About The Author: Travis Baugh is a Digital Brand Marketing Manager for Carrier, where he develops informative, straightforward content to help homeowners better understand heating, cooling, and indoor air quality. His writing is focused on empowering homeowners to make confident, well-informed choices about their home comfort systems.
Furnaces
Furnace Replacement Guide
In the United States, natural gas furnaces are the heating systems of choice for many families. It’s easy to see why. They are efficient, effective, and there’s nothing like the warm, cozy feeling of heated air coming from the registers on a cold, winter day.
But what happens when your furnace’s performance doesn’t leave you so warm and fuzzy? Before your mind goes right to gas furnace replacement, there’s a lot to consider. Sometimes, your system just needs a tune-up or a minor repair. You might want to consider the cost of replacing your furnace vs. repairing it. Other times, especially if it’s older, a major expense might be looming.
If “furnace replacement” does find its way to the top of your to-do list, this article is for you. We'll cover the basics, like when to replace gas furnaces, what is the average cost to replace gas furnaces, what additional expenses might be associated with replacing furnaces, and other details to consider.
While it might be sad saying goodbye to your trusty old heater, saying hello to one of the many Carrier gas furnaces available can warm your heart and open the door to improved comfort and energy efficiency.
How Much Does A Furnace Replacement Cost?
In 2025, the installed cost of a new furnace typically ranges from $3,800 to $12,000, depending on your home’s size, local labor rates, and the system’s AFUE rating (efficiency level). Higher-efficiency heating models generally cost more upfront but offer long-term, cost-effective comfort through lower energy bills. Other factors—such as venting upgrades, duct modifications, and smart thermostat installation—can also influence total price. For more detailed breakdowns, explore current furnace costs.
| Furnace Type | Average Cost Installed |
| Electric | $2,000 - $7,000 |
| Natural Gas | $3,800 - $10,000 |
| Oil | $6,750 - $10,000 |
| Propane | $3,700 - $14,200 |
A qualified HVAC contractor can help you choose a cost-effective system with the right efficiency heating performance for your region and home size.
Connect With A Carrier Professional For Your Furnace Replacement
Using a professional for furnace replacement is crucial for ensuring safety, efficiency, and proper furnace installation. HVAC technicians are trained to handle complex systems, ensuring that the new furnace is correctly sized, installed, and calibrated for optimal performance. They also have the expertise to address any issues that may arise during furnace replacement, such as ensuring proper ventilation, electrical connections, and gas line safety. Using a professional for your furnace replacement helps prevent costly mistakes, extends the lifespan of your furnace, and ensures it operates efficiently, saving you money on energy bills while avoiding potential hazards. Schedule an appointment with your local Carrier dealer today to find furnace replacement near you.![A Carrier gas furnace installed after the homeowner found furnace replacement near me]( "A Carrier gas furnace installed after the homeowner found furnace replacement near me")
Signs You Need to Replace Your Furnace
You can expect a gas furnace to provide 15-20 years or more of reliable operation. But what happens if you start noticing increased energy costs, strange sounds coming from your system, or your home just isn’t staying very comfortable? Even the most dependable heating system will eventually need to be replaced. And all too often, it happens in the middle of winter, when it’s an emergency, when HVAC technicians are busy, or when your choices are limited to available stock.
Here are some signs that a new furnace might be a good idea:
- Repairs are becoming more frequent and more expensive
- Your furnace is showing signs of malfunction, such as:
- making weird noises
- showing signs of rusting or cracking
- emitting dust or soot
- smells funny when running
- running constantly
- turning on an off more frequently
- Heating energy bills are getting higher for no apparent reason
- Heating in the home is worse than before or uneven
These issues may just mean that your furnace needs some basic maintenance or a minor gas furnace repair. They could also mean your furnace is getting to the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced, especially if the repairs are getting expensive compared to the cost of a new one. If you are concerned, now would be a great time to contact your local Carrier expert to assess the situation.
Types of New Furnaces
Choosing among the different types of furnaces depends on several factors, including climate, existing fuel types or electrical infrastructure, desired energy efficiency (AFUE rating), and the size of your home. Installation considerations—like venting requirements, duct compatibility, and available space—also play a role in selecting the right system. Understanding these factors helps homeowners balance upfront cost with long-term comfort, reliability, and efficiency. For a more detailed breakdown, see our page comparing types of furnaces.
- Natural Gas – Natural gas furnaces are popular in colder climates for their quick heating and high energy efficiency.
- Electric – Electric furnaces are simple to install, require no venting, and work well in homes without natural gas lines.
- Oil – Oil furnaces are ideal for areas without gas service and can provide strong heating output, though fuel costs vary.
- Propane – Propane furnaces offer a gas-like efficiency for homes off the natural gas grid, with clean-burning fuel and reliable performance.
