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January 18, 2023

How Long Does It Take To Replace a Furnace (Plus Tips on How to Choose the Right Furnace)

Furnace Installation And Replacement - LG Home Comfort

A furnace is the heart of any home. It works with your air conditioner (AC) and HVAC equipment to heat your home, keep your family warm, and provide comfort during cold winter. But when it is time to replace your furnace, it’s always a good idea to know what to expect.

The number one question you might have when searching for a new furnace is: “how long does it take to install a furnace?” Replacing a furnace can be stressful, so in this guide, we will provide an overview of the furnace installation process and tips on preparing for a smooth transition.

How Long Does It Take to Install a Furnace?

Installing a furnace can be complicated, but it typically becomes easier with proper preparation and training.

But no matter how experienced you are, the installation of a furnace especially in a residential setup typically takes four to eight hours, based on the job’s complexity. Modifications to the ductwork, electrical wiring, or gas lines may necessitate the addition of extra time for the new equipment to function correctly.

What Affects the Installation Time of Furnace?

Here are the four significant factors that can influence the time of your furnace’s installation process:

Size of Home

How fast to install a furnace depends on the size of your home. Generally speaking, larger homes require more time to install because more space needs to be heated. On the other hand, smaller homes have less space to heat and do not require as much time for installation.

Type of Furnace

The type of furnace you choose will also play a role in determining installation time. Some furnaces are easier to install than others and require fewer materials or tools. An electric furnace, for example, may be easier to install than a gas furnace due to fewer components or additional safety precautions required with gas lines.

HVAC Company

The company you hire for your furnace installation will also affect the length of time needed for installation. Furnace and air conditioning companies have different levels of experience and expertise, impacting how quickly they can complete the job. Furthermore, some companies have better tools and supplies than others, which could affect the installation time.

Furnace Installation Cost

Finally, the cost of your furnace installation also influences how long it takes. Specific parts or materials may need to be bought separately if they are not included in the initial purchase price of your unit. This could slow down the process while waiting for those items to arrive before moving forward with the installation.

Installing a Furnace Requires How Many People?

When installing a furnace, you need to be cautious. Generally, two people will ensure that the job is done correctly, safely, and quickly. This allows them to collaborate and double-check their work before it goes live.

If you are not confident about your skills, hiring experienced technicians familiar with the type of furnace you install is always a good idea. Since these professionals are familiar with your unit, they can take necessary safety precautions.

Why Does Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency Matter (AFUE)?

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency Matter (AFUE) measures a furnace’s energy efficiency and is calculated in percentages. It represents the amount of heat your furnace produces compared to the fuel it uses annually. When shopping for a new furnace, this is one factor you should consider when choosing which model to buy.

The average AFUE of a normal modern furnace is 80% to 85%. In other words, 80% to 85% of the fuel the furnace burns is converted into heat for your home. The rest is vented out of your home, usually through a chimney flue or PVC drain pipe.

According to energy.gov, a furnace must be at least 90% AFUE to be considered high-efficiency. Fortunately, some state-of-the-art furnace models can achieve an energy efficiency of up to 98%. If you have this furnace type, your heating bills will likely be lower throughout the lifespan of your unit.

When Should You Replace Your Furnace?

Your furnace may need to be upgraded if it is older than 15 years or has been serviced frequently in the past few years.

If you notice that repairs are more frequent and take longer to complete on your old furnace, it is time to plan for replacement soon. With new energy-efficient units available today, a new furnace may save you money in the long run.

Tips to Prepare for Furnace Replacement

A well-informed homeowner can make an educated decision about the best heating system for their needs, save money, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with making an informed purchase. Below are some tips on preparing for furnace replacement.

Tip #1: Inspect Your Furnace

Before taking any action, inspect your current furnace to determine whether repairing it or replacing it would be more cost-effective. It is helpful to know how old your existing furnace is, how efficient it is, and what fuel it uses (natural gas, propane, or electricity). This information will help you research potential replacements that fit your needs and budget.

Tip #2: Explore Your Heating Requirements

How large is your home? What kind of climate are you dealing with? Do you need a single-stage or two-stage system? By answering these questions, you can determine which furnace is most suitable for your home. The size of the area you need to heat also affects cost; larger areas require larger systems which cost more than smaller units.

Tip #3: Decide on Your Furnace Type

Decide on the type of furnace that fits your home’s specifications and your lifestyle and budget. There are three main types of furnaces available in today’s market: natural gas, propane, and electric. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, making the other a better option.

  • Natural Gas Furnace

Natural gas furnaces are highly popular because they are durable and affordable. However, they require access to a natural gas line, which not all homes have.

  • Propane Furnace

Propane furnaces perform similarly to natural gas models but require propane tanks that need regular refilling. This can become expensive over time if used frequently enough throughout cold winter months.

  • Electric Furnace

Electric furnaces are often much cheaper than natural gas or propane models but can be more expensive to operate. Also, they may only be sufficient in colder climates if paired with additional heat sources like wood stoves or fireplaces.

Tip #4: Decide on Your Heating Area

Deciding how much space you need to heat also helps narrow down potential options when shopping for a new unit. When comparing models, remember that larger units are often more energy efficient than smaller ones because they do not need to run as frequently to maintain a comfortable temperature in larger areas. This results in lower energy bills, so consider investing in a slightly bigger unit upfront if necessary.

Conclusion

Installing a new furnace should not be taken lightly, and all necessary precautions must be taken for it to run correctly and safely. Knowing how long to install a furnace and what affects installation times helps give homeowners an idea of what they are getting into when they decide it is time for their current unit’s replacement.

With these tips in mind, researching ahead of time, and preparing your space accordingly, you can be sure that everything runs smoothly during installation day.

Terms and Conditions

  • Once an initial service has been completed, the customer will be on a one-year commitment
  • After the initial 12 months, the contract will be renewed on a month-to-month cadence
  • If a service is completed for the next year, it automatically renews the commitment for an additional year
  • Customers can cancel at any time after the 12-month initial commitment as long as the following year’s service has not been completed.
  • Customers need to provide 30 days written notice in order to cancel their plan