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| | | The most common type of heating system in US homes is a forced-air central furnace, run by natural gas, propane, heating fuel oil or (rarely) all-electric, and distributing warmed air by blowing it through ducts. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Costs depend on how difficult it will be to reach areas of the home when installing equipment. Prices vary depending on whether the home has an accessible attic and basement, crawlspace or a slab foundation. A house under construction or being remodeled where the walls are exposed, for example, will be less expensive than homes where walls will need to be removed and repaired (often cost-prohibitive) to install ducts.
- Installing a mid-efficiency (73-83 percent) gas unit when there's existing useable ductwork starts around $1,700 -$4,000, but depending on complexity and location can run $5,000 -$7,500 or more.
- A high-efficiency (90-97 percent) gas forced-air furnace (with useable existing ductwork) starts around $2,500 -$6,000 but depending on complexity and location can be $7,000 -$10,000 or more.
- Installing a complete gas forced-air central heating system (including ductwork) in new construction or an extensive remodeling project runs about $10,000 -$14,000 or more, depending on complexity. A high-efficiency system usually costs about $500 -$1,500 more than a mid-efficiency unit. Overall prices will be lower if labor costs in your area are less than the national average.
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| What should be included: | - Central heating has three basic components: a heat source/furnace; the circulatory system/ductwork; and an on-off switch/thermostat. Mr. Fix-It provides a detailed overview with easy-to-understand illustrations of how things work.
- Bigger isn't necessarily better; a heating system that's too powerful for your home won't run properly, producing an uncomfortable living environment. A contractor should calculate the actual capacity needed.
- Most municipalities require a permit to install or replace a furnace or heating system; check with the local planning department
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| Additional costs: | - Some local governments require a fire inspection ($25 -$75).
- Removing an old fuel oil tank from the basement costs around, $500 -$1,500 and up depending on the complexity; removing an abandoned underground oil tank starts around $1,500 -$3,000 and goes up depending on complexity.
- Older ductwork might contain asbestos, created additional costs for asbestos removal.
- Adding an air cleaner to the system costs around $700 -$900; a programmable thermostat runs about $200 -$300; and adding multiple zones (allowing different areas of the home to be heated independently) can add another $1,000 -$2,000.
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| Discounts: | - Check whether your power company offers discount packages through local dealers of energy-efficient heating systems. If you need help with financing, the power company may provide loans for this type of energy-efficient home improvement.
- When installing forced-air central heat in an existing home, you might be able to purchase a smaller (and less expensive) model if you first take energy-saving steps such as finding and sealing any air leaks, adding insulation or upgrading/replacing inefficient doors and windows. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy offers detailed guidelines.
- Until Dec. 31, 2007, consumers buying a furnace with an efficiency rating of at least 90 percent can claim a $150 -$200 income tax credit from the federal government. The Alliance to Save Energy lists the criteria for the tax credit, which also covers other improvements such as air conditioning, water heaters, windows and doors.
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| Shopping for central forced air heating: | |
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Article updated November 2007 |
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