Furnace Installation Cost in Columbus, Ohio (2026) | Bryant Heating & Cooling
With winter storms and extended cold snaps hitting Central Ohio, many homeowners face urgent furnace replacements — and understanding current installation costs helps you plan quickly and avoid emergency pricing surprises. Costs in Columbus and Central Ohio vary based on home size, fuel type, system efficiency, and whether the job is planned or an emergency replacement. Older homes in Columbus, Lancaster, Pickerington, Canal Winchester, and nearby areas may also need ductwork adjustments or electrical upgrades that affect the total.
Furnace installation costs by fuel type
Type, size, efficiency, and install-versus-replacement all play a role. Here are typical Central Ohio ranges:
| Fuel type | Unit only | Installed total |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | $800–$1,100 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Natural gas | $700–$3,000 | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Oil | $600–$2,500 | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Propane | $800–$2,000 | $2,000–$5,000 |
Replacing an electric furnace with gas typically adds $200–$500 for a gas line. Emergency winter replacements, fuel-line modifications, or same-day installs during severe weather may increase the total.
Electric furnaces convert electricity directly into heat — lower install cost and easy maintenance, but higher running costs. Natural gas is the most common choice, cost-effective to run and widely available, though it requires proximity to a gas line. Oil furnaces put out high heat but cost more to operate. Propane is a solid option for homes without natural gas, though it requires a storage tank.
Furnace size and BTUs
Like air conditioners, furnaces are sized in British thermal units (BTUs). A rough estimate is square footage × 40 — so a 2,000-square-foot home needs roughly 80,000 BTUs, though extreme cold, cathedral ceilings, or drafty windows push that higher.
| Home size | BTUs needed |
|---|---|
| 700–1,500 sq ft | ~55,000 BTU |
| 1,500–1,800 sq ft | ~60,000 BTU |
| 1,800–2,500 sq ft | ~70,000 BTU |
| 2,500–3,500 sq ft | ~90,000 BTU |
A 40,000–60,000 BTU furnace for a 700–1,500 sq ft home typically runs $2,000–$3,000 installed; larger homes up to 5,000 sq ft can reach around $6,500.
Furnace efficiency
Efficiency is the key to lower monthly bills. High-efficiency models cost more upfront but can save over time. To estimate savings, compare the new unit's efficiency against your current one: if a furnace is 25% more efficient, multiply 25% by your monthly bill for a rough savings figure. Look for the AFUE rating — a furnace at 90% or higher converts most of its fuel into usable heat.
Brands we install
Brand affects both price and long-term value. Bryant Heating & Cooling installs and services trusted residential furnace brands known for reliability and efficiency in Ohio winters. Availability varies by system type, home configuration, and efficiency goals — our technicians help you choose equipment that balances upfront cost, long-term energy savings, and performance during extreme cold.
Benefits of a new furnace
Upgrading delivers more than warmth. Newer models bring improved indoor air quality through advanced ventilation, better filtration, and humidity control that discourages mold and mildew; and enhanced energy efficiency — look for an AFUE of 90% or more if lowering bills is a priority.
What a new furnace really costs
Whether you're replacing a dead furnace or installing an entirely new system, it's a significant investment — so start by consulting a licensed HVAC professional who can assess your home's size, configuration, and age and recommend the most cost-effective option. For more, see the factors that influence furnace pricing and tips for lowering installation expenses. Ready for a quote? Contact Bryant Heating & Cooling or call 614-855-9010.
