Professional Furnace Replacement Services in Ann Arbor & Washtenaw County
Replacing your furnace is a significant decision that impacts your comfort, energy bills, and home value for the next 15-20 years. Ann Arbor HVAC Pros connects you with experienced, licensed heating contractors who specialize in furnace replacement throughout Washtenaw County, including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, and surrounding communities.
Our network of trusted furnace replacement professionals installs all types of residential heating systems, including natural gas furnaces, propane furnaces, high-efficiency condensing furnaces, two-stage and variable-speed systems, and complete heating system upgrades with new thermostats and accessories.
When Should You Replace Your Furnace?
Several factors indicate it's time for furnace replacement rather than another repair:
- Age 15-20+ Years: Furnaces typically last 15-20 years; older units are less efficient and more prone to failure
- Repair Costs Mounting: If repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost, replacement makes more sense
- Rising Energy Bills: Older furnaces lose efficiency, causing heating costs to climb 20-30%
- Frequent Breakdowns: Multiple service calls per year indicate your furnace is at end of life
- Uneven Heating: Some rooms too hot, others too cold despite adjustments
- Cracked Heat Exchanger: Dangerous carbon monoxide risk that requires immediate replacement
- Yellow Pilot Light: Should be blue; yellow indicates incomplete combustion and potential CO danger
- Excessive Noise: Loud banging, rattling, or groaning during operation
- Rust and Corrosion: Visible deterioration on furnace components
- Poor Air Quality: Excessive dust, dry air, or humidity problems
đź’ˇ High-Efficiency Furnaces Save Money
Modern high-efficiency furnaces (95%+ AFUE) convert 95 cents of every dollar of gas into heat, compared to 60-80% for older furnaces. Upgrading from an 80% furnace to 96% AFUE can reduce heating bills by 20% or more. In Michigan's cold climate, these savings add up to $300-$600 annually for typical homes.
What Does Furnace Replacement Include?
Professional furnace replacement is a comprehensive process that involves much more than swapping equipment. A complete installation includes:
- Heat Load Calculation: Determining the correct furnace size using Manual J calculations
- Equipment Removal: Safely disconnecting and removing your old furnace
- New Furnace Installation: Positioning and securing new equipment properly
- Gas Line Connection: Safely connecting and pressure-testing gas lines
- Venting Installation: Installing proper venting (PVC for high-efficiency, metal for standard)
- Electrical Connections: Wiring to code with proper disconnects and circuit protection
- Ductwork Connections: Securing supply and return ductwork to new furnace
- Condensate Drain: Installing drainage for high-efficiency furnaces
- Thermostat Upgrade: Installing and programming new compatible thermostats
- System Testing: Comprehensive testing of all safety controls and operating functions
- Code Compliance: Meeting Michigan building codes and passing inspections
- Warranty Registration: Registering manufacturer warranties on your behalf
Average Furnace Replacement Costs in Ann Arbor
Furnace replacement costs in the Ann Arbor area depend on furnace type, size, efficiency rating, and installation complexity. Here's what to expect:
Furnace Replacement Pricing
- 80% AFUE Gas Furnace (60,000 BTU): $2,500 - $4,000 (basic, single-stage)
- 80% AFUE Gas Furnace (100,000 BTU): $3,000 - $4,800 (larger homes)
- 95% AFUE Gas Furnace (80,000 BTU): $3,500 - $5,500 (high-efficiency, single-stage)
- 96% AFUE Gas Furnace (two-stage): $4,500 - $6,800 (quieter, better comfort)
- 96-98% AFUE Variable-Speed: $5,500 - $8,500 (ultimate efficiency and comfort)
- Propane Furnace: $3,200 - $6,500 (similar pricing to gas models)
- Oil Furnace Replacement: $4,000 - $7,000 (less common in Ann Arbor area)
- Coil Replacement (if needed): $800 - $1,800 additional
- Humidifier Installation: $400 - $800
- Air Cleaner Installation: $600 - $1,500
- Smart Thermostat: $200 - $500
- Chimney Liner (if required): $800 - $2,500
Installation typically includes: Removal and disposal of old furnace, basic ductwork connections, standard venting, electrical connections, permits, and startup. Additional costs may apply for complex installations, ductwork modifications, or electrical upgrades.
Choosing the Right Furnace for Your Ann Arbor Home
Not all furnaces are equal. Consider these factors when selecting your new furnace:
- Efficiency (AFUE): In Michigan's climate, 95%+ AFUE furnaces pay for themselves through energy savings
- Furnace Size: Must be properly sized using Manual J calculations—bigger is not better
- Single-Stage vs Two-Stage: Two-stage furnaces run more efficiently and provide better comfort
- Variable-Speed Blower: Dramatically improves comfort, efficiency, and air filtration
- Brand Reputation: Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Rheem, and Goodman are popular quality brands
- Warranty Coverage: Look for 10-year parts warranties and lifetime heat exchanger warranties
- Noise Level: Variable-speed and two-stage furnaces operate much more quietly
- Smart Features: Modern furnaces work with smart thermostats and home automation
Standard vs High-Efficiency Furnaces
Understanding the difference helps you make the right choice:
- Standard Efficiency (80% AFUE): Lower upfront cost, vents through chimney, proven technology. Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, homes with existing chimney venting.
- High Efficiency (95%+ AFUE): Higher upfront cost, vents through PVC pipes, condensate drainage required, 15-20% lower operating costs. Best for: Long-term homeowners, homes without chimneys, energy-conscious buyers wanting lowest bills.
Best Time for Furnace Replacement
The ideal time to replace your furnace in Ann Arbor is late summer or early fall (August-October). Benefits include:
- Lower prices due to off-season pricing
- Better contractor availability
- More time for installation without emergency pressure
- System ready before cold weather hits
- Easier to test operation in moderate temperatures
Avoid replacing during peak winter months when contractors are busy with emergency repairs and prices are higher.
Financing, Rebates, and Incentives
Several programs can reduce the cost of furnace replacement:
- Federal Tax Credits: Up to $600 for ENERGY STAR certified furnaces (95%+ AFUE)
- DTE Energy Rebates: $150-$300 for qualifying high-efficiency furnaces
- Consumers Energy Rebates: $100-$400 for 95%+ AFUE furnaces
- Manufacturer Rebates: $300-$1,500 seasonal promotions from major brands
- Contractor Financing: 0% APR for 60-84 months through many contractors
Your contractor can help identify all available incentives and handle rebate paperwork.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Even the best furnace will underperform if improperly installed. Poor installation causes:
- 20-30% reduction in efficiency and higher energy bills
- Shortened equipment lifespan by 5-10 years
- Comfort issues and uneven heating
- Safety hazards including carbon monoxide leaks
- Voided manufacturer warranties
- Failed inspections and code violations
Questions to Ask Furnace Replacement Contractors
When comparing quotes, ask:
- Are you licensed, insured, and bonded in Michigan?
- Will you perform Manual J heat load calculations?
- What furnace brands and models do you recommend and why?
- What's included in your installation warranty?
- Will you handle permits and inspections?
- How long will installation take?
- Do you offer financing options?
- What rebates and incentives are currently available?
- Do you provide references from recent installations?
Furnace Replacement Timeline
Most furnace replacements in Ann Arbor take 1 day for straightforward installations. Complex jobs requiring significant ductwork modifications, venting changes, or electrical upgrades may take 2 days. Your contractor will provide a specific timeline during the quote process.