helps homeowners find the right furnace at an affordable price. We cover some of the most common furnace types as well as how efficiency impacts the cost. The labor cost adds to the overall price, so we go over how those expenses contribute too.
There are three main types of furnaces. Each have their own price points. Furnace cost depends on the type in most cases, as well as other factors. Some are more expensive than others. Additionally, certain types cost more to maintain. It all depends on how you want to spend your money.
As the most common kind of furnace, a gas furnace uses natural gas to warm your home. In areas with heavy snowfall and cold winters, these furnaces are more prevalent. In general, the gas furnace cost is less than other types. Additionally, problems are less frequent, and minor issues are easy for homeowners to troubleshoot on their own.
Gas furnaces last about 10 to 20 years. Over those years, you shouldn’t need to replace the furnace unless a major issue occurs, as long as you’re maintaining it properly. Of course, this saves you money in the long run. Although, the cost of gas does hike up your expenses over time. It’s less expensive to buy gas than electricity, but it does have negative environmental impacts.
As for the negatives, homeowners must keep a close eye on their furnaces when they run on gas. Because of its flammability and combustibility, any leaks are incredibly dangerous. Plus, there is a higher risk for carbon monoxide leaks. If your home doesn’t have a gas line already, installation requires this extra step to complete.
In general, the cost ranges in the lower thousands with installation.
Electric furnaces are reliable options for those in areas without harsh winters. These are not as common as gas furnaces. Because they run on electricity instead of gas, they have a harder time with large spaces and can take a longer time to heat your home. However, in places without extremely low temperatures, this isn’t too much of an issue.
In general, the furnace cost for an electric model is less than gas furnaces. The unit ranges in price in the low thousands. However, the electric furnace costs more in utilities and maintenance. Most of the time, homeowners troubleshoot issues with their electric furnaces and call their HVAC repair company for complicated fixes. Plus, electric units are available in high-efficiency models and are better for the environment, with less direct carbon emissions.
On the other hand, electricity gets expensive if you use the heater more than you expect. For example, if you experience an uncharacteristically cold winter, your bills skyrocket. However, they do last between 20 and 30 years, which is more than the gas furnace.
Lastly, oil furnaces are the most expensive to purchase and install. The furnace cost ranges from low thousands just for the unit to high thousands for the unit and installation. Oil furnaces are rare in the modern age because of their negative impact on the environment. Additionally, the cost of oil only raises each year as the supply depletes.
These also have a short lifespan at 16 to 20 years. However, oil is less flammable —an obvious benefit over natural gas. Still, the oil costs are important to consider when both gas and electric units cost less to maintain.
When you consider your furnace cost, take into consideration the type of furnace you purchase. The upfront costs are important but also consider how much upkeep costs and if the unit lasts a long time. As gas and oil become harder to access, the prices increase. Additionally, think about your furnace’s impact on the environment as a whole.
When furnaces are efficient, they cost less in the long run as operating costs are kept low. The furnace cost refers to much more than the installation and unit price, so take the efficiency into consideration when you pick a furnace. In general, electric furnaces are more energy efficient because they don’t use gas or oil. However, depending on your location, electricity potentially costs more than gas.
Here’s how to ensure efficiency for any kind of furnace.
Labor costs fluctuate from company to company. However, the prices are usually by the hour and per technician. The amount of labor the technician does depends on the quality of the old system, the number of repairs for ductwork, and more. Some of the labor costs are below.
The furnace cost also accounts for extra parts the tech needs on the job and support services after installation. However, these are usually optional. Ask your technician about any additional costs for parts or labor before the job starts and as it progresses. You want to make sure you and your technician are on the same page about the repairs and replacements to avoid any surprise expenses.
Your furnace cost doesn’t need to break the bank. The technicians at Williams Comfort Air talk through all your options so you make the best decision for your home. Do your own research as well to learn about all the different kinds of furnaces.
In Indianapolis, Indiana, call our technicians for help with furnace installation. We diagnose your issue, see if repairs are possible, and then perform replacements if necessary. Call us today to learn more!