Who to Hire to Install a High-Efficiency Furnace

A high-efficiency furnace is a great option for homeowners looking to heat their homes for less without sacrificing comfort in any weather condition. These systems are also less noisy and better filter the air of harmful pollutants. If you want to get a high-efficiency furnace installed, it’s best to hire an HVAC technician—for many reasons.

Benefits of Hiring an HVAC Technician for a High-Efficiency Furnace Installation

An HVAC technician can ensure they install the right high-efficiency furnace, among other benefits.

Quality Installation

Among other things, a proper installation includes special considerations such as:

• Using a properly sized furnace

• Creating venting (possibly also chimney venting) that will circulate air

• Connecting a condensate pipe to a drain or pump

If this sounds complex and timely, it’s because it is. An HVAC technician can ensure installation is done safely and in accordance with all codes, regulations, and permits.

Safer Choice

Installing a high-efficiency furnace is not a small job. Improper installations foreshadow a myriad of hazards, such as small, unexpected fires and carbon monoxide leaks. Having a professional do the job lets you rest easy knowing that your furnace is safe to use when the temperatures turn.

Ongoing Maintenance

An HVAC technician who installs your furnace can also offer you an ongoing maintenance plan. Because they installed the system, they're better positioned to maintain it long-term. They’ll also be able to spot signs that your furnace is in trouble early on, which could help you avoid the potentially steep cost of a furnace repair.

Can I DIY a High-Efficiency Furnace Installation?

Unless you have specialized skills, it's unwise to DIY a high-efficiency furnace installation, given the complexity of the project. There are major downsides to not doing the job right; an improperly installed furnace creates significant safety hazards. A pro can also advise you on whether you should install a furnace or a heat pump. 

According to HomeAdvisor, it costs $2,800 to $6,700 to have a pro install a new furnace, but the price is worth it to ensure a job well done.

Can I Hire a Handyperson for a High-Efficiency Furnace Installation?

A certified HVAC technician is really the only person equipped to perform a high-efficiency furnace installation. While a handyperson can tackle more basic jobs like replacing a window or fixing a leak, a furnace installation is complex and requires specialized HVAC tools and experience.

How Does an HVAC Technician Install a High-Efficiency Furnace?

Here are a few of the basic steps an HVAC technician will take when installing a high efficiency furnace in a home:

1. Measure the size of your home to determine the proper furnace size

2. Remove the current furnace system, which involves disconnecting ducts and ventilation

3. Place the new furnace system and attach ductwork and vents

4. Connect gas and electrical lines

5. Clear enough space around the furnace to ensure airflow and easy access for future preventative maintenance

6. Check and adjust the furnace input rate

Your HVAC company should follow these installation procedures from start to finish. If you have questions about whether a high-efficiency furnace is right for your home, or whether your heating and cooling contractor has the expertise to get the job done right, do your homework and contact several qualified HVAC companies in your area to get an estimate and talk options.

Your new condensing furnace will deliver on its promised results if you carefully select the system, size it right, and then work with a reputable HVAC professional to install and maintain it.