Cost to Replace a Gas Furnace in Minnesota
Are you in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and considering a new gas furnace? Knowing when and what to replace can save you money and enhance home comfort. Most furnaces have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, but once they near the end of this period, efficiency and functionality can decrease significantly.
In Minnesota, replacing a furnace can cost anywhere from $4,000 to over $12,000, with the average homeowner paying around $6,500. Several key factors influence this cost, including:
This article will examine these factors and give you a better overview of the cost of a new furnace in Minnesota.
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Size and Capacity of the Furnace
The first factor to consider is size or the capacity of the unit. Furnace size is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), with larger sizes translating to higher heat outputs (and higher costs). Smaller homes typically need around 50,000 BTUs, while larger homes might need over 100,000 BTUs. In addition to home size, you should evaluate the following factors:
- Layout: Your home or building layout can affect heat distribution.
- Insulation: If your home is not properly insulated, you'll need a stronger furnace to combat heat loss.
- Climate: Colder climates generally call for larger furnaces.
Your furnace must be appropriately sized for your home. An oversized furnace can lead to unnecessary costs during installation, while an undersized unit will not adequately meet your heating needs. Before installing a new furnace, technicians will conduct a Manual J Heat Load calculation to determine the most suitable size for your home, ensuring efficient and effective heating.
Efficiency Rating (AFUE)
The next factor is energy efficiency, which is determined by a rating called AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency). Put simply, this rating measures how efficiently your furnace turns gas into heat. The higher the rating, the more efficient your furnace is. There are two levels of furnace efficiency:
- Conventional (mid-efficiency): 80% to 84% AFUE
- Condensing (high-efficiency): 90% to 98+% AFUE
Say you have a furnace with an 80% AFUE. This means that for every dollar you spend on gas, 80 cents go towards heating. The remaining 20 cents are lost due to inefficiency. If you opt for a high-efficiency furnace, you'll enjoy increased energy savings and reduced waste. However, you'll also have higher upfront costs.
Installation Complexity
Another important factor is installation complexity. If your furnace is difficult to install, you might be charged extra. Here are a few things that may complicate installation:
- Accessibility: Some areas, such as crawl spaces or cluttered basements, may be difficult to access. The installation cost will increase if the installers can't easily reach the space.
- Existing infrastructure: To properly install a gas furnace, you need gas lines, ductwork, and ventilation systems. If any of these elements require renovation, you can expect to pay more.
- Permits: Some buildings may require permits before you can install a furnace.
Additionally, incorporating extra features may make the installation more complex.
Add-On Features
Many homeowners incorporate add-ons to increase comfort. Here are the three main comfort features that can be adjusted:
- Blower motor: The blower motor circulates air through your home. You can choose between single-speed (which provides air at full blast), multi-speed (which provides air at three different levels), or variable-speed (which tailors airflow to your heating needs).
- Gas valve: This part controls your furnace’s burner. You can choose between single-stage (which provides heat at full blast), dual-stage (which offers a high or low setting), and modulating (which adjusts to your heating needs).
- Blower compartment types: The blower compartment determines noise levels. You can reduce noise with an insulated compartment.
Incorporating comfort features like variable-speed blower motors and modulating gas valves will increase the total cost.
The Contractor You Hire
The final factor is the contractor you hire. While you can save money with a cheap contractor, you might end up with a low-quality installation that causes furnace problems. To prevent this from happening, you should work with an experienced, reputable contractor, such as MSP Plumbing Heating Air. With over a century's worth of trusted repairs and installs, you can always trust us to perform an excellent installation.
Contact our experts for 5-star furnace installation services today!
Since 1918, we've supported the community with high-quality, dependable furnace installations. We are committed to your comfort and promise outstanding service every time. Contact MSP Plumbing Heating Air for an estimate today.