Furnaces are essential for keeping our homes warm and comfortable during the colder months. But like all things, furnaces wear out over time, and eventually, you’ll need a replacement. When that time comes, one of the first questions is: How long does it take to install a furnace?
On average, furnace installation can take anywhere from 4 to 10 hours. The exact time can change based on several factors. These include the size of your home and the condition of your existing ductwork. It also depends on whether you need to modify your electrical or gas lines.
By understanding the process, you can make smarter decisions and avoid unexpected delays. Let’s dive into what you need to know about furnace installation.
Key Takeaways:
- Furnace installation typically takes between 4-10 hours.
- The size and condition of your home, ductwork, and existing electrical or gas lines play a big role in how long the installation will take.
- It’s important to choose the right furnace size and type for your home’s heating needs.
- AFUE ratings are essential in determining energy efficiency and long-term cost savings.
What to Consider Before Installation: Is It Time for a New Furnace?
Before diving into the installation process, let’s figure out if your furnace actually needs replacing. Most furnaces last around 15 to 20 years, but if you’re dealing with uneven heating, strange noises, or soaring energy bills, it’s likely time for an upgrade.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Furnace
Choosing the a brand new furnace isn’t just about getting heat into your home; it’s about getting the right type of heat efficiently and cost-effectively. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind.
Size of the Furnace
A properly sized furnace is key to maintaining comfort and efficiency. A furnace that is too small will have trouble heating your home. A furnace that is too large will waste energy and could damage your ductwork. A contractor can help you determine the size of your new furnace based on the square footage of your home and its heating needs.
Types of Furnaces
There are two main types of furnaces to choose from: combustion and electric.
- Combustion Furnaces burn fuels like natural gas, propane, or oil. These furnaces are generally more energy-efficient but come with higher installation costs.
- Electric Furnaces tend to be cheaper to install but come with higher operational costs, especially for larger homes. They are, however, more environmentally friendly.
Budget
Let’s face it — installing a furnace can be expensive. Contractors usually offer a range of options, and some may provide financing plans to help ease the burden. It’s important to weigh upfront costs against long-term energy savings when deciding on the right furnace for your budget.
Energy Efficiency: AFUE Rating Explained
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, and it’s a key metric for understanding how efficiently a furnace converts fuel into heat. Higher AFUE ratings mean better efficiency and more savings on your energy bills.
- For example, a furnace with a 80% AFUE rating converts 80% of the fuel into heat, with the remaining 20% lost through exhaust.
- High-efficiency models can have AFUE ratings between 90-97%, which can save you more money in the long run by reducing wasted energy.
Factors That Influence Installation Time
Now that you know what furnace to choose, let’s talk about what factors can influence how long the installation will take.
Electrical and Gas Lines
If your home already has the right electrical and gas lines set up, installation should move along smoothly. However, if you need gas line modifications or to upgrade electrical connections, expect the process to take longer.
Ductwork Size and Condition
The state of your ductwork can greatly affect installation time. If your ducts are old, damaged, or dirty, they may need to be repaired or cleaned before the furnace can be installed. This could add several hours to the process. Well-maintained ducts, on the other hand, make for a faster installation.
Home Size and Layout
Larger homes often require more complex installations, especially if they have multiple floors or hard-to-reach areas like attics or basements. A bigger home also means a bigger furnace, which naturally takes more time to install.
Age of the Home
Older homes are often more complicated to work with. If your house is on the older side, it may require more updates to the infrastructure, including gas lines, electrical connections, or ductwork modifications. This can extend the installation time by several hours, if not a full day.
The Furnace Installation Process
Once everything is prepped and ready, here’s how the actual installation goes down.
Pre-Installation
Before installing the new furnace, contractors will inspect the area and check for any issues that need fixing, like outdated wiring or faulty ductwork. They’ll also review the installation plan with you, explaining what will happen step by step. The heating system will be turned off, and the space will be cleared to make room for the new furnace.
Removal of the Old Unit
Out with the old, in with the new. This step usually takes 1-2 hours. If the furnace is in an accessible spot and connections are easy to reach, it won’t take long to remove.
Installing the New Furnace
If everything lines up — meaning your ductwork and electrical or gas connections are in good shape — installing the new furnace goes relatively quickly. However, if adjustments are needed, such as upgrading the electrical wiring or adjusting the ductwork, the process could be extended.
Post-Installation
After the furnace is up and running, the contractors will test the system to make sure it’s functioning properly. They’ll show you how to operate the thermostat and explain any important features. Finally, they’ll clean up the installation area, leaving your home just as they found it.
After Installation: What Happens Next?
The installation might be complete, but that doesn’t mean you’re done. After the furnace is installed, it’s a good idea to run the system for a bit to make sure everything is working correctly. If you notice any issues, don’t hesitate to contact your contractor. Regular maintenance is also key to keeping your furnace running efficiently and extending its lifespan.
When to Call a Professional
While some repairs can be handled by homeowners, most furnace issues require a professional touch. If you’re dealing with odd smells, unusually high energy bills, or uneven heating, it’s time to call in the experts.
Fixing the furnace on your own might cause serious issues later, like fires, gas leaks, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Mister Greenway Provides Furnace Installation & Repair
Choosing a qualified professional to install your furnace is important for making sure the job is done right. At Mister Greenway, we have experienced technicians who are ready to help you with your furnace installation needs. Whether you’re replacing an old unit or upgrading to a more energy-efficient model, our team is equipped to handle the job.
Need help fast? No worries. We’ll send the cavalry and have your furnace up and running in no time. If you’re in the Nashville, TN area, give us a call and we’ll take care of everything from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
On average, furnace installation takes 4-10 hours, depending on your home’s size and the complexity of the setup. If you think your furnace is on its last legs, don’t wait until the cold sets in. Call Mister Greenway for a professional assessment. We’ll evaluate your situation and get your new furnace installed before you know it.
FAQs
When installing a furnace, you probably have a few questions. Below are some of the most common ones we get, along with answers to help guide you through the process.
How long does it take to install a furnace?
The typical installation time ranges from 4-10 hours, depending on factors like home size, ductwork condition, and the need for any modifications.
Do I need to clean my ducts before installing a new furnace?
It’s a good idea to have your ducts cleaned before installing a new furnace, especially if they haven’t been maintained in a while. Clean ducts help the system work more efficiently.
Can I install a furnace myself?
Furnace installation requires specialized knowledge, especially when dealing with electrical and gas connections. It’s best to leave this to licensed professionals to avoid potential hazards.
Will a new furnace lower my energy bills?
If you choose a high-efficiency model with a good AFUE rating, your energy bills should decrease over time as the furnace runs more efficiently than older models.
How do I know if my furnace is the right size for my home?
The furnace size should be based on the square footage of your home and your heating needs. A professional HVAC contractor can help determine the right size based on a variety of factors.
