HVAC · SOC 49-9021
Furnace Replacement cost
Looking up furnace replacement cost? Start here: national mid planning estimate $3,831 before you type a ZIP, built from OEWS 49-9021 wages and the assumptions below — not lead-gen marketplace price tables.
Furnace replacement — that’s the everyday name. On Fairange it’s a published hours band (6/9/14) plus a materials band, run through BLS OEWS May 2025 wages for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (SOC 49-9021).
Last updated from data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · PPI construction materials 2026-09
typical gas or electric furnace, like-for-like. National OEWS mean wage used on this page: $31.14/hr (SOC 49-9021).
How the national mid is built
Before you enter a ZIP we use the U.S. OEWS mean wage for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (SOC 49-9021): $31.14/hr (BLS OEWS May 2025). Mid estimate ≈ 9 hours × $31.14 × 2.25× markup + materials mid $3,200 (with a small regional materials factor). Low uses p10 wages × 2.0×; high uses p90 × 2.5×. National planning band: $2,031 – $3,831 – $6,802.
Full algebra: methodology. Markup schedule is Fairange’s published assumption, not a BLS figure.
Materials band
Published materials low / mid / high: $1,800 / $3,200 / $5,200 (typical gas or electric furnace, like-for-like). Baselines are Fairange editorial figures tied to public retail when we have a SKU basket; full source notes live in DATA_SOURCES and the methodology page. We dampen materials with a regional factor (about 0.88–1.18) so wages — not a fake local parts market — do most of the geography.
Before you buy a furnace
- AFUE is the efficiency number that matters. Condensing furnaces (typically ≥90% AFUE) need different venting and a condensate drain than mid-efficiency units — changing type mid-bid is a scope change. Overview: Energy.gov furnaces & boilers.
- Match the heat loss, not the old nameplate. Ask for a Manual J (or equivalent) and whether the blower/coil pair is AHRI matched if you also have AC. ENERGY STAR furnaces.
- Credits & rebates. Qualifying high-efficiency equipment may pair with IRS 25C and utility offers on DSIRE. Gas line or flue upgrades are often excluded from “unit only” bids — ask.
- Safety extras. Confirm CO alarms near sleeping areas and whether the bid includes a combustion-safety check after install.
Sources: Energy.gov, ENERGY STAR, IRS, DSIRE. Labor from OEWS HVAC wages × published hours + materials.
What usually moves the number
- AFUE efficiency tier
- Fuel type (gas vs electric)
- Flue/vent modifications
- Thermostat and zoning upgrades
- Permit fees
What’s in the planning band
Labor to remove/set equipment or controls in a like-for-like swap, basic startup, and the materials band above.
Ask about before you sign
- AFUE efficiency tier
- Fuel type (gas vs electric)
- Flue/vent modifications
- Thermostat and zoning upgrades
- Permit fees
Run this job on your ZIP HVAC trade hub
Related jobs: Thermostat Installation (programmable / smart) · HVAC Tune-Up (seasonal service).
Also: calculator · methodology · city guides · metro ranking report · all job guides · DATA_SOURCES.
Furnace Replacement FAQ
How much does furnace replacement cost?
National mid planning estimate is about $3,831 before you enter a ZIP — labor from BLS OEWS May 2025 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (SOC 49-9021, national mean $31.14/hr) × published hours, plus materials. Local OEWS wages move the band once you type a ZIP.
What hours, materials, and markup do you assume?
Hours 6 / 9 / 14. Materials band $1,800 / $3,200 / $5,200 (typical gas or electric furnace, like-for-like), documented in DATA_SOURCES / methodology — not lead-gen marketplace price tables. Labor markup 2.0× / 2.25× / 2.5× (Fairange methodology).
Is this a bid?
No. It’s an educational planning range. Collect at least three written scopes from licensed pros and compare exclusions — permits, haul-away, patching, and code upgrades.
Any rebates or tax credits?
Qualifying high-efficiency furnaces may fall under the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit annual envelope when CEE-tier rules are met; check IRS §25C and your utility’s rebate list on DSIRE.
Where does this job cost the most?
See our metro ranking built on the same job assumptions: /reports/furnace-replacement-cost-by-metro/ (OEWS local wages, same hours/materials/markup).
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