What is the Process for Furnace Replacement?
The furnace replacement process begins with a clear explanation of what to expect during furnace installation, including the removal of your old unit, proper placement and connection of the new furnace, and safety and performance testing. The timeline for furnace replacement typically ranges from a few hours to a full day, depending on the complexity of the installation and any additional ductwork or system adjustments required. After your new furnace is installed, your local Carrier dealer will provide post-installation furnace maintenance tips to help you keep the system running efficiently, such as regular filter changes, annual professional furnace tune-ups, and proper thermostat use.
![a graphic shows carrier furnace product line]( "a graphic shows carrier furnace product line")
- Assessment and Preparation: The technician evaluates your home’s heating needs, inspects existing ductwork and venting, and ensures proper access and workspace for the installation. Any required permits are confirmed before work begins.
- Removal of the Old Furnace: The existing furnace is safely disconnected from gas, electrical, and venting systems and removed from the home. Proper disposal of the old unit and refrigerants (if applicable) is completed according to local codes.
- Installation of the New Furnace: The new furnace is positioned, leveled, and connected to gas, electrical, and venting systems. Ductwork adjustments or modifications are made as needed to ensure proper airflow and efficiency.
- Testing and Calibration: The technician runs system checks to verify airflow, temperature output, safety switches, and AFUE/efficiency heating performance. Thermostat settings are calibrated and any error codes are cleared.
- Final Walkthrough and Maintenance: The installer reviews system operation with the homeowner, shares maintenance recommendations, and answers questions about filter replacement, thermostat operation, and seasonal tune-ups to maintain long-term comfort.
Explore Carrier Furnaces
ENERGY STAR® certified. Up to 97.0% AFUE for premium energy savings with enhanced comfort features.
ENERGY STAR® certified. Up to 97.0% AFUE for premium energy savings with enhanced comfort features.
All sizes ENERGY STAR® certified. Up to 97% AFUE for premium energy savings with standard comfort features.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gas Furnace Replacement
Replacing a gas furnace is a bit more complicated than getting a new refrigerator or washing machine. It’s a topic that generates a little more anxiety and a few more questions than other appliances. Here are a few frequently asked questions we hear on a consistent basis:
Replacing a furnace isn’t a recommended DIY type of project. HVAC contractors receive special training on the many aspects of installation, including how to properly and safely connect natural gas lines, electrical wiring and venting. All must be done correctly and according to local building codes to ensure safe operation.
A typical, standard installation with minimal modifications to ductwork should take around a day. A more complex installation with new ductwork and other components like an air conditioner or air purifier can take longer.
Try to clear a path through your home to make bringing in your new furnace and removing the old one easier. Secure pets so they don’t get out or get in the way. Put down a drop cloth or tarp over carpeting/flooring near the installation area.
Yes, you might want to consider replacing a 20-year-old furnace, as the average life expectancy of most furnaces today is between 15 and 20 years. If your furnace is nearing or surpassing this age, it’s likely less efficient than newer models and more prone to breakdowns, so it's wise to start shopping for a new, energy-efficient model before it fails completely.
A furnace typically needs to be replaced every 15 to 30 years, depending on its maintenance and usage. Most furnaces begin to lose efficiency and require more frequent repairs after about 15 to 20 years, so it’s a good idea to consider replacement around this time to avoid higher energy bills and unexpected breakdowns. Regular maintenance can help extend the furnace's life toward the upper end of this range.
Yes, you can replace just your furnace. However, it's important to ensure it’s compatible with your existing AC system. Consult an HVAC professional to assess if a full system replacement is needed for optimal efficiency.
The most expensive part to replace in a furnace is typically the heat exchanger. It can be costly due to labor and the high price of the component itself, often exceeding the cost of other parts.
A new furnace may qualify for tax deductions or credits if it's energy-efficient and meets certain criteria. Check for available federal or state energy tax credits, such as those for ENERGY STAR-rated systems.
You can maximize savings on a furnace replacement through utility rebates, federal and state tax credits, and Carrier financing or promotional offers. Choosing the right AFUE rating for your home size and bundling small upgrades—like a smart thermostat or duct sealing—can further reduce long-term costs. Learn more about available HVAC rebates and potential furnace tax credit opportunities to make your investment even more cost-effective.
Ideally, try to have your new furnace installed in the spring or summer – when you don’t need the furnace immediately for heating. This will give you a little more time to weigh your options, and maybe even save a little money too.
Learn More About Furnace Replacement
- Buyers Guide: 10 Things to Consider When buying a furnace
- Cost of a gas furnace
- Furnace troubleshooting tips
- How long does a furnace last?
- Comparing types of furnaces
- Learn about benefits of HVAC financing
