A Lennox SL280V furnace installation typically costs $4,500-$8,500, with many standard replacements near $6,500. The final price depends on furnace size, local labor, venting and gas-line work, and whether the job is a straightforward swap or requires code upgrades; availability can also vary by dealer.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed SL280V furnace | $4,500 | $6,500 | $8,500 | Standard replacement; before unusual upgrades |
| Equipment only | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,200 | Furnace price varies by capacity and dealer |
| Installation labor | $1,200 | $2,000 | $3,200 | Typical one-day replacement |
| Permit and basic disposal | $100 | $300 | $700 | Local fees and haul-away rates vary |
What an installed SL280V furnace usually costs
The SL280V is a two-stage gas furnace with a variable-speed blower and an 80% AFUE rating. It is a non-condensing model, so a typical installation uses existing furnace venting that meets local code. A standard replacement for a single-family home generally falls between $4,500 and $8,500, including equipment, labor, basic setup, and startup.
A practical planning figure is about $6,500 for a typical, accessible replacement. Smaller-capacity units may cost less than larger models, but final sizing should follow a heat-loss calculation rather than square footage alone. The estimate assumes existing ductwork and gas service are usable, with no major electrical, vent, or structural changes. Assumptions: U.S. suburban labor rates, standard installation access, existing compatible ductwork.
How equipment, labor, and vent work shape the quote
Quotes can differ because contractors include different setup tasks, warranties, and job-site allowances. The table shows common line-item ranges; these are portions of an installed quote, not extra charges to add automatically to the full installation price.
| Quote component | Typical range | What it covers | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furnace equipment | $2,000-$4,200 | SL280V cabinet, blower, and burner assembly | Capacity and dealer pricing |
| Installation labor | $1,200-$3,200 | Removal, connections, setup, and testing | $100-$175 per crew-hour |
| Permit and inspection | $50-$400 | Required municipal paperwork and inspection | Local jurisdiction |
| Venting or gas adjustments | $150-$1,200 | Repairs or code-required modifications | Existing conditions |
| Disposal and supplies | $100-$500 | Old-unit haul-away, fittings, and small materials | Contractor and region |
Ask for equipment, labor, permit, and modification charges to be itemized. Labor budgeting can be estimated as ; for example, 12-18 crew-hours at $100-$175 per hour equals roughly $1,200-$3,150. Some contractors quote a fixed installation price instead of hourly billing.
Which capacity and venting changes raise the price?
Furnace capacity is a major equipment-cost variable. A roughly 40,000-60,000 BTU input model may fall toward the lower end of the equipment range, while an 80,000-100,000 BTU model can cost more and may require larger gas or duct connections. The correct size depends on the home’s heat loss, not simply its floor area.
Venting and site conditions can move a quote substantially. Although the SL280V is an 80% furnace, an existing vent may need repair, resizing, or replacement to satisfy current code. A difficult basement installation, tight attic access, or a furnace relocated more than a few feet can add $300-$1,500 or more. Electrical upgrades or duct modifications may add another $200-$2,000, depending on scope.
Confirm that the quoted model number, BTU input, and venting plan match the home. Also ask whether the estimate includes a load calculation and startup testing; a low bid that skips these steps may not be comparable to a complete installation.
How to lower the SL280V replacement price
Keeping the furnace in the existing location and reusing code-compliant gas, electrical, vent, and duct connections usually avoids the largest add-on charges. Before approving work, request separate prices for mandatory safety or code items and optional improvements, such as a new thermostat or duct sealing.
Compare at least three written quotes with the same capacity and installation scope. Check whether each includes disposal, permits, startup, labor warranty, and manufacturer registration. Scheduling outside the coldest demand periods can improve contractor availability, though savings are not guaranteed. Avoid choosing a smaller furnace or skipping required vent work just to reduce the initial invoice.
How long does an SL280V installation take?
A like-for-like furnace replacement commonly takes 6-10 hours for a two-person crew. A more involved job with vent repairs, difficult access, or duct transitions can take 1-2 days. The installation price may include a fixed labor charge, so extra time does not always mean an hourly bill; the contract should clarify how unforeseen work is approved.
Have the contractor test operation and document the completed setup before final payment. The visit should include safe gas and electrical connections, thermostat operation, airflow checks, and combustion or venting checks as appropriate. If a needed part is unavailable, a return visit may affect scheduling, but it should be addressed in the written terms.
Why SL280V installation prices vary by U.S. region
Local labor rates, permit fees, and contractor overhead influence the installed total. As a broad comparison, rural markets may run about 5%-15% below a national middle estimate, while high-cost metro areas can be 10%-25% above it. These are planning differences, not guaranteed regional prices; distance to suppliers and seasonal demand can also matter.
Compare bids from contractors serving the same local market rather than relying on an online national average. Verify whether the quote includes local permit and inspection fees, and ask if travel, parking, or after-hours charges apply. A regional price premium is easier to assess when the equipment model and labor scope are itemized.
When repair or another furnace type costs less
If the existing furnace has a repairable blower, control, or ignition problem, a service call and repair may cost roughly $250-$1,500, depending on parts and diagnosis. A repair may not be economical when the heat exchanger is unsafe or the furnace has repeated major failures; a technician should assess condition and safety before comparing options.
The SL280V’s 80% AFUE design may have a lower equipment price than a 90%-plus AFUE condensing furnace, but it does not provide the same rated fuel efficiency. A high-efficiency replacement may add about $1,000-$3,000 for equipment and installation changes, including condensate drainage and compatible venting. Compare upfront cost and expected fuel use using local gas prices and a contractor’s load-based estimate.