According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 75% of Colorado homes are heated with natural gas, making Colorado the fourth highest state to rely on gas heating. If you are in the Denver area and need a new gas furnace, here is what you can expect to pay, from the cost of the furnace to the cost of installation.
Average Cost of a New Furnace in Denver
In Denver, the average furnace replacement cost–including the cost of the unit and installation–is around $4,000. The price of a new furnace varies by city and state, but the biggest factors that affect the cost are the type, brand, output, and efficiency (see below) of the furnace. For a high-efficiency gas furnace in a larger home, a new gas furnace can run you $10,000, whereas an average-efficiency gas furnace in a small home can cost less than $3,000 (always be weary of unusually low prices).
Most HVAC contractors charge similar rates for furnace installation services, but it is always a good idea to get several quotes before you get a new unit. Many contractors will give you a free quote over the phone if you supply them with your home’s square footage, existing furnace infrastructure and efficiency wants/needs.
Gas Furnace Output: What Do You Need?
You need a furnace with the appropriate heat output–measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs)–for your square footage and climate. The more BTUs, the more heat your furnace can generate. Larger multi-level homes in cold climates need more BTUs than smaller ranch-style homes located in warm climates.
You can roughly calculate the load for your furnace based on your home’s total square footage of finished, heated space and the region or climate your house is located in. For Denver, you will need 45 to 50 BTUs per square foot. That means a 2,000 square foot home in Denver will need a furnace capable of 90,000 BTUs.
Energy Efficient Furnaces: How Much More Do They Cost?
The second metric to pay attention to is the furnace’s annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). A standard efficiency furnace has an AFUE rating of 80%, meaning 20% of the energy produced by natural gas is expelled as exhaust. A highly efficient unit has an AFUE rating of 90% or more.
A high efficiency furnace costs 50% to 100% more than the standard model. Depending on the location of your furnace, insulation of your home and your budget, an HVAC professional will recommend a unit with the appropriate AFUE.
New Gas Furnace in Denver
If you need a new gas furnace in the Denver area, call Grand Home Services today for a quote. We are located in Aurora and provide furnace replacement, installation, and repair services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today!