How much does it cost to install a gas furnace for a 2,000 sq.ft. house?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Gas furnaces are one of the most common and efficient ways to heat your home. Furnaces heat air, which is forced through your home to vents via ductwork. The furnace uses natural gas to produce heat. Many gas furnaces can also burn liquid propane, making the cost of a natural gas or propane furnace for a 2,000 sq.ft. home virtually the same. Gas furnaces come in several efficiencies, with some reaching as high as 98% efficiency with condensing features and modulating motors. This can lead to a wide range of installation costs.

The national average cost for installing a gas furnace in a 2,000 sq.ft. home is $4,000 to $8,000, with most people paying around $6,000 for a high-efficiency gas furnace installed with minor modifications to update the vent and drain. This project’s low cost is $2,700 for a gas furnace with moderate efficiency installed in an open area with no modifications. The high cost is $10,000 for a high-efficiency gas furnace installed in a difficult-to-access area with significant modifications to create a new vent and run a drain into the room.

Gas Furnace for a 2,000 Sq.Ft. House Cost Calculator

Gas furnaces come in several efficiencies and sizes. While a 2,000 sq.ft. home does not vary in size, it can still vary in insulation and climate. These things influence the unit size, impacting cost and efficiency. Below are the average costs for gas furnaces designed for homes in moderate climates of varying quality.

Gas and propane furnaces come in several efficiencies and types. The lowest-cost furnaces have efficiencies of around 80% and have single-stage motors. Moderate or standard furnaces have efficiencies of 90% to 95% and likely have two-stage motors. They may also be condensing with higher installation needs. The best furnaces have efficiencies up to 98%, have modulating motors, and need modifications for condensing and venting for the best efficiency. High-efficiency furnaces need more modifications to install, including drains and ventilation. Installation costs are lower if your furnace is in an easy-to-access area.

What Size Furnace Do I Need for a 2,000 Sq.Ft. Home?

To know what size of furnace you need you should know the BTUs needed per square foot depending on the climate zone of your region. Colder regions will require more BTUs to heat the same space than warmer regions. Generally, furnaces for a 2,000 sq.ft. home should fall between 90,000 and 100,000 BTUs, but this can vary by your climate. If you live in a warm climate, you can use a smaller furnace, while living in a colder climate may require a larger one. 

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Brands. There are many good brands for gas and propane furnaces. These include Ruud, Trane, Carrier, Bryant, and Lennox.
• Materials. You also need a gas line run to the furnace and materials for vents, drains, and ducts to install a gas furnace. These materials may add to the installation cost.
• Lifespan. Gas furnaces last between 10 and 12 years. Some high-quality furnaces may last up to 15 years.
• Maintenance. Change your furnace filter at least once per season. Have the furnace cleaned and serviced by your HVAC company yearly for the best efficiency.
• Fuel. Most gas furnaces run on natural gas or propane. For gas, you need to contract with the local supplier and run a gas line to your home. You need to store the fuel on your property for propane.
• Permit. Permits and inspections may be required for furnaces in some areas. Speak to your local municipality for more information.
• Insurance. Your home heating system may impact your insurance rates. Speak to your insurance agent about how a gas furnace may affect your plan.​