Why is my furnace quote higher than the advertised price?

Advertised prices are usually the equipment and a straightforward swap. The lines that move a quote are venting, gas line resizing, condensate drainage, electrical, and ductwork changes. Ask for those to be itemised rather than bundled, because a quote that omits them is not cheaper, it is incomplete.

Do I need a permit to replace a furnace?

Yes. Replacing a gas appliance is permitted and inspected work in every province, which is why the permit line above is never zero. A reputable installer pulls it as part of the job. If a contractor offers to skip the permit, that is a reason to end the conversation, not a saving.

Should I replace the air conditioner at the same time?

Often yes, if both are near end of life. The indoor coil and blower are shared, so doing both together avoids paying twice for the same access and refrigerant work, and a matched system runs more efficiently than a mismatched one. Price them separately first so you can see what the combined discount actually is.

Is a heat pump a better choice than a furnace?

In much of Canada a cold-climate heat pump now handles most of the heating season, with the furnace or electric backup covering the coldest weeks. It costs more up front and attracts the largest rebates of any upgrade on this site. Whether it pencils out depends on your electricity and gas rates, so check the rebates page before deciding.

Planning estimate · Q3 2026 pricing

Furnace replacement

Furnace quotes vary less on the unit than on what has to change around it: venting, gas line, ductwork, and condensate drainage. Set the scope below to see a planning range.

Property and size

Location and home age change both cost and how much contingency we recommend.

Where you live

Home type

Approximate home age

Heated floor areasq ft

Not sure of the area? Enter length × width

Length (ft)Width (ft)

For irregular rooms, add the rectangles together and enter the total above.

Total area the furnace heats. Drives equipment sizing, not labour.

Planning budget

$5,950$4,950–$7,850

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Hidden costs on furnace projects

These are included as allowances in the estimate above. Check that any contractor quote covers them too.

Chimney liner or new venting on a condensing conversion
Gas line resizing when adding load
Condensate drain routing and pumps
Electrical work for a new disconnect or dedicated circuit
Ductwork undersized for the new blower
Asbestos-wrapped ducting in pre-1990 homes

Questions homeowners ask

Why is my furnace quote higher than the advertised price?: Advertised prices are usually the equipment and a straightforward swap. The lines that move a quote are venting, gas line resizing, condensate drainage, electrical, and ductwork changes. Ask for those to be itemised rather than bundled, because a quote that omits them is not cheaper, it is incomplete.
Do I need a permit to replace a furnace?: Yes. Replacing a gas appliance is permitted and inspected work in every province, which is why the permit line above is never zero. A reputable installer pulls it as part of the job. If a contractor offers to skip the permit, that is a reason to end the conversation, not a saving.
Should I replace the air conditioner at the same time?: Often yes, if both are near end of life. The indoor coil and blower are shared, so doing both together avoids paying twice for the same access and refrigerant work, and a matched system runs more efficiently than a mismatched one. Price them separately first so you can see what the combined discount actually is.
Is a heat pump a better choice than a furnace?: In much of Canada a cold-climate heat pump now handles most of the heating season, with the furnace or electric backup covering the coldest weeks. It costs more up front and attracts the largest rebates of any upgrade on this site. Whether it pencils out depends on your electricity and gas rates, so check the rebates page before deciding.

Typical schedule: 1 to 2 days for a straight replacement. See the full renovation timeline.

Property and size

Hidden costs on furnace projects

Questions homeowners ask

Other calculators

Property and size