To figure out the entire cost of a new furnace system, you’ll need to decide what type of furnace you need. Carrier offers a complete line of natural gas furnaces and oil furnaces, with several models available in each category designed to fit a variety of needs and budgets. Here are some considerations that affect the overall cost to replace a furnace:
Gas Furnaces
Gas furnaces tend to cost a little less than oil furnaces, before installation costs. Once your new heating system is installed, natural gas, on average, is currently less expensive than heating oil. This is an ongoing cost for the life of the furnace. Natural gas furnaces have higher available AFUE efficiency than oil furnaces and tend to require less routine maintenance as well. And, with the higher volume in sales of gas furnaces, there are many more models to choose from with a number of comfort-enhancing features not readily available on oil furnaces. Higher-end, higher-efficiency gas furnaces might include multi-stage heating, communicating electronic controls and modulating operation for more precise control of heating capacity. Several ENERGY STAR certified models are available with efficiency peaking at 98.5% AFUE.
Oil Furnaces
Pricing for oil furnaces tends to be a little higher than natural gas models. Installation costs will vary depending on a number of factors. Currently, ongoing costs for oil furnaces will include heating oil, which, on average, is currently more expensive than natural gas (however that could always change). You will also need an oil storage tank and to have the oil delivered. Oil furnaces tend to require a little more routine maintenance as well. Performance-wise, oil furnaces are available with variable-speed operation for smooth, quiet comfort cycles and the ability to work with the cooling system to control summertime humidity. While ENERGY STAR certified versions are available, the highest efficiencies for these models are 86.6% AFUE.