Repair or Replace?
Every furnace reaches a point where another repair is throwing good money after bad. The signs are consistent: the furnace is 15 to 20 years old; it has needed repairs in each of the last two winters; your heating bills keep climbing even though the weather has not changed; some rooms are warm and others are cold; or the furnace is loud, dusty, or cycling constantly. One repair on an old furnace is sensible. A third repair in two years usually is not — the money is better spent on a new furnace that will run reliably for the next 15 to 20 years.
A cracked heat exchanger is the one failure that always means replacement. A heat exchanger cannot be repaired safely, and a cracked one can leak carbon monoxide into your home. If an inspection finds a cracked heat exchanger, the furnace must be replaced.
What a New Furnace Costs in Montana
Furnace replacement typically costs $5,030–$8,330 for an 80,000 BTU unit, based on Montana market research. That is a general range, not a price for your home. Your actual cost depends on the size of your home, the efficiency rating of the furnace you choose, and the condition of your existing ductwork. A larger home needs a larger furnace; a higher-efficiency furnace costs more up front and less to run; and ductwork that needs repair or modification adds to the job. A free estimate gives you the exact number for your home, including the furnace, the installation, and any ductwork — before you commit to anything.
Choosing the Right Size
Furnace size is measured in BTUs, and the right size depends on your home — its square footage, its insulation, its windows, and the Montana climate where it sits. A furnace that is too small runs constantly and never quite warms the house. A furnace that is too big short cycles — turning on and off every few minutes — which wastes energy and wears the furnace out early. The right size comes from a load calculation on your actual home, not a guess based on the old furnace. A repair professional will measure and calculate before recommending a size.
Our Replacement Process
- Inspection and estimate — your current furnace and ductwork are inspected, a load calculation is done, and you get a written estimate with your options.
- Choosing the furnace — you pick the size and efficiency that fit your home and your budget.
- Removal — the old furnace is removed and disposed of.
- Installation — the new furnace is installed, connected to your gas or electrical supply and your ductwork, and tested.
- Walkthrough — you get a clear explanation of the new system, the thermostat, and the maintenance it needs.
Related Services
See also: Furnace Installation, Furnace Safety Inspection, and Furnace Maintenance & Tune-Up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I should repair or replace my furnace?
Three things decide it: age (15 to 20 years is the usual lifespan), repair frequency (repairs in each of the last two winters), and cost (a repair that costs a large fraction of a new furnace). A cracked heat exchanger always means replacement. A free estimate will lay out both options with real numbers for your home.
How long does a furnace replacement take?
Most residential replacements are completed in a day. Larger homes, ductwork changes, or a switch from one fuel type to another can take longer. You will get a clear timeline in the estimate, before any work starts.
Will a new furnace lower my heating bills?
Usually, yes — especially if your old furnace is 15 or more years old. New furnaces are more efficient than the ones they replace, and a correctly sized new furnace with clean ductwork uses noticeably less fuel to heat the same home.
What happens to my old furnace?
It is removed and disposed of as part of the replacement job. You do not need to arrange anything.
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