Installing a furnace and new ductwork in a U.S. home typically costs $7,000-$18,000, with an average near $12,000. The furnace type and capacity, home size, duct layout, local labor rates, and removal or code work can move the final quote substantially.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furnace and ductwork installation | $7,000 | $12,000 | $25,000 | Complete project; high end reflects complex layouts or premium equipment |
| Furnace equipment and installation | $3,500 | $6,000 | $10,000 | Gas furnace; electric and high-efficiency models vary |
| New ductwork | $3,000 | $6,000 | $12,000 | Whole-home installation, often priced by home size and layout |
| Ductwork rate | $10 per sq ft | $15 per sq ft | $25 per sq ft | Approximate conditioned floor area served |
What a complete furnace and ductwork installation costs
For a typical 1,500-2,000-square-foot home with accessible attic or basement routes, a standard gas furnace and new sheet-metal or flex ducts usually total $9,000-$16,000. The national planning average is about $12,000, including equipment, installation labor, basic controls, and ordinary commissioning.
Smaller homes with straightforward runs may fall near $7,000-$10,000. A larger home, difficult access, multiple zones, or premium equipment can bring the project to $18,000-$25,000 or more. Assumptions: standard materials, average U.S. labor rates, normal access, and no major structural repairs. Confirm whether the quote covers both the furnace and every supply and return duct run.
How furnace, duct, and labor charges divide up
Quotes may bundle work, so itemized estimates help show whether the equipment, duct installation, and related tasks are fairly represented. Typical ranges below assume a whole-home replacement or installation, not a small duct repair.
| Quote component | Typical price | What it covers | Common cost change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furnace equipment | $2,000-$5,500 | Standard gas furnace, roughly 60,000-100,000 BTU | Efficiency rating and capacity |
| Furnace labor | $1,500-$3,500 | Setting, connections, startup, and testing | Gas, vent, or electrical changes |
| Duct materials | $1,500-$5,000 | Sheet metal, flex duct, fittings, plenums | Length, material, and branch count |
| Duct labor | $1,500-$5,000 | Routing, sealing, balancing, and insulation | Access and installation hours |
| Removal and disposal | $300-$1,000 | Old furnace or abandoned duct removal | Volume and disposal requirements |
| Permits and inspection | $100-$600 | Local mechanical permit and inspection | Municipal fee schedule |
Labor commonly accounts for a large share of the combined project, especially when ducts must be routed through finished spaces.
Why home size, furnace BTUs, and duct access change the quote
Home area affects both furnace capacity and the amount of duct required, but equipment should be sized from a heating-load calculation rather than square footage alone. A 60,000-BTU unit may suit some smaller or well-insulated homes; larger or colder-climate homes may need 80,000-100,000 BTUs. Oversizing can add equipment cost and reduce comfort.
Duct routing is another major variable. A home needing 150-250 linear feet of duct in an open basement generally costs less than one requiring new chases, ceiling openings, or sealed and insulated attic runs. Adding a second zone, several return-air paths, or substantial air balancing can add hundreds to several thousand dollars. Ask the contractor to document furnace sizing and duct design, not just quote equipment by tonnage or guesswork.
How many days the furnace and duct crew needs
A furnace swap with existing, usable ducts may take one day, but a full duct replacement typically requires two to five days. A crew of two or three may spend roughly 20-50 labor hours on a straightforward project; complex routing, drywall access, or multiple floors can extend the schedule.
Labor rates vary by market and trade, often equivalent to about $75-$150 per technician-hour when overhead is included. Quotes usually price the whole job rather than bill each hour separately. Clarify whether patching, painting, cleanup, and temporary heat are included if the home will be without heat during installation.
Regional labor and access can shift the installed price
Compared with national midrange pricing, major coastal metros and high-cost cities can run about 15%-30% higher. Smaller towns and lower-cost regions may land 5%-15% below the national average, although limited contractor availability can erase that difference. Cold-climate markets may also require higher-capacity systems or additional venting work.
Basement access often lowers labor compared with cramped crawlspaces or finished ceilings. Compare local, licensed contractors using the same equipment capacity, efficiency, duct scope, and permit assumptions.
Three example quotes for different home layouts
| Project | Scope and labor | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Small, accessible home | 1,000 sq ft; 60,000-BTU furnace; 120 linear ft duct; about 20 labor hours | $7,500-$10,000 |
| Typical two-story home | 1,800 sq ft; 80,000-BTU furnace; 200 linear ft duct; about 35 labor hours | $11,000-$16,000 |
| Large home with difficult routes | 2,800 sq ft; 100,000-BTU furnace; 300 linear ft duct; about 50 labor hours | $18,000-$25,000 |
These examples assume standard gas equipment and normal permit costs; local labor and access can change totals. Use each example as a scope comparison, not a fixed national price.
Which furnace and duct upgrades are worth paying for
High-efficiency furnaces, variable-speed blowers, zoning, upgraded filtration, and premium thermostats can raise the quote. Depending on the model and configuration, a high-efficiency furnace may add $1,000-$3,000 over a standard unit; zoning can add roughly $1,500-$3,500. The value depends on fuel prices, climate, household comfort needs, and expected time in the home.
Repairing sound ducts may be less expensive than replacing them, but extensive leakage, poor sizing, or contaminated insulation can justify replacement. Request separate prices for necessary work and optional upgrades so the base installation stays comparable.
Ways to lower the installed price without cutting corners
Keep usable ducts if inspection shows they are correctly sized, sealed, and in good condition. Clear storage from the furnace area and accessible duct routes before work begins, and ask whether the contractor can reuse compatible controls or venting safely. Avoid choosing a furnace solely by its highest efficiency rating.
Get at least three written quotes with the same furnace capacity, efficiency, duct materials, removal, permit, and warranty details. Scheduling outside peak heating emergencies may provide more appointment flexibility, though savings are not guaranteed. Compare complete scopes and warranties rather than selecting the lowest equipment-only number.