Gas Furnace Frequently Asked Questions

When considering replacing your gas furnace, there are a lot of questions that you need the answers to. After all, this is not a decision that you should take lightly!

Compiled below is a comprehensive FAQ with answers to all of the most common inquiries that people have about gas furnaces. Hopefully, they will assist you in making a more informed decision.

What Is The Average Price To Replace An Oil Furnace With a Natural Gas Furnace?

The cost of replacing your oil furnace with a gas furnace will vary widely depending on multiple factors, including your location and the type of furnace that you choose. However, the cost typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 dollars. However, this should really be viewed more as an investment than an outright cost, as you will earn the money back via energy savings eventually.

How Much Do Gas Furnaces Cost, On Average?

The cost of both the furnace and installation is generally $3000 to $8000, depending on the type of furnace that you choose.

What Do 80% and 95% Furnace Efficiency Ratings Mean?

The percentages represent the amount of energy that is directly converted into heat. Therefore, if a furnace has a rating of 95% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), then that means that 95% of the energy which is used by the furnace is inputted into your home directly as heat.

Are There Tax Credits For Buying a New Gas Furnace?

There certainly are! You will need to check with your local municipality and your accountant, etc, but there are generally multiple tax credits (state, local, and federal) that can be collected for installing a new gas furnace. The regulations also vary from year to year, and have stipulations attached, so definitely speak with your accountant to see what you might be eligible to claim.

Do All Gas Furnaces Have Filters?

Yes, all furnaces being manufactured are required to have a filter.

What Are the Best Brands of Natural Gas Furnaces?

Some of the top brands in the industry include:  Arcoaire, Ruud, Carrier, Coleman, Burnham, Olsen, Frigidaire, Trane, Heil, Airco, Janitrol, Armstrong, Weatherking, Comfortmaker, Goodman, Bryant, Luxaire, American Standard, York, Rheem, Tempstar, Lennox, Ducane, Amana, Gibson, and Payne.

Are Electric or Gas Furnaces More Efficient?

There is some debate about the relative benefits of each type of furnace, but energy experts generally agreed that gas furnaces are by far the more efficient type of furnace to choose and to use.

Do Newer Model Gas Furnaces Have a Pilot Light?

Newer furnaces, which are more efficient, do not contain a pilot light. Rather, they have is an electric ignition. This is not to be confused with an electric furnace – the furnace is still a gas furnace. It just has an electric ignition instead of a pilot light!

What Pre-1970s Gas Furnaces Contain Insulation With Asbestos?

If your furnace was installed prior to the 1980 – and certainly prior to the 1970s – there is a very high chance that it is insulated with asbestos or material that contains asbestos. Rather than attempt to investigate this yourself, it is much better to have a professional come out to your property and assess the situation.

Asbestos is very dangerous, and only qualified professionals should attempt to handle it or investigate it. Although most health risks are incurred due to long-term exposure, even a short exposure can cause unintended and serious health consequences. Overall, it is best to just leave this job to the professionals and not take the risk at all.

By familiarizing yourself with this information on gas furnaces, you will be preparing yourself with the knowledge necessary to make a decision about gas vs. oil furnaces that best addresses all of your needs. If energy efficiency is your goal, it is clear that the level of efficiency achieved by gas furnaces, combined with the potential tax benefits that you can receive, make a gas furnaces a clear advantageous choice when deciding what type of new furnace you’re going to get installed in your home.