If you’re a Utah resident who is just realizing that your home’s furnace is in disrepair and likely needs to be replaced ahead of the cold upcoming winter, one of the first things you may be wondering about is how much this will cost. Furnace replacement certainly isn’t the cheapest HVAC job out there, but fully understanding your costs and the long-term value you’ll get in exchange for what you pay is important, and can make the process simpler.

At Lee’s Heating and Air, we’re happy to offer comprehensive furnace installation services for any client who needs a new furnace, including everything from removal of your old furnace to installation and maintenance of your new fixture. Which key factors will be most prominent in determining your furnace replacement costs? Here are several to keep an eye on.

Home and Furnace Size

The size of your home will dictate the corresponding size of furnace you’re going to need, and this is one of the single largest variables in determining your furnace replacement costs. Generally speaking, a larger home or one that’s older and poorly insulated will require a more powerful furnace to heat it well. It’s never a good idea to overpay for you’re new furnace, but don’t hesitate to invest in the right amount of power so that your home is well-heated even if the weather outside is more extreme.

Now, while square footage is definitely a key factor in your costs, it isn’t the only one. Your furnace installation specialist may also use a few other advanced factors to estimate the right furnace size. These include how often you open your doors and windows, how well insulated your home is, and what sort of climate zone you live in–i.e., whether you tend to experience more extreme temperatures or more mild weather over the course of a year.

Fuel Source

Another important variable in determining your furnace replacement costs is the type of fuel you use to power it. The most common fuels used by furnaces are natural gas and electricity, with oil being a less-common but still prestigious option for those who own homes that require more intense heating power.

Naturally, if you live in an area where one type of fuel is readily available and inexpensive, you may be inclined to choose that one even if another preference would fit your needs better. For instance, some homes in Utah are wired for electricity but have access to a natural gas line nearby. Many homeowners will opt to use the natural gas line instead of hooking their furnace up to the electricity grid, despite the fact that electricity would be cheaper.

Just remember that there are often drawbacks or disadvantages to choosing the fuel source you prefer, even if it means paying a little more for it. Choosing gas over electric, for instance, will mean relying on outdated natural gas lines–which can lead to problems and interruptions when demand is high in the wintertime.

Labor Considerations

Just like any other significant installation or repair job, the labor costs of a furnace installation will be important to your overall budget. If you’re still a homeowner who remains actively involved in maintaining and repairing things yourself, it’s best to get an estimate from at least two different contractors so that you can compare their price ranges and find the one that’s most affordable for your budget.

Rates for labor when it comes to HVAC work can vary quite a bit from business to business, and it’s usually recommended that you get estimates from two or three different companies so you’re not surprised by how much your costs will be at the end of the day. At Lee’s Heating and Air, for instance, we offer free estimates for all new HVAC installations, including furnace replacements.

Furnace Brand

While this likely won’t be the largest factor in your overall costs, it can be beneficial to consider the brand of furnace you’re installing and whether or not it’s known for its quality and long-term performance. This is a good time to steer clear of buying one of the cheapest furnaces on the market unless you’re planning to replace that new unit in just a few years.

At the same time, you don’t necessarily have to shell out for the most expensive furnace on the market either. A reputable brand like Lennox or Trane will usually offer models that are powerful and reliable, yet still fall somewhere in the middle of the price range.

Advanced Features

One area of furnace installation cost that can be looked at from both sides of the proverbial coin is various advanced features that might be present. For instance, a variable-speed motor feature will certainly cost you a bit more up-front when getting the furnace installed — but the long-term value of that added feature could easily outweigh the cost difference.

This is something you’ll have to decide based on your budget and what you think is most important when it comes to your home’s HVAC system.

Energy Efficiency

Down similar lines, purchasing a new furnace that’s more efficient will come with a slightly higher initial cost — but you’ll also benefit from lower energy bills and a more comfortable home in the long run.

As you can see, there are quite a few things to think about when it comes to installing a new furnace or having your current one replaced with something new. No matter what pricing considerations you come across, though, it’s always best to hire a professional who can help you make the best decision possible.

For help with any part of your furnace installation, including budgeting for its costs, or to learn about any of our HVAC repair or installation services, speak to our team at Lee’s Heating and Air today.