Yes! Usually a furnace can be installed in one day. However, we just need to make sure that the existing ductwork in your home is in good shape (doesn't require a repair or a replacement). Another factor is the size of the unit that we're installing.
It depends on what has to be done, but in most cases, a furnace change out can be done in one or two days.
Furnace replacement usually takes 1 to 2 days, including removing the old unit and installing the new one. The precise timeframe can vary based on the system type and any additional work needed, such as ductwork modifications. Professional technicians ensure efficient and thorough service to restore heating promptly.
The good news is that as long as the existing ductwork in your home is in tip-top condition and doesn't require a repair or replacement, the furnace installation should be completed within a day. On average, it takes about four to 10 hours to wrap up a furnace install, depending on the type and size of the unit.
A new furnace costs $4,799 on average, but the final total for parts and labor will depend on type of furnace, size of your home, and other factors, like efficiency and brand. Rates may range from $150 to $13,100.
For people taking a proactive approach, doing a furnace replacement during the “shoulder seasons” of spring and autumn may offer lower prices, shorter lead times, and a better selection of products and service appointment availability.
A standard policy typically won't cover the cost to replace your furnace if there was a mechanical problem, but you may be able to add an equipment breakdown endorsement for an additional cost that may provide coverage.
Everything from your old furnace will need to be unhooked properly and closed off safely. There's a lot of things that are hooked up to your furnace, the vents, the power source, the drain. The furnace system is intricate and needs to be handled by someone who knows how all these parts work.
Your HVAC contractor will start the process by assess your home's heating needs based on size, insulation, and layout. The furnace installer will then recommend the appropriate furnace type (gas, electric, oil) and size based on the home evaluation.
The Average Furnace Lifespan
A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.
Electric furnace installation tends to be the least expensive, ranging between $3,000 and $7,000, according to HomeAdvisor. Installing a natural gas furnace falls in the range of $3,800 to $10,000, and an oil furnace ranges $6,750 to $10,0000.
The typical lifespan of a furnace can be anywhere from 15 to 30 years. If you've had your furnace for less than 15 years, you likely don't have to worry about replacing it any time soon. But if it's older than 15 years and you've started noticing problems, it may be on its last leg.
Furnaces today can heat your home much more evenly and efficiently than older furnaces. One way that they have been able to achieve these improvements is by blowing more air over the heat exchanger.
Installation Timeline
Furnace installation can take anywhere from four to eight hours. It really all comes down to how complex your unique job is. For example, if we have to replace the ductwork, electrical lines, or make modifications to your gas lines, those things can take longer.
On average, once you turn on your furnace, it should take about an hour to increase indoor temperature by 1 degree. Afterwards, it's 45 minutes per degree. And how warm should your house be? During winter, the recommended thermostat reading is around 70 degrees F.
Repair: If your furnace system is less than 15 years old and the cost of repair is less than half the cost of replacement. Replace: If your furnace system is more than 15 years old and requires a costly repair to maintain efficiency.
Most experts recommend getting three to five HVAC quotes from licensed, insured, reputable local heating and cooling companies. Getting multiple detailed HVAC quotes (but not too many) lets you compare the equipment, services, and prices of several contractors without being overwhelmed by options.
There's nothing legally stopping you from installing your own furnace. However, DIY furnace installation is usually a bad idea. Choosing the right furnace, installing it correctly and making any necessary adjustments to your ducting system is complex and beyond the abilities of most DIYers.
If you're worried about not having heat while the installation is in progress, the good news is that most replacements won't take more than a day. On average, home heating companies can complete the installation in about four to eight hours, depending on the size of your house.
Installation Entails More than Just the Furnace
For a gas-powered furnace, a contractor must set up a gas connection and vent. Installing an electric furnace requires running wiring, adding a circuit breaker, or perhaps updating an electrical panel. Holes are often drilled for pipes and wires.
The IRS offers several ways for taxpayers to cut their tax bills through investing in certain energy-efficient appliances and home improvements. This can include upgrades like energy-efficient water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, and similar investments. To claim the credits, you'll need IRS Form 5695.
A well-maintained furnace can last up to 20 years, but issues become more likely after 10 years. With proper care, you can expect an additional 5 to 10 years of functionality, though warranties often expire by year 12. Beyond 15 years or without maintenance, consider planning for a new furnace.
Government Programs: Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP):This federal program assists low-income families and individuals with weatherization measures,including furnace replacement.