If your furnace is older than 10 years, in need of frequent repairs, and you’ve noticed your energy costs creeping up, it could be a sign that it’s time to replace it. Installing a furnace in New Orleans, Louisiana, can cost anywhere between $1,900 and $6,300, depending on various factors. Here are the main factors that influence the cost of installing a new furnace.
Type of Furnace
There are three types of furnaces: gas, oil, and electric. Gas furnaces cost more to install, especially if your home needs to be connected to gas piping and have a vent installed. However, in the long-term, gas furnaces have the lowest operating costs. Electric furnaces, on the other hand, are cheaper to install but will increase your electric bill significantly. Alternatively, heat pumps are a popular choice by New Orleans residents. They are cost-effective and don’t use fossil fuel, making them the eco-friendly choice.
Size of Furnace
If you’re installing a gas furnace, the size of the unit is an important factor. A furnace that’s too small won’t be able to adequately heat the home, and an oversized furnace will reach the set temperature too quickly and shut off, causing uneven heat distribution. Gas furnaces are measured in BTU (British Thermal Unit), which indicates the amount of heat generated per hour. Residential furnaces range between 40,000 and 120,000 BTUs. The higher the BTU, the more expensive the furnace is.
Furnace Efficiency
Furnace efficiency is measured by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. The higher the rating, the more fuel-efficient the unit is and the more the cost of acquiring it. Standard efficiency furnaces have an AFUE range between 80% to 83% while high-efficiency furnaces have a 90% to 98.5% AFUE rating. Installing a furnace with a higher than standard AFUE rating may cost more to install but the money you’ll save on energy costs will offset the installation costs.
If you need to replace your furnace, Bryans United Air Conditioning provides professional heating installation in New Orleans and surrounding areas. Contact us today for an estimate.
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