The average cost for furnace installation in Havertown, PA, and Main Line is $7,000. The range is $5,000 to $10,000, and up to $15,000 for high-end systems. The price depends on the size and strength, plus the energy efficiency.
In this article, we’ll break down what goes into the cost of your new unit. And, we’ll show you where you have some options and opportunities to change the price. You’ll also learn what factors you should consider when picking out the best model for your home.
If your old unit broke down and it’s already cold out, you’re likely feeling pressured and stressed to make a decision. We understand. So, we made sure this article covers all the essential points as quickly as possible.
If you have questions after reading this or are ready to look at options for your Main Line home, call or email us at John Cipollone. We’ve served Havertown, Radnor, Wynnewood, and other towns for more than 50 years.
- Ductwork Vs. No Ductwork
- Installing A New Heater And AC
- Size And Strength
- Energy Efficiency
- How To Choose
- Furnace Installation In Havertown, PA
Ductwork Vs. No Ductwork
The first question is whether your home has ductwork. If you’re replacing a forced-air furnace, then the answer is yes. Whether the old unit used gas, propane, oil, or electricity, you have ductwork if the warm air comes through the vents.
However, if you previously had radiators, baseboard heaters, or a pellet stove, then your home probably doesn’t have ductwork. In this case, a furnace may not be your best bet.
Designing, building, and installing ductwork can cost thousands of dollars on top of the heater installation. And, if your home wasn’t designed for it, then you may not get the airflow you need to stay comfortable.
This is a common situation in older homes. In most cases, we recommend mini splits. They use heat pumps and air handlers in each room to provide heat and cooling without running ductwork.
Read More: How Will A Mini Split Look In My Main Line Home?
Installing A New Heater And AC
Next, we always recommend installing a new central air system with your furnace. Of course, this increases the price. But, you get the best performance and efficiency this way.
Your system should still work if we reconnect your old central air system to a new furnace. Or if you add the AC later. The problem is that you need the coil inside, which is part of the furnace, to match the outside condenser.
In some cases, we have to replace the blower motor for them to match. Then, you’re spending more money anyway and still have mismatched equipment.
Read More: Should I Replace My Central Air Conditioner In The Fall?
Size And Strength
The strength of a furnace is measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units. Air conditioning is measured in tonnage. Your HVAC contractor can tell you what BTUS or tonnage your new system will need.
They do it by factoring in your square footage, room layout, insulation, even which way the sun faces when it hits your home. All these and other measurements go into determining the strength you need.
But, while you’re waiting, here are some quick rules of thumb. These are not exact. But they’ll give a starting idea of what to expect.
Most homes require one ton of cooling for every 600 square feet. So, a 1,800-square-foot house probably needs a three-ton AC.
For heating, multiply your square footage by 35 for older homes or 30 for newer homes. So, a century-old 2,000 square-foot home would need around 70,000 BTUs. A more contemporary home the same size requires 60,000.
Again, these are general approximations. You’ll need a formal load calculation to know for sure.
Read More: Save Money And Energy When You Zone Your HVAC System
Energy Efficiency
While you can’t control what size system you need, you have some choice regarding energy efficiency. In a nutshell: Higher efficiency costs more upfront but saves you money in the long run on your utility bills. Lower-efficiency units cost less to install, but your bills will be higher.
Air conditioning efficiency is measured in SEER (seasons energy efficiency ratio). The higher the number, the less electricity you use.
Heater efficiency is in AFUE (annual fuel efficiency ratio). The closer you get to 100 percent, the less energy your system wastes through exhaust. The most common models are 80% or 95% AFUE.
Case Study: Installing A Carrier Furnace And AC With Improved Ductwork In Newtown Square, PA
How To Choose
Let’s talk numbers! For homes under 3,000 square feet, your most common options are:
45,000 BTU furnace with two-ton AC (95% AFUE, 16-Seer) at around $7,500
Or, the same BTU and tonnage but lower efficiency (80% AFUE, 13-SEER) at around $5,500.
From there, you might go to a five-ton, 120,000 BTU furnace for larger homes. Then, you’re looking at $10,000 to $14,000, depending on efficiency.
One factor we recommend considering is how long you think you’ll stay in your home. Will you be there in ten years? If so, invest high-efficiency because you’ll save more than enough money on your energy bills to offset the higher cost.
Or, if you’re planning on selling, save your money and go with lower efficiency. You won’t be there long enough to reap the benefits.
Furnace Installation In Havertown, PA
John Cipolloine, Inc has been the trusted name for furnace installation and replacement in Havertown, Haverford, and across the Main Line since 1953. Click below or call us at (610) 446-7877 for a free consultation. We’ll help you choose the perfect new system for your home and family.