How Long Does It Take To Install a Furnace? Ultimate Guide

Thinking of a new furnace? If you are considering upgrading your heating system, you may be wondering how long does it take to install a furnace? The answer might just be, “not as long as you think!”

At John Cipollone, Inc., we understand that the idea of being without heat – especially in our colder PA winters, is not very appealing. Your installation needs to be completed pronto!

In our 60 plus years of being in the heating and cooling business, we have installed and serviced every kind of heating system that you can think of. From boilers to electric, oil and gas furnaces, we understand the benefits and drawbacks with each model.

So I have put together this ultimate guide detailing not only the length of time for a new installation but also what to expect with your new installation.

How Long Does It Take To Install a New Furnace? Important Factors

It takes about 1-2 days to install a new furnace. In this ultimate guide, I will cover the important points in a new furnace installation and how each point might impact furnace installation time.

• Home size
• Home layout
• Complexity of the project
• Replacement of same type vs upgrade technology

Home Size

The size of your house is the key factor that determines the size of your new furnace. The larger the square footage of your home, the higher volume capacity you will need to adequately heat your home. A larger capacity furnace has the power to distribute heat evenly throughout your space.

Improper sizing of a furnace is one of the main motivators for replacement. A furnace that is too small – not properly sized for the size of the home – will need to work overtime. This causes the components to overwork and wear out at a faster rate.

A furnace that is too big will short cycle, which is also not good for the operation of the system. This means the furnace will fire up, frequently – never quite getting to the set thermostat temperature. Short cycling is inefficient and leads to increased energy bills and excess wear and tear on your HVAC system.

Layout

The coolest design features can cause heating and cooling challenges. Features such as vaulted ceilings, bonus rooms and architectural wings can present HVAC challenges. 

Your home’s layout has an impact on the capacity needed for your furnace but also the number of heating and cooling zones required to maintain maximum comfort. If your home is not already equipped with these zones, they may need to be installed with your new furnace in order to meet the demand for maximum comfort.

Complexity

A traditional method of heating a home sets one temperature for an entire home. If your home’s needs require different temperature settings for different rooms or times of day, you may find that a custom thermostat zoning system will provide you with maximum comfort and energy saving.

For example, rooms that are infrequently used may not need to be heated at occupant level temperatures. I am thinking of unused guest rooms or bonus rooms over the garage. Plus, why heat your home to occupant level temperatures if you are away at work all day? 

Read More: Furnace Noises and What They Mean

Overall, an HVAC zoning system provides the following benefits:

• Control of individual rooms or zones
• Increases comfort level for the family
• Reduces draw on the overall system
• Lessens stress on the unit
• Extends the life of the entire system

How to Prepare for a Furnace Installation

To prepare your home for a furnace installation, there are a few questions you can ask yourself, and steps you can take to help speed along the process.

• Do I need a new fuel source?
• Do I need additional ductwork?
• Is my HVAC area accessible?

Do I need a new fuel source?

If you are changing fuel sources – say from oil to gas or electric, ask you technician to outline how the old power source is shut down and what changes need to be factored into the new cost of operation.

Do I need additional ductwork?

Sometimes to get the desired comfort level that we are looking for – especially in an older house, additional ductwork is needed to be run to remote rooms. Make sure the cost and disruption of additional ductwork is factored into your contractor’s work schedule and pricing.

Is my HVAC area accessible?

The location and accessibility of your heating system can play a factor in making for a smooth installation. Clear away any boxes or clutter and open up a clear pathway to bring in the new furnace.

Also – if you have a buried fuel tank that needs to be decommissioned and removed, find out from your technician what is involved and the associated costs around the removal. Special permits may be required for disposal.

How Long it Takes to Install a Furnace: FAQs

If you are looking for an expert heater installation or consultation in Havertown, PA, look no further than John Cipollone, Inc. We can help you choose a new furnace that fits your home, remove the old system, and install the new one within a day or 2!

How hard is it to install a new furnace?

Replacing an old furnace with a newer model can be pretty straight forward. But if your changeout involves accessibility problems, added ductwork or a new fuel source, it can be more complicated.

What is the life expectancy of a gas furnace?

A properly maintained gas furnace can last 15 to 20 years or more. This is with regular service by a professional annually.

Should you install a furnace yourself?

A furnace installation should be done by a licensed HVAC contractor. Special permits to handle combustible fuels are needed. Even if you could do it, it’s much safer to leave it to the professionals.

Is it better to have two furnaces in a house?

With today’s ability to utilize multiple zones a properly sized furnace should be enough to heat most homes. Certain situations may require or benefit from duel furnaces, but in most cases it’s not necessary.

What do I need to know before installing a furnace?

Before installing a furnace, you should know your home’s square footage, what kind of zone requirements you have and what fuel source you are looking for.

So, how long does it take to replace a furnace? As you can see, it could be quick, maybe 4 hours (half a day), but if it’s a bigger job with ductwork needing to be adjusted, or oil tanks needing to be removed, it could span into 2 days.