Is your furnace struggling to keep up with the winter cold? If you’re thinking about upgrading your heating system, you may have started poking around on the internet about what to expect. But as you’ve searched, you’ve started to wonder: what’s the difference between furnace installation and furnace replacement? It’s a question that leaves many homeowners scratching their heads.
In this blog, we’ll break down each service, what’s involved, and how Honest Abe’s Heating & Cooling can help with expert furnace installation and furnace replacement services in the Indianapolis area.
What Is the Furnace Installation Process?
A furnace installation involves setting up a brand-new furnace in a home, often during new construction or when switching from an alternative heating method. At Honest Abe’s, we follow a careful and detailed installation process to ensure your furnace is set up safely and efficiently.
Here’s what you can expect from our furnace installation process:
- Assessing Your Heating Needs: We evaluate your home’s size, insulation, and layout to determine the right furnace size and type. For new builds, this ensures proper heat distribution. Whether you need a natural gas furnace, electric furnace, oil furnace, or propane furnace, we make sure it fits your space and heating demands.
- Selecting the Right Furnace: We help you choose a furnace by considering energy efficiency, furnace brand, and the required British thermal units (BTUs), which measure how much heat your furnace can produce. Picking the right BTU level ensures your home is heated efficiently without energy waste, keeping energy bills in check.
- Preparing the Installation Site: For new builds, we install ductwork, connect gas lines or electrical wiring, and set up ventilation for the furnace. All work meets local codes to ensure your heating system runs efficiently and safely.
- Installing the Furnace: Our licensed HVAC contractors handle the installation, connecting the furnace to the HVAC system and ensuring the gas line or electrical setup is correct. We position the furnace for optimal airflow and heating.
- Final Testing: After installation, we test the furnace for gas leaks, monitor airflow, and adjust the thermostat to ensure your home is heated evenly. We also check the heat exchanger for safe operation to avoid carbon monoxide leaks.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Your Furnace Installation
Trying a DIY furnace installation can be dangerous. Without the proper expertise, you risk making costly mistakes, like carbon monoxide leaks or improper connections, which could harm your family or damage your new furnace. Additionally, DIY installations can void your furnace’s warranty, leaving you unprotected if something goes wrong. Always leave the installation to a licensed HVAC contractor to avoid unnecessary risks and to ensure your warranty remains intact.
What Are the Benefits of Installing a Furnace?
A furnace heating system offers dependable, consistent heat throughout your home, even during the coldest months. Furnaces heat your home quickly and efficiently, often outperforming other systems in colder climates. With options like high-efficiency furnaces, you can lower your heating bills and reduce energy waste. Furnaces also tend to require less frequent repairs, providing a long-lasting, reliable solution for homeowners.
What Types of Furnaces Are Available?
When you’re looking at different furnace types, there are several options available:
- Natural Gas Furnaces: The most common type of furnace in the Indianapolis area, natural gas furnaces are known for their reliability and energy efficiency. They connect to your home’s gas line and can heat your home quickly.
- Electric Furnaces: If your home doesn’t have access to natural gas, an electric furnace is a great alternative. While they may have higher operating costs, they are easy to install and require less maintenance.
- Propane Furnaces: For homes in rural areas without access to natural gas, propane furnaces are another option. These are similar to gas furnaces but use propane as fuel.
- Oil Furnaces: Though less common today, oil furnaces are still used in some homes. They tend to be more expensive to operate than gas furnaces but are effective in heating large spaces.
You can also choose between a mid-efficiency furnace and a high-efficiency furnace. High-efficiency furnaces have a higher annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE), meaning they convert more fuel into heat, making them more energy efficient with greater energy savings. However, they come with a higher upfront cost. Mid-efficiency furnaces typically have an AFUE of around 80% and are a more budget-friendly option for homes that don’t require maximum energy efficiency.
How Much Does a Furnace Installation Cost?
Furnace installation costs typically range from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the type of furnace you choose. High-efficiency models tend to be on the higher end of that range, while electric furnaces may be more affordable. Additional factors like the size of the home, labor costs, and setting up new ductwork or gas lines can also increase the total cost.
When Should a Furnace Be Replaced?
Even the best-installed furnace systems will eventually need to be replaced. If you notice any of the following signs, it might be time for a furnace replacement:
- Frequent Furnace Repairs: If you’re constantly dealing with a malfunctioning furnace and costly repairs, it’s likely time for a new unit.
- Higher Energy Bills: Rising heating costs can indicate your furnace is no longer running efficiently.
- Old Age: Furnaces typically last around 15-20 years. If it’s been more than a decade since you looked at a new unit, it might be time to start considering a replacement.
How Do You Replace a Furnace?
Replacing a furnace involves removing the old furnace and installing a new one. This process includes disconnecting the gas line, electrical connections, and ductwork before hauling away the old unit. A professional should always handle the replacement to avoid dangerous issues or voided warranties.
How Much Does a New Furnace Cost?
Your furnace replacement costs will vary based on the type of furnace you choose and the complexity of the installation. On average, a new gas furnace costs between $3,500 and $8,000. While gas furnaces tend to be more expensive upfront, they often offer lower operating costs, especially in areas where electricity rates are higher.
On the other hand, new electric furnaces are typically less expensive to purchase, with prices ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, but they can come with higher operating costs over time.
What to Look for in a New Furnace
When choosing a new furnace, you’ll want to consider factors like:
- Furnace Brand: Reputable brands like Carrier® offer long-lasting, reliable systems.
- Furnace Size: Choose the right size based on your home’s square footage to ensure efficient heating. Many homes have improperly sized furnaces.
- AFUE Rating: A higher AFUE means better energy efficiency, so consider a high-efficiency furnace if you’re looking to save on energy costs.
- Cost: Factor in both the initial furnace replacement cost and maintenance prices when choosing your new system.
- Compatibility with Existing HVAC System: Ensure your new furnace will work seamlessly with your HVAC system and existing ductwork.
Furnace Installation and Replacement Services from Honest Abe’s
We work quickly and efficiently, often completing either job in as little as one to two days. As a proud Carrier® dealer, we offer financing options and support you with a range of furnace services, including furnace maintenance and furnace repair appointments. Our HVAC system maintenance plans help you keep up with regular tune-ups, ensuring your system is ready when you need it most.
Better yet, you’ll enjoy extra perks like priority emergency service and discounts on parts and labor.
Get a Free Quote for Your Furnace Installation or Replacement
If you’re confused about the difference between a new furnace installation and a furnace replacement, we hope this guide has helped! Whether you need a new furnace or are looking to upgrade your existing system, our team at Honest Abe’s Heating & Cooling is here for you.
There are plenty of HVAC companies in the Indianapolis area, but none offer the expert service, fair pricing, and personalized care you’ll find with us. No hidden fees, no rushed jobs—just quality service you can count on. Call or contact us online for a free quote!
