How Much Is a New Furnace in 2026?
Published 2026-02-13 · Reviewed 2026-08-02
Budgeting for a new furnace? Review illustrative installation ranges and the equipment, load, access, and code factors a contractor must confirm.
New furnace cost in the DMV depends on fuel, heating load, capacity, efficiency, venting, combustion air, gas piping, electrical work, ducts, access, permits, controls, removal, commissioning, and warranty. Use the site’s amount as a planning range until the home is evaluated.
Key Takeaways
- A replacement should be sized from the home and duct conditions, not matched to the old nameplate automatically.
- Higher AFUE changes fuel use, but actual bills also depend on weather, rates, load, ducts, controls, and installation quality.
- Condensing equipment can require new venting, combustion-air, condensate, drain, and freeze-protection work.
- Federal section 25C HVAC credits do not apply to equipment placed in service in 2026; verify current local incentives separately.
Scope Items That Change Furnace Cost
- Load calculation, capacity, staging or modulation, blower, controls, filter and return-air needs.
- Gas pressure and piping, vent material and route, chimney liner or sidewall termination, combustion air, and condensate disposal.
- Electrical, thermostat, humidifier or air-cleaner integration, access, permits, removal, startup, and combustion testing.
Compare Complete Proposals
Request full model numbers, rated efficiency, capacity, venting and gas scope, duct changes, permits, commissioning, labor warranty, manufacturer registration, exclusions, and payment schedule.
Consider Alternatives
Depending on the home, compare furnace-only, matched AC and furnace, dual-fuel, and heat-pump options using the same load, comfort goals, utility rates, and required electrical or duct upgrades.
How this guide is sourced
Consequential official guidance is linked where available. Dollar figures are internal model-based planning ranges, not sampled local averages or contractor quotes